Chris Jackson

Investigative stories - Chris Jackson reports for Inside Out

Hello! I'm Chris Jackson and I've been fronting Inside Out since the series began back in 2002.

It's been an amazing journey delving into the heart of life here in the North East and Cumbria and the current run looks just as exciting!

I can't reveal what we've got coming up in the next programme - that would ruin the surprise, but looking back over the last twelve months it's hard to believe the variety of stories.

I've confronted a puppy dealer who was selling unwell animals to an unsuspecting public.

My report uncovering bad practice at Gateshead's BALTIC led
to an official investigation into how the arts centre "lost" many thousands of pounds of our money.

A trip to Africa revealed the tale of a Sunderland asylum seeker's fear of Voodoo revenge if she returned home.

Closer to the news

We brought you closer to people in the news.

High flyer - Chris takes to the skies with the RAF

The Tyneside woman, branded Britain's biggest scrounger, gave us her side of the headline grabbing story.

And Gina Campbell voiced her family's plea for the restoration of Bluebird which crashed on Coniston Water as her father Donald attempted to break his own water speed record.

Our aim is to bring you surprising stories from familiar places each week.

As a local lad it's a thrill to meet so many amazing people from our region and to tell their story.

Just when you think you know all there is to know about the North East & Cumbria up pops another great tale.

Local hero

I sometimes get asked where I come from as you'd never guess from my accent that I'm a Geordie.

The answer is my family moved to Germany when I was five.

From Tyneside to Paris, Chris uncovers secrets of the BALTIC

It's a real shame I ended up speaking with a "British" accent but, like all good North Easterners, I retained my passion for the region and returned home as soon as I got the chance.

After a stint at BBC Radio Newcastle, I moved to Look North as a reporter and eventually as presenter.

Fronting Inside Out for the last four years or more has been a joy.

A literal high point was flying in a hawk fighter jet with the RAF over Northumberland - a low point for purely personal reasons was appearing in the buff in a report about nudist colonies in the North East.

Don't forget we always welcome your ideas for the stories you think the rest of us should know about so I'd love to hear from you.

Why not get in touch? Email me at insideout@bbc.co.uk

See you at 7.30 on Friday nights.

Chris Jackson, Inside Out, BBC TV, Barrack Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 2NE.