A TEENAGER has appeared in court charged with causing death by dangerous driving of a 53-year-old woman in North Yorkshire.

The victim, who has not yet been named, was hit by a car as she was walking with her husband on a Scarborough housing estate on Tuesday. She died in the town's hospital soon after arriving there by ambulance. A 17-year-old youth will appear again before Scarborough magistrates on Tuesday. He was remanded in custody. A 16-year-old youth has been freed on bail after questioning by Scarborough police in connection with the incident. North Yorkshire Coroner Michael Oakley is expected to open an inquest today.

BRIDGE CLOSED: The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge will be closed for two weeks for essential maintenance, from Monday until March 17. Work involves replacing the wooden floor of the gondola with galvanised panels, replacing the bolts which support the cables, as well as painting the support cables. A free bus service will run hourly from Middlesbrough to Port Clarence from 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, and from 2pm to 6pm on Sundays.

CASH OFFER: Different organisations in Whitby are being invited to make bids for cash from the town council. Clerk and financial officer Linda Antil said the authority has £2,000 available to help local groups. Any applications have to submitted at the council offices in Pannett Park, Whitby by March 31.

WOOD STRATEGY: Work has begun on a plan to get more investment in the North-East's trees and woodland. The Regional Forestry Strategy will be an in-depth look at the role that trees could play in the economy and well-being