Man charged with murder

A man has been charged with the murder of Kelly Riseborough, 23, of Power Grove Road, Pennywell, Sunderland. Leslie David Purvis, 38, of Power Grove Road, Pennywell, will appear before Sunderland magistrates at 10am today.

Heroin arrests: Five people have been arrested in Stockton after police recovered £12,000 worth of heroin. Police attempted to stop two vehicles in Darlington Back Lane, Stockton, on Monday night, but both made off and were found abandoned nearby. Police arrested four men, two 28-year-olds, a 25-year-old and a 23-year-old. Seven houses were searched, mainly in the Norton area, and a 23-year-old woman was also arrested.

Health mission: Health officials are in Berlin today, as part of a mission to bring German consultants to the region's under-staffed hospitals. Teams representing at least 16 NHS trusts from the Northern and Yorkshire area, including officials from Darlington Memorial Hospital, are attending a recruitment fair hosted by the British Embassy. More than 200 German doctors have expressed an interest in working in the region.

Royal launch: The Princess Royal was in the region last night to launch a charity appeal. Princess Anne, who is Commandant-in-Chief of the Ambulance and Nursing Cadets, unveiled the St John Ambulance Bricks And Wheels Appeal to businesses in an event in Bishopthorpe Palace, hosted by the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope. The campaign aims to help St John Ambulance North Yorkshire and Teesside buy new Crusader ambulances.

CHARITY APPEAL: The Children's Society is urging people to take part in the Great North Run on its behalf. The event has reached capacity for individual runners, but there are still charity places left. Runners need to register before May 31, and must pay a £15 registration fee and raise £250 in sponsorship. To sign up for the race, on October 6, ring 020-7841 4507.

WILL HELP: Solicitors' firms are giving their time and expertise to help two North-East hospices next month. People who would like to have a will drawn up or updated can do so by making a donation of £50 for a single will or £75 for a pair, to the Butterwick Hospice, Stockton, or in Bishop Auckland, County Durham. For details, call Ray Laidler, on (01642) 624231.

FAMILY EVENT: Diggerland adventure park featuring construction machinery at Langley Park, County Durham, is hosting a family disco to celebrate the second birthday of its mascot, Metal Mickey, at the Dig Inn, from 6pm to 9pm on Saturday. Tickets cost £2.95. They can be bought at the door or by ringing 08700 344 437.

ROCK NIGHT: Rock band Idlewild will perform at Newcastle University's Students' Union on Wednesday, with Aereogramme and Ikara Colt. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £11 in advance.