A WOMAN is recovering after escaping the clutches of a sex attacker.

The man pounced as the woman, aged 24, walked along College Road, Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough, at about 10pm on Tuesday. He dragged her across a grassy area and into the playing field of Brambles Farm Primary School where she was attacked, sustaining minor injuries before being able to struggle free. Her attacker wore a black top and dark trousers. Anyone who can help should ring Cleveland Police on (01642) 303126.

Crash horror: A bridegroom of two weeks faces losing his leg after a road accident. Moped-rider Andy Martin-Davies, 31, of Herdborough Road, Eastfield, Scarborough, was seriously injured when he was in collision with a car at the junction of Seamer Road and Highfield and is now in the intensive care unit at St James' Hospital, Leeds. His wife, Bev, 32, said "It is a nightmare. We were initially told that Andy had a broken leg and the hospital now says it may have to be amputated." Meanwhile, her father, Frank Martin, is recovering from a heart attack and her mother has just left hospital after being ill with emphysema.

Shops decade: Three days of celebrations will help mark the tenth anniversary of a Darlington shopping centre. Millions of people have visited the Cornmill Shopping Centre since it opened in August 1992. Festivities begin on Tuesday when one lucky customer will win £500 worth of vouchers to spend in the centre between 10am and 2pm. On Wednesday, the centre will be visited by Scooby Doo, while Thursday will see Punch and Judy, face painting, clowns and stilt walkers throughout the day.

Surgeon retires: Orthopaedic surgeon James Antrobus is stepping down after more than 14 years working on hip and joint replacements at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead. Past patients of Mr Antrobus are invited to his leaving party, in the staff restaurant on Wednesday, at 2pm. For details, contact Sandra Redpath on 0191 403-2441.

Boots cash: A pair of boots belonging to Newcastle United striker Craig Bellamy went for £1,000 at a charity auction in aid of the Premature Baby Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Newcastle. A shirt belonging to former player Peter Beardsley fetched £1,500. The auction raised £13,000 for the unit.

Art courses: Newcastle College is offering three new foundation degree courses in fine art, media and photography. For further details, contact the college on 0191-200 4000.