A pensioner died of natural causes, an inquest ruled yesterday.

Robert Robinson, 74, of Margaret Terrace, Coronation, near Bishop Auckland, died in Bishop Auckland General Hospital on January 7. Dr Clive Bloxham, consultant pathologist at the hospital, told South Durham Coroner Colin Penna that Mr Robinson had been diagnosed with a lung disorder.

ROUND TRIP: A nine-mile walk around Stanhope and Frosterley on Sunday starts from the Dales Centre at 2pm. Leader is John Tyrell. Walkers should take packed lunches.

BUS ATTACKED: A youth threw a stone at a bus in Merrington Lane, Ferryhill, at 12.50pm on Monday, causing £350 worth of damage.

ANNUAL MEETING: At the annual meeting of Sedgefield Lyrics Singers, officials elected were: chairwoman Elaine Bryant, secretary Judith Edgoose, treasurer Brian Fisher, publicity officer Elaine Thomson, SCA representative Audrey Lofthouse and librarian Margaret Smith.

APPEALS ALLOWED: Two properties in Darlington's Northgate conservation area are likely to be de-listed after appeals. The St John Ambulance building and A1 Windscreens had enforcement notices served by Darlington Borough Council, but a Government inspector has recommended that the notices should be quashed.