AN 11-year-old by is fighting for his life in Newcastle General Hospital after being involved in a collision with a car.

A police spokesman said the boy, who is from the Benwell area of the city, had got off the 10A bus, which had stopped on West Denton Way outside the Denton Park Shopping Centre, at 8.10am yesterday. The boy was in collision with a Toyota Corolla, driven by a 27-year-old man from Westerhope. The victim was described last night by hospital staff as being in a critical condition. Any witnesses to the accident have been asked to telephone the police on 0191-214 6555.

MASKED RAIDERS: Two masked men threatened a shopkeeper with knives before fleeing with cash from the Beauclarkes store in Borough Road, Sunderland, at 5.30pm on Thursday. Both attackers were described as being 5ft 11in and in their early 20s. One man carrying a machete was wearing a blue padded jacket, jeans and white trainers. The other was wearing a denim jacket and jeans. Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-454 7555, extension 66148.

PROTEST ARRESTS: Six women were arrested yesterday during a two-day demonstration at the RAF Menwith Hill base near Harrogate. Three women chained themselves to the fence before obstructing traffic on the highway. The protestors were released on police bail, but one woman will appear before Harrogate magistrates today, having refused bail conditions.

DANCE EVENING: An evening of dancing takes place tonight in aid of the International Temples Project and the World Wide Fund for Nature. The Temples Project aims to build Kadampa Buddhist Temples around the world, providing places where people can learn meditation and attend international festivals. The event, including a ceilidh and a vegetarian buffet, will take place at St Augustine's parish hall, Larchfield Street, Darlington, from 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 at the door or by calling (01325) 365265. Concessions are available.

PAINT SETS: The Northern Echo has some children's paint sets to give away. We have teamed up with International Paper to give readers the chance to win a pack of three Rey Play and Print Disney character kits. They are suitable for youngsters aged four and over, and each kit comes complete with a CD rom and 30 sheets of pre-scored paper. For a chance to win, log on to www.thisisthenortheast. co.uk and go to the competitions link.