Mini documentaries

Michael Sundin: The Gateshead Lad Who Went to Oz: Pt 1

36m

The first of a three-part documentary on the life of Michael Sundin, a Gateshead-born athlete and performer who had an unusual role in the 1985 film Return to Oz.<br />Michael's story is told by a number of his family and friends, including his brother David, and Stonewall co-founder Lord Cashman.

Wheels of Justice: Cycling in the UK

24m

Should cyclists face the same laws as drivers? We talk to both to find out what it's like on the roads of the UK.

The Miners' Strike and Wearside: 40 Years On

36m

2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the Miners' Strike. Sunderland Echo reporter Chris Cordner speaks to some of the Wearside folk who were involved about the events and their legacy.

Meet The Makers

24m

A special series of short films shining a light on the stories of some of Yorkshire's most remarkable and inspiring craftspeople. A Yorkshire Post collaboration with Nova Studios.<br />

Record Breakers: Epic challenges of endurance

30m

We’ve caught up with some of our home grown heroes, to see what makes them tick, and what possesses them to try to be the best in the world.

Defiance and celebration - the Durham Miners' Gala

12m

A look at the tradition of the Durham Miners' Gala, which continues to be a hugely popular North East event 30 years after the last of the pits shut in the Durham Coalfield - and more than 150 years after it began.

Screenagers: The Digital Dilemma

24m

It is a very modern dilemma. Should you give in to pressure and give your child a smartphone, or keep them away from the devices as long as possible?<br />

Cutting Deep: The Knife Crime Crisis

24m

Lucinda Herbert looks into the crisis of knife crime in the UK, and talks to one of the most hard-hitting anti-knife crime school teachers in the country.

Abandoned Scotland: Clune Park the estate dubbed 'Scotland's Chernobyl'

12m

Originally built to house the shipyard workers in the late 19th century the dilapidated estate is remembered fondly by some and still home to a few people.

Cost of Living: The Price of Pets

24m

The cost of living crisis has had a negative effect on the welfare of pets in the UK. We talk to owners, charities and shelters about the realities of the rising cost of pets.

The vinyl revival

24m

The resurgence of vinyl records is a cultural sensation, so we talk to collectors, DJs and record store owners to find out why.

Project Peter Pan: The cost of housing

12m

Project Peter Pan gives a voice to a “lost generation” unable to afford housing in the run-up to the general election.

Wearside and the War

12m

Sunderland Echo reporter Chris Cordner sheds a light on some firsthand memories of the Second World War.

Inside Bomber Command

12m

The history of Bomber Command as we go Inside The International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln.

D-Day: The Forgotten Soldiers

24m

In this special Shots! documentary, we explore the stories of some of the black soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Last Orders: The Death of Nightlife?

22m

The country's night time economy is facing multiple threats after a series of crises. We take a look at how businesses are coping, and what needs to be done.

Bankrupt Birmingham: The story behind Europe's biggest council financial crisis

24m

Shots! and BirminghamWorld.com delve into the financial crisis facing Birmingham City Council.

Grief: The agony of knife crime in the Black Country

47m

In the heart-wrenching documentary 'Grief,' delve into the stark realities of knife crime gripping the Black Country as two grieving parents, a mother and a father, bravely share their haunting stories of loss.

The State of the Streets: Are Our High Streets in Crisis?

24m

Shoppers in cities and towns up and down the land could be forgiven for thinking the high streets are experiencing a crisis; a fight for life.<br /><br />After Wilko's sad demise, we sent our reporters out to check the temperatures and feel the pulse of a number of high streets around the country, and try to gain a diagnosis from shoppers on the ground.<br /><br />

The State of Education: A system close to crisis

36m

Crumbling school buildings, teacher strikes and the ongoing cost of living crisis are all big issues impacting the state of education across the UK.<br /><br />The country is facing a teacher shortage, and heads say they will be in financial deficit next academic year, even without the cuts planned by Jeremy Hunt.<br /><br />Meanwhile, as well as funding, pay and workload are key issues at the heart of the escalating dispute between unions and the government.<br /><br />In this programme we’ll look closely at the issues facing education in a post-covid country.<br />

The Lockerbie Disaster: 35 years on

22m

It was Britain's worst ever terror atrocity - the 21st of December, 1988, when the Lockerbie disaster claimed the lives of 270 people. This special feature looks back at the tragedy and looks at how the community has rebuilt in the decades since.

HS2: The Fallout

12m

After Rishi Sunak's announcement this week on the cancellation of the HS2 rail project, we talk to political leaders, commentators and the general public in Scotland and the north of England on what it means for them, and what it might mean for the prime minister and his party.

The Disappearance of Charlene Downes

52m

On the 20th anniversary of her disappearance, we take an in-depth look at the story of Charlene Downes who disappeared on 1 November 2003, when she was 14, from her home town of Blackpool.<br />

"My American XL Bully is on death row": Dangerous dogs or pets in peril?

20m

After a spate of high-profile dog attacks and a Government announcement that XL bully breeds are to be banned in the UK, we take a closer look into the issue, and speak to an owner who says his dog is ‘the most caring, loving and playful baby’.

The Street Pastors of Preston

24m

On the penultimate Saturday night before Christmas, we join the Street Pastors on their rounds in Preston City Centre, as they celebrate their 15th anniversary of looking after the homeless and drinkers of the city's nightlife

We're on the Pier documentary

44m

A look at all things great and good about Brighton's historic Pier.

Michael Sundin: The Gateshead Lad Who Went to Oz: Pt 2

48m

The second episode of a three-part documentary on the life of Michael Sundin, a Gateshead-born athlete and performer who had an unusual role in the 1985 film Return to Oz.<br />Michael's story is told by a number of his family and friends, and in this episode, his time on flagship BBC children's show Blue Peter is discussed by author Richard Marson - himself a former Blue Peter editor.

Michael Sundin: The Gateshead Lad Who Went to Oz: Pt 3

48m

The conclusion of a three-part documentary on the life of Michael Sundin, a Gateshead-born athlete and performer who had an unusual role in the 1985 film Return to Oz.<br />Michael's story is told by a number of his family and friends, as well as in extracts from his correspondence.

Duke Harrison-Hunter: Life behind bars

23m

Reformed gang member and award-winning youth worker Duke Harrison-Hunter talks about his prison experiences both in the UK and America.

Reliving the fairytale - Sunderland's 1973 FA Cup victory: 50 years on

36m

The story of Sunderland AFC's victory over Leeds in the 1973 FA Cup Final, and its legacy in the city, as remembered five decades later by those who were there - both on and off the pitch.

Chesterfield FC: Back in the Big Time

24m

Chesterfield are back in the Football League for the first time in six years. In this documentary we will be finding out what promotion means to the club, fans and town as a whole.

Sheffield Wednesday: The Great Escape

24m

Relive the key moments in Wednesday’s battle for Championship survival. This is Sheffield Wednesday The Great Escape.<br />