POLICE are investigating the death of a young woman whose body was found early yesterday.

Paramedics were called to a flat in Leybourne Terrace, Stockton, just after 1am, where they found the 20-year-old in a collapsed state. She was confirmed dead at the scene. A post mortem examination carried out yesterday was inconclusive. The results of toxicology tests are still unknown. The woman, who has not yet been identified, had only just been released from prison. A man is being held in custody on suspicion of supplying her with heroin and was due to be questioned by police last night.

BOOK LEGENDS: Three of the region's footballing greats are signing copies of their book in the Gateshead MetroCentre today. Century FM's Three Legends - football pundits and ex-players Bernie Slaven, Eric Gates and Malcolm Macdonald - have produced a book off the back of the radio sports competition they ran last summer. The contest aimed to find the most knowledgeable sports fan in the North-East. The winner walked away with £10,000. The trio will be in WH Smith, at the Metro Centre, from 3.30pm onwards, signing copies of the Ten Grand Fan Question Book, Volume One.

SEX CHARGE: Police have charged a man they suspect of carrying out an attack on a 20-year-old man near a North-East shopping centre. The victim was subjected to a 40-minute ordeal as he was robbed and sexually assaulted at the rear of the Castlesgate Centre, in Stockton, on October 31. Stockton police yesterday charged a 25-year-old man with indecent assault and robbery and he was granted bail pending an appearance at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Monday.

OFFICE BLAZE: An office area was destroyed by fire which broke out in a two-storey building at the Sunderland Metal Company, in Woodbine Terrace, Pallion, Sunderland, on Tuesday. A fire brigade spokesman said the blaze had also caused slight smoke damage to a vehicle dismantling area, and a waterpipe had burst, due to the heat, causing severe damage to the toilet block.

GALA SELL-OUT: Bosses at Durham City's Gala Theatre are celebrating after Sunday's Comedy Store session sold-out. Many punters had to be turned away but they can see the next show on Sunday, March 2, at 7.30pm, when John Maloney will be the MC and Ian Moore and Andrew Maxwell will be on the bill. For tickets, costing £8, call 0191-332 4041.

ROCK SOUNDS: Popular County Durham rock band TT Blue, who feature Jimi Hendrix-influenced lead guitarist Phil Morrell, will play at The Mountain Daisy, Hylton Road, Sunderland, tomorrow, starting at 8pm. Admission is free. For further details, call the venue on 0191-565 9075.

PROTEST FORUM: A public meeting to launch a campaign against the US missile defence system at Fylingdales, North Yorkshire, has been organised. It will take place at Guisborough Parish Hall, Bow Street, Guisborough, on Wednesday, February 19, at 7.15pm.