The Low Fell cat mayoral election is just one part of efforts to "bring a bit of silliness" to life.
David Prior, who is standing for Saltwell in Gateshead, will still appear on ballot papers in May.
The future of a Gateshead shop is at risk due to increasing levels of shoplifting, its owner says.
Liz Jobey was not able to attend the big day so her granddaughter recreated it at her care home.
The 6ft 6in (2m) robber said his brother was guilty of the raid at a bookmakers.
