POLICE in Ferryhill made five arrests after a man was robbed at knifepoint yesterday, just after 2pm in the town's Darlington Road.

The man is not thought to have been badly injured, but was taken to hospital as a precaution. Shortly after the incident police arrested five men, four adults and one youth. They were in custody at Newton Aycliffe Police Station last night. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (01325) 304401.

QUAD FOUND: Police are trying to trace the owner of a Honda Big Red 350cc quad bike found in Tow Law. The vehicle has not been reported stolen. Contact PC Shaun McCarroll, at Crook police, on (01388) 762011.

WOMAN NAMED: A woman found dead in the street was named by police yesterday. Jeanette Dorothy Thompson, 50, of High Street, Tow Law, was found near a doctor's surgery in the village, at 7.30am on Friday. An inquest into her death is expected to open later this week.

BRANCH SUCCESS: The Stanhope and Weardale branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society has been given a national partnership award recognising its links with health and social services at Weardale Community Hospital.

FOOTBALL CASH: The Builder Centre, at Tindale Crescent, gave £100 to West Auckland Football Club for a fundraising night.

PRIZE SANDWICH: A Darlington youngster has won a competition to create a fantasy sandwich. Jack Ryan, eight, from Cockerton, designed a heart-shaped sandwich filled with his little sister's favourite foods, including beans, bananas, crisps, yoghurt, sweets and chocolate. He has won a day at a theme park and an overnight stay in a hotel for his family. The contest was run by Asda.

HEALTH WALK: Etherley Amblers are holding a walk around Staindrop, Ladyclose Wood and Sudburn Beck, next Wednesday. The group will meet at Etherley Cricket Club at 10.30am, but walkers will use their own transport.

DANCE DATE: Spennymoor Town Hall will host a 50/50 ballroom and sequence dance on Friday, July 25, at 8pm. For details call (01388) 817914.

FIRST FAIR: Stanhope Community Centre, which offers a variety of courses, is holding a summer fair on Sunday, July 27, at 1pm.

ANNUAL MEETING: Bishop Auckland Darts and Dominoes League holds its annual meeting in the Aclet pub on Tuesday, August 12, at 7.30pm. Call (01388) 661081 for details.

OPEN DAY: Ferryhill Operatic Society is holding an open day in Mainsforth Community Centre, Ferryhill Station, on Saturday, August 16, from 10am to 10pm. To book call (01740) 654094