A 12-year-old schoolboy has admitted a charge that he raped a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was 11 at the time of the attack in June.

The hearing, at Newcastle Crown Court, which was sitting as a youth court, was adjourned to allow reports to be prepared.

He was remanded in custody and will next appear before the court for sentencing on 23 October.