THE mother of a 15-year-old boy from Station Town, east Durham, was fined £100 and ordered to pay £80 costs yesterday for failing to ensure that he attended school.

Durham Magistrates' Court heard that in a five-month period, from last November to March, he was absent 79 times which were considered to be unauthorised.

TRAIN VICTIM: A man killed when he was hit by a high-speed train at Northallerton station, North Yorkshire, a week ago, is still to be formally identified by police. The man died instantly when he was struck by the early evening express travelling at more than 100mph.

HOMES CALL: Housing bosses in York are being urged to be more creative in redeveloping land rather than using unblemished green sites. Between 1998 and 2001, only 48 per cent of new housing was built on brownfield sites, while the Government target is 60 per cent.

CASE ADJOURNS: Linda Robson, 42, a care worker at Mendip House residential home, Chester-le-Street, appeared at Durham Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with failing to discharge a duty of care. Robson, of The Wynd, Pelton, denied placing resident Mary Brander, 90, on a commode containing hot water, causing her to suffer severe burns. The case was adjourned to July 7.

PUB RAID: Burglars broke through the roof of the King's Head pub, in Consett, County Durham, on Saturday. They took money from fruit machines. Anyone with information is asked to contact Consett police on (01207) 504204.

POST THEFT: Thieves escaped with parcels and letters following a smash-and-grab raid on a post van. The men struck as the Royal Mail van was parked at the rear of Front Street, Consett, County Durham, at about 9am on Friday, smashing the back door window to gain access. Anyone with information is asked to contact Consett police on (01207) 504204.

SUMMER GALA: Tyne Theatre Stage School holds its summer gala tonight and tomorrow. More than 140 students from the school will appear in the show, which will include Shakespearean drama, classical ballet and a Pop Stars-style talent contest. Tickets are available from the Newcastle Opera House box office, on 0191-232 0899.

QUILTS ON SHOW: The North Country Quilt collection will be on show in the Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, on Saturday and Sunday. Lilian Hedley and Brenda Johnstone, of the Quilters' Guild, will demonstrate the art and talk about their favourite pieces, including wholecloth, patchwork, applique and strippy quilts. For more information about the event, call 0191-370 4000

ROCK TALK: A meeting will be held tonight at County Hall, Durham City, between 5pm and 7pm, to explain a Durham County Council and British Geographical Survey project to draw up proposals to manage the county's geological and landscape features.