A MAN has appeared in court and denied murdering a schoolgirl found stabbed in her bed.

Ronald Pattinson, 18, is accused of killing 12-year-old Natalie Ruddick, who was discovered stabbed to death by her younger sister on March 5. Natalie lived with her family at Frosterley Place, New Mills Estate, Newcastle. Mr Pattinson, of nearby Belsay Place, Arthurs Hill, yesterday pleaded not guilty to murder at Newcastle Crown Court. He will be tried on October l4, and was remanded in custody until then.

KIDNAP CHARGES: Four people have appeared before Gateshead magistrates in connection with the shooting of a man in High Street, Wrekenton, near Gateshead, in the early hours of Monday, June 2. William Willison, 34, of Oban Terrace, Felling, was charged with attempted murder, kidnapping and wounding with intent. Tony Gregory Atkinson, 32, of Coltsfoot Gardens, Felling, was accused of attempted murder. Brian Bowron, 34, of Rickgarth, Gateshead, has been charged with kidnapping, while Gary Dawson, 33, of Wardley Court, Gateshead, was charged with attempted murder and kidnapping. The 35-year-old victim has not been named. The men were remanded in custody until June 16, when they will appear in Newcastle Crown Court.

DRIVER BANNED: A man caught driving at more than 100mph on the A1 lost his licence for three weeks yesterday. Andrew Marley, of Princess Avenue, Hull, told magistrates in Richmond, North Yorkshire, he was driving to Durham after he was told his grandmother had attempted suicide when his Vauxhall Vectra was caught at 106mph near Barton. Marley, 21, pleaded guilty and was also fined £150 and ordered to pay £40 costs.

HEATING GRANTS: The elderly, disabled and young families could be offered heating grants worth up to £2,500. The Warm Front Grant is a Government-backed scheme that helps pay for heating and insulation. The grants will be available to householders over 60, those who are disabled, pregnant or with children under 16 and on certain benefits. To apply for a grant, call 0800 316 6015 during office hours.

HEALTH CHIEF: One of the men seeking to modernise the NHS across the North has been appointed as head of York Hospital. Jim Easton, 39, previously director of development in the Directorate of Health and Social Care (North), will replace the outgoing chief executive of York Health Services NHS Trust, Simon Pleydell, in September.

DUKE'S SALUTE: A 21-gun salute in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh's 82nd birthday will be fired in the Museum Gardens, York, today, at noon. The saluting troop will comprise gunners from 5 Regiment Royal Artillery, 22 Regiment Royal Artillery and 40 Regiment Royal Artillery. The King's Division Normandy Band will also perform.

COUNTRY WALKS: People throughout the North-East will be walking next month to raise money for charity. Walks will be held throughout the region to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and local hospices. To find out where your nearest one is, call 0191-2611600.

BLONDIE TOUR: Tickets go on sale this weekend for a North-East performance by Blondie. The group performs at Newcastle City Hall on November 22. Tickets are on sale from Saturday, and are available on 0191-261 2606.