THE results of tests carried out after ten children and a parent at a North Yorkshire nursery were infected with E-coli are expected to be released in the next few days.

The children, aged between one and four, attend the Busy Bears Nursery, in Skipton, and are suffering from E-coli 0157, the most serious strain of the illness. Four of them are still in hospital and one is being treated for haemolytic uraemic syndrome, which affects the kidneys. This weekend health experts confirmed the adult was comfortable and the other six children had yet to show any symptoms.

TEACHER REMANDED: A music teacher has been remanded in custody by magistrates after appearing in court to face sex offences against children. Geoffrey Kitching, 48, of Scalby Road, Scarborough, is accused of 33 charges of indecent assault on boys between 1986 and 1998, false imprisonment and of administering the drug, amyl nitrate. His solicitor did not apply for bail and Mr Kitching was remanded until Friday.

MEAT WARNING: Police have warned that meat from a sheep found slaughtered in a field in North Yorkshire could be poisonous if eaten. The sheep had been drugged and may, therefore, be unfit for human consumption. The animal's remains were found in a field near Brompton-on-Swale on November 23. Anyone with information is asked to call Richmond police, on (01609) 783131, extension 4321.

SAFE DRIVERS: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is looking for the UK's safest road fleet. Firms can nominate drivers of company cars, trucks, vans or motorcycles for the Managing Occupational Road Risk Trophy. The closing date for entries is March 4. For details and entry forms, call Charles Davis, on 0121-248 2149.

SAFETY FIRST: Electricity companies in the North-East and Yorkshire are urging people planning to decorate the outside of their homes with lights to check the bulbs for any deterioration or damage to cables or wiring. They also warning against overloading sockets and advise that electrical items should be switched off and unplugged at night.

COUNTRYSIDE BONUS: Northumberland National Park's budget for 2003-2004 will be £2.7m, following an increase in Government funding. It will be given £120,000 to introduce more public access, under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, while its sustainable development fund receives £75,000.

BARN BLAZE: Firefighters were called to a blaze in a barn in Teesdale yesterday. Two appliances from Bishop Auckland spent more than three hours putting out the fire at Church Farm, Evenwood.

PLAY DATES: Red Shift Theatre company presents The Love Child at Hartlepool's Town Hall Theatre tomorrow, and Darlington Arts Centre, on Wednesday and Thursday. To book tickets call Hartlepool box office, on (01429) 890000, or Darlington Arts Centre, on (01325) 486555.

GREEN ASPIRATIONS: A three-day conference will discuss how spiritual action can contribute to the environment. Organised by the Conservation Foundation, it will be held in Whitby, in spring, and will offer advice on using study sessions, workshops and practical action to work for the local environment