Police have appealed for witnesses following a suspected arson attack on a house in Thirlmoor, Blackfell, Washington, Wearside, at midnight on Wednesday.

The fire was extinguished after it was reported by someone returning home from work. Serious damage was caused to the front and downstairs of the house. The family were not at home at the time.

CASH REWARD: A lorry company is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of thieves who stole 35 new wheels and tyres from trailers at a site near Scotch Corner on Wednesday night. Each wheel, fitted with Dunlop and Continental tyres, taken from FDC Northern, was worth £250. Anyone with information is asked to call Catterick police on (01609) 783131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

BUS BOOKLET: A booklet detailing hundreds of changes to bus services in Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough and Stockton during the Christmas and New Year period is available in libraries, council offices, bus company offices and tourist information centres.

COASTAL WALK: Countryside wardens and the National Trust are offering the chance to blow away the festive cobwebs with a ten-mile walk along the Cleveland Way. The clifftop path walk, on Wednesday, January 8, at 9am, will link Staithes and Saltburn. Contact the Saltburn Woodland Centre on (01287) 622408 for details and a free lift to Staithes from Saltburn.

BUTTERWICK RUN: Butterwick Hospice is looking for people to run in aid of the hospice at next year's London Marathon on April 13. Call Nicola on (01642) 624231 for further information.

FOLK NIGHT: North-East folk duo The Blethermen, alias Pete Flemming and Tom Knapper, will be performing at Darlington Arts Centre on Thursday, January 9, at 8pm, as the first guest band of the New Year for the town's folk club. Tickets cost £3.50 and are available on (01325) 486555.

GRANTS GUIDE: A guide has been produced to help voluntary organisations and community groups in the region to access grants. The guide contains information on more than 100 charitable trusts which support voluntary groups. The North-East Guide to Grants for Voluntary Organisations costs £12, plus £1.50 postage and packing. To order a copy call 0191-477 1253, or visit the www.fine.org.uk website.

SCREEN TEST: Two teams of pupils from a North-East school are testing their knowledge on national television. The youngsters from Abbey Junior School, in Darlington, are appearing on BBC science quiz Experimental on Monday, January 6. Another team will be on ITV's Eliminator general knowledge quiz show at 4.20pm on Wednesday, January 8.The teams both won top prizes and the chance to reappear on the shows.

SANTA'S GROTTO: A total of 140 pre-school children and their parents enjoyed a Christmas afternoon at Sure Start Redcar on Wednesday. Parents admired the grotto created with "sticky tape, glue and a bit of imagination". Sure Start is a Government-funded project to help with childcare in the community. To find out more about the Redcar project call (01642) 485538.