POLICE have apologised after a breakdown in internal communications led to a statement that indicated officers searching for a missing pensioner had found a body.

Pensioner Audrey Atkinson, of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, went missing from her home on Tuesday, and there was concern for her safety when reports came in that a body had been found in the River Nidd. However, it later became clear that Mrs Atkinson had been rescued from the water and was taken to hospital for treatment, where she was recovering yesterday.

POACHERS FINED: Two men were caught poaching fish during an Environment Agency surveillance operation on the River Wear at Wolsingham, County Durham, Bishop Auckland magistrates were told. Robert Powton, 35, of Darlington Road, West Auckland, and Daniel Robinson, 37, of Ashcroft Gardens, Bishop Auckland, were each sentenced to 130 hours' community service and fined £100 with £100 costs after admitting illegal fishing. Anyone wishing to report poaching is asked to call the agency's 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060.

INQUIRY ADJOURNED: A public inquiry into a planning application for an amusement arcade near the centre of Darlington has been adjourned. The Noble Organisation had appealed to the Government because Darlington Borough Council failed to reach a decision on its plans to create an amusement arcade and tanning centre at 11 Northgate. Yesterday, the public inquiry was adjourned. It will restart in October.

VODKA WARNING: Retailers in the region have been warned to be on the lookout for contaminated vodka for the fourth time this year. The latest alert came after two brands were discovered to be contaminated with methanol. Retailers and the public are asked to watch out for litre bottles of St Petersburg vodka and 70cl bottles of the S Petersburg brand. Both have a white front label with black and red lettering.

POLICE APPEAL: A motorcyclist was taken to hospital after an accident involving a car in Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, shortly after 1.30pm on Tuesday. The 33-year-old man suffered cuts and a broken knee when his green Kawasaki was in collision with a silver Rover car in Deepdale Avenue. Witnesses are asked to call police on (01642) 301558.

CITY TOUR: The Friends of Senior Citizens charity is organising a half-day trip to Durham City, including a conducted tours of County Hall, Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral. The trip will be in the week beginning Monday, July 28, with the day to be decided. To book, call Peter Beaty on (01325) 313924.

GARDEN VISITORS: The Royal Horticultural Society's garden at Harlow Carr, in North Yorkshire, attracted a record number of visitors last month. Improvements to the gardens, visitor centre and shop helped attract 16,000 visitors. The employment of additional staff have enabled gardeners to undertake a number of projects.