Rally in support of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to take place in Sunderland

Corbyn has been put under huge pressure to resign from MPs in his party as a number of ministers stepped down from his shadow cabinet this week.

He has also been criticised for his performance in supporting the Remain campaign to stay in the European Union, which resulted in an Out vote.

The rally is set to be held in Keel Square in Sunderland city centre from 5.30pm to 7pm on Saturday.

Speakers will include Mark Tyers of the People's Assembly, Trevor Bark from Unite Community Durham, Monir Ahmed who is community coordinator of Sunderland Bangladeshi international, former Labour councillor Rosalind Copeland, Pam Wortley, anti-war campaigner and retired GP, and Jack Cunningham, the chairman of Sunderland Young Labour.

A statement on the Sunderland & North East for Jeremy Corbyn Rally read: "A get together in Keel Square for us to show our support in the city and wider region for Jeremy Corbyn.

"Looking for any speakers who can address the crowd.

"We need to show everyone that after recent events, our city does have support for a leader who has the best interests for the working class in a city & region that desparately needs the backing of central government."