THREE people have appeared in court charged with supplying class A drugs.

Lynette McKensie, 31, of Hartley Terrace, Spennymoor, and Lynn Patsion, 40, of Hawthorne Road, Spennymoor, are accused of conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs between January 25 and May 18. Malcolm Dugdale, 41, of Busty Terrace, Shildon, was charged with supplying class A drugs between the same dates. The cases were adjourned. All three are due to appear at Teesside Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on September 1.

INQUEST OPENS: An inquest has been opened into the death of Norman Rayner, 48, from Acacia Gardens, Crook. Mr Rayner died on Wednesday when the car he was travelling in collided with another vehicle on a minor road between Willington and Binchester. His son, Barrie, confirmed he had identified his father's body in the ambulance at the roadside. South Durham Coroner Colin Penna adjourned the inquest until investigations have been completed.

CRIME WARNING: Drivers in Darlington are being warned to be extra vigilant after a spate of car crime. A vehicle was stolen and four cars were broken into in the town's North Lodge Park area on Thursday. Police have advised residents to make sure cars are securely locked and that valuable items are not left on view.

CASE ADJOURNED: Alan Meadows, 25, of Freville Street, Shildon, has pleaded not guilty to charges of using a motor vehicle without third party insurance or a test certificate. He will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on September 12 for a pre-trial review.

COUNTRYSIDE WALK: A five-and-a-half mile walk around Mickleton and Romaldkirk will be held on Sunday, August 17. Walkers are asked to meet countryside ranger David Butler at the Mickleton Station picnic site at 10.30am. For details call 0191-383 4144.

PANTO AUDITIONS: D and B Panto Club will hold auditions for the part of the Genie in Aladdin on Sunday between 6pm and 7pm in St David's Church centre, at the back of St David's Church, Tudhoe Lane. The part is for a man aged over 18.

CLEAN UP: Members of Newton Aycliffe Millennium Volunteers collected 19 bags of rubbish in a beach clean-up at Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool.

RECYCLING ROADSHOW: A large motorised dustbin will be in Newton Aycliffe town centre today as part of Sedgefield Borough Council's Rethink Rubbish campaign.

HOCKEY COACHING: Free hockey coaching sessions will be held at Trimdon Community College from Monday to Friday, between 1pm and 3pm.