A 76-year-old man was charged tonight with carrying out a machete attack on another pensioner.

Leonard Fionda, of Calf Close Walk, Jarrow, South Tyneside, was arrested following the alleged knifing of allotment holder Joe Holland, 66, yesterday.

Northumbria Police said he would face charges of wounding, criminal damage and possessing an offensive weapon when he appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning.

It was understood Mr Holland was approached by a man at his allotment who asked for some wood.

When Mr Holland agreed and turned away, he was struck several times about the head, and required hospital treatment for his injuries, which were not thought to be lift-threatening.