In Newcastle today with Carl Roper to meet Newcastle College to review progress on the development of the TUC Organising Academy.

Despite the partnership between the TUC and Newcastle College only being 4 or 5 months there has been real progress - with more courses on organising and recruitment being run than ever before.

I always enjoy going back to Newcastle - I was the TUC's regional secretary in the region between 2000-2002, and really enjoyed my time in the North East.

Unions are part and parcel of life in the North East (union membership density in the region is 10% higher than the national average) - and the region has some great trade union officers, organisers, activists and members.

As well as meeting up with colleagues from Newcastle College I also managed to meet up with Brian Freeman from trade union solicitors Browells and NASUWT regional officer Simon Kennedy - two Newcastle United Fans who are struggling to see light at the end of the Premiership Tunnel at the moment!