POLICE seized crack cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis in seven drugs raids in Middlesbrough last week.

Four people were arrested for possession of drugs, three were released without charge, and one was bailed pending forensic tests. Two others were arrested for other offences and another person was charged with making threats to kill. The raids were carried out as part of Cleveland Police's Dealer a Day campaign, which has so far netted almost £74,000 worth of drugs and more than £61,000 cash.

SUNDAY opening: Sunday shopping has been launched in a Hartlepool shopping centre by actor Tim Healy, of Auf Weidersehn Pet. He was at the town's Middleton Grange centre with Paul "Goffy" Gough, from Century FM, last weekend, to launch the 11am to 5pm opening hours. Cormac Hamilton, centre manager, said: "The early indications are it will be well supported by both retailers and shoppers and should be a great success for Hartlepool."

NEW BLOCKS: Work to provide new science and music facilities at Manor College of Technology in Hartlepool should be finished by the end of this month and is expected to open late September. A second refurbishment project will begin in September and be completed in December or January.

DECORATIVE MASKS: Youngsters are being invited to drop into Billingham Art Gallery to take part in a workshop making creative masks. The event on Tuesday, August 13, is timed to celebrate the Billingham International Folklore Festival Week. The event will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Admission to the gallery and activities is free. However, children must be accompanied by an adult.

INSECT DAY: Families are being invited to Preston Hall Museum, Eaglescliffe on Friday, August 16, to take part in an insect day. Youngsters will be able to try crafts and puzzles and to follow an insect trail. The event will run from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Admission will be 60p for children and £1.20 for adults.

MONEY CHEST: A fund-raising evening at Cargo Fleet Club in Middlesbrough, raised £470 for the town's Sea Cadets. Commanding officer Robert Fielden had his chest waxed, and provisional Petty Officer Craig Bell had his back waxed. The treatments took place at Springs beauty salon on Teesside Park which also donated a pamper day raffle prize.