A MAN is recovering after he was attacked and robbed by three youths while walking home.

The 40-year-old was taking a shortcut to his home in Darlington at about 7pm on Tuesday when he was attacked in the car park behind the former Blacketts pub. He was robbed of £100. His attackers were described as aged 16 or 17, with the main assailant described as having dark hair and wearing a white jumper. The victim suffered cuts and bruises, and was treated at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Hannah Bell, on (01325) 467681.

MISSING MAN: Police have appealed for help in tracing John Hughes, 54, who was last seen on April 23 in Queens Road, Peckham, London. There is a possibility that he may be sleeping rough on the streets of Newcastle, as it is believed he is originally from the North-East. Mr Hughes is 5ft 3in, slim, with short black hair and brown eyes. He wears glasses. Anyone with information is asked to call the confidential National Missing Persons Helpline on Freephone 0500 700 700.

RELIEF KITS: Durham University's Social Forum is collecting relief kits of essentials, such as soap, to send to Iraq. Students will collect kits outside the main university library on Thursday, and Thursday, May 29, from 11.30am to 2.30pm. Anyone wanting to donate a relief kit can visit www.mcc.org/respond/rapid_respond/iraq/Iraq_04_06.pdf to find out what is needed.

THEATRE SPECIAL: Clive James and Pete Atkin bring their show Together at Last Again to Harrogate Theatre on Wednesday, May 28. Clive will bring his acerbic commentary on life to the stage, while Pete will sing a few songs - with a little help from Clive. The performance will take place at 7.30pm and tickets cost between £8.50 and £13. For details, call (01423) 502116.

MIDSUMMER RUN: The British Lung Foundation is appealing for runners of all abilities to take part in its Lung Run 2003 on Midsummer's Day, June 21. The event, organised by Catherine Batey, takes place in Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, over distances of 2.5km or 5km, depending on ability, with added attractions of a magician, face painting, bouncy castle and pets corner. For details, call 0191-263 0276.

SILK SPINNING: The Dales Countryside Museum, in Hawes, North Yorkshire, hosts a silk spinning demonstration by Dilys McCaffrey tomorrow, between 10am and 4.30pm.

GUIDED WALK: A four-mile walk, including birdwatching, will start from Grassington National Park Centre, on the North York Moors, at 10am on Wednesday. The walk costs £2. Binoculars are recommended and dogs are allowed.

ROAD REPAIRS: Users of the trans-Pennine A69 are warned of delays due to bridge refurbishment work at Haydon Bridge, Northumberland. Traffic lights will be in operation from Monday.

WIN ONLINE: The Northern Echo is running exciting competitons online. We have tickets to the Queen tribute production Symphonic Queen, and also tickets to give away to Newcastle's EuroFest. For your chance to win, simply log on to: www.entertainment northeast.co.uk