FOOTBALL supporters in the North-East are the most patriotic in England, research has revealed.

A third of men in the region are planning to watch every match England plays in the World Cup, according to the survey of 1,000 people nationally by video recorder manufacturer TiVo. Female football fans in the North-East were also found to be World Cup enthusiasts in the survey, which found that more than half will watch the games on TV.

CHARITY TRIP: People are invited to join a trip to Scotland to raise funds for cancer sufferers in the region. The Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK will be hosting a trip to Kittochside, in East Kilbride, on June 2. The group will visit a farm, run by the Museum of Scottish Country Life, and the Avon Valley Kittochside Rally. Tickets cost £16 for adults, £15.40 for senior citizens and £12 for children under 14. For details call Ian Douglas, on (01833) 650638, or Burrells Coaches, on (01833) 621302.

WOUNDING CHARGE: A 21-year-old man appeared in court yesterday charged with wounding with intent. Peter Watson, whose address was given as Deerbolt Young Offenders' Institution, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, spoke only to confirm his name at Teesside Crown Court. His case was adjourned until June 14 when a plea and directions hearing will be held. Mr Watson was remanded in custody.

LOTTERY WINS: The latest winners of the Great North Air Ambulance Service's weekly lottery draw have been announced. The first prize of £200 goes to the holder of ticket number 08992, bought in Alnwick, Northumberland. Ten other winners each receive £10. Their ticket numbers are 11362, 09666, 08795, 09315, 10118, 11045, 09833, 08141, 10722 and 09140.

HAVE A LAUGH: Comedian Peter Kay has included a North-East venue in his forthcoming UK tour. The star of Channel Four's Phoenix Nights and That Peter Kay Thing will appear at the Sunderland Empire Theatre on November 16. Tickets, priced at £15, are available from 0191-514 2517.

ALLIGATOR PLEA: Three spectacled caiman kept at the Reptile Trust, Burnopfield, County Durham, are to be rehomed. The 5ft animals, one of which may be pregnant, are destined for locations in Europe. In order to fly the creatures to their new homes, the charity needs to find a sponsor to contribute towards the £2,000 costs.

GLIDER INJURED: A man was taken to hospital by air ambulance yesterday after his hang-glider crashed at Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire. He sustained multiple arm fractures in the accident, at about 3.30pm. The man was taken to St James' Hospital, Leeds, where his condition was said to be stable.

CHARITY ABSEIL: The Royal National Institute for the Blind is looking for volunteers to take part in a sponsored abseil down Gurney House, Middlesbrough, on Sunday. Anyone interested needs to raise a minimum of £70 in sponsorship and pay a £10 registration fee. To find out more, call (01388) 529316.

EURO SURGERY: North-East Euro MP Stephen Hughes will be holding an advice surgery on Saturday, from 10am to 11.30am, at County Hall, Durham. Any constituents with a Europe-related problem can attend