POLICE are appealing for help to track down arsonists who set fire to a Teesside pub.

Firefighters were called out twice on Monday to the Poverina, in Normanby, near Middlesbrough, to blazes in the boiler room and first floor bar. The fires caused extensive damage to the function room and kitchen, but the pub's tenants reopened the front bar yesterday. Police said that both fires were started deliberately and want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the early hours of Monday.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 302626.

FUN DAY: A family fun day is planned in Stewart Park, Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, on Saturday between 11am and 3pm. The event, in aid of Butterwick Children's Hospice, includes a fair, face-painting, a dog show and other attractions.

CHORAL CONCERT: Middlesbrough Choral Group will perform at St Mary's Centre, Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, on Saturday at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £3, are available on (01642) 624231. The event is aid of Butterwick Children's Hospice in Stockton.

BONNY BABY: A bonny baby competition will be held at the Asda store, in Thornaby, next Thursday. A Pampers photographer will be on hand to take photos of all those who are entered with a chance to win £50 worth of Pampers vouchers. For more details call Tina Mansell on (01642) 769898.

EYE-CATCHING: Sixty staff at the Middlesbrough branch of Specsavers reported for work in the strip of their favourite football team, and paid £1 each to charity for the privilege. Proceeds went to the Just for Kids charity appeal, which supports projects across the region. Store director David Stockton promised to match the final amount raised.

NEW EXTENSION: St Teresa's RC Primary School, Callander Road, Hartlepool, has applied to Hartlepool Borough Council for planning permission to build an extension in order to provide a secretary's office and reception.

HARVEST FESTIVAL: A harvest festival will be held at Coatham Church on Sunday, October 6. There will be a service at 10.30am. Donations of non perishable food would be welcomed.

RNLI CASH: A street collection in Marske by the Marske Ladies Lifeboat Guild raised £339.26 for the RNLI. The ladies thanked the public for their support.