DETAILED plans have been unveiled for the first phase of a retail development in South Shields, South Tyneside.

Henry Boots Developments, of Sheffield, has submitted plans for seven retail units totalling 40,000 sq ft in the Keppel Street and Waterloo Vale area.

COURT APPEARANCE: A story appeared in The Northern Echo yesterday about a court appearance by Stuart Banks, 18, from Darlington, but of no fixed abode. In fact, Mr Banks, who was charged with wounding, failed to appear in court in Doncaster and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was apprehended by police in Darlington yesterday and taken to Doncaster.

SHOW BUSINESS: Tracy Shaw and Jason Connery will be meeting the audience after the first night of their play The Blue Room, in Darlington on Tuesday, at 9pm. The event is organised by The Friends of the Civic Theatre and Arts Centre in Darlington. Tickets are £4, available on (01325) 486555.

RAPE CHARGE: A 37-year-old man appeared in court at Harrogate yesterday to face a rape charge. Robert Allan Oliver was sent for trial at Leeds Crown Court on June 5, accused of raping a woman on February 20. No plea was given and Mr Oliver, of Yarrow Drive, Harrogate, was bailed.

CAR THEFTS: Thieves who target North-East drivers steal an average of £321 worth of goods, a study by Autoglass has found.