...Mike's got news you can use, plus the best morning updates for weather, travel and sport.

Tens of thousands of people on Tyneside, Wearside, in Northumberland and County Durham switch him on every day because he puts a sizzle in their sausage!

Backed by BBC Radio Newcastle's team of reporters, producers and researchers, Mike Parr talks to the people behind the stories, in the news, and to you!

Phone, text or e-mail while you're listening and between 09:00 and 10:00 take part in the feisty phone-in called The Zoo, where Mike is Ringmaster.

Health warning

Young mum and listener Marie from Whitley Bay ended up in the Accident and Emergency Department because of Mike Parr. Driving to work and tuned in to The Zoo, she got so irate with the discussion that she just had to get to a phone. Arriving at work, she hurtled out of the car and in her haste slipped, fell over and broker her wrist! She is now a Zoo studio recruit where she can get her opinions off her chest safely.

Building bridges

The company who designed the Gateshead Millennium Bridge over the River Tyne actually heard about the contract thanks to Mike Parr. The mother of one of the designers heard Mike talking about a new bridge being planned. She rang her son, he told his boss about a contract coming up for grabs...and the rest is blinking history!

Kiss and make up

Mike Parr has been referee to hundreds of arguments in his time, but he surpassed ACAS during one industrial dispute in the North East. A transport operator and a union were in total deadlock which even the Conciliation Service couldn't crack. Both sides were interviewed by Mike and realised they were no longer at odds! Harmony followed...well, at least for a while...

If you'd like to take part in the programme, you can telephone 0191 232 6565, text 07786 200954, or e-mail.

Alternatively, if you'd like to write to Mike Parr the address is...

Mike Parr
BBC Radio Newcastle
Broadcasting Centre
Barrack Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE99 1RN