FIREFIGHTERS cut a motorist free from the wreckage of a car involved in a four-vehicle crash.

Cleveland Police believe the woman had stopped her Fiat Punto in a line of stationary traffic, behind a lorry, when a Vauxhall Omega car hit her from behind, pushing her car into the lorry. She was treated in hospital for whiplash injuries, while her female passenger and another driver were treated for superficial injuries. The collision occurred on the slip road from the A66 to the Newport Bridge, at Middlesbrough, yesterday.

SEX ASSAULT: A man was told by a judge yesterday that he faces possible jail for a sex assault on a schoolgirl. Michael O'Brian, 62, pleaded guilty at Teesside Crown Court to indecently assaulting the 12-year-old between January and June last year. O'Brian, of Bedale Hunt, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was facing a two-day trial when he changed his plea. Judge Recorder Stuart Brown remanded him on bail for pre-sentence reports, saying that custody would be considered.

MAN ATTACKED: A man suffered a broken jaw when he was beaten in an unprovoked attack as he waited in a taxi queue in Gallowgate, Newcastle, at 3.30am on Sunday. A police spokesman said the victim, who is from the Washington area, was punched repeatedly by two men. He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital with his jaw broken in two places. Anyone with information has been asked to call 0191-214 6555, extension 62145.

BIRD TREK: A bird trek with ornithologist Martin Davidson, searching for goshawks, merlins, crossbills and skylarks, takes place in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, on Sunday, May 18, at 1pm. Meet at Kielder Castle Visitor Centre. The cost is £3 for adults and £2 for concessions. Bring waterproofs, walking boots and binoculars. For further details, contact (01434) 250209.

CLASSIC CARS: About 65 classic cars will visit Stokesley, North Yorkshire, today as part of a nationwide tour to celebrate 100 years of Vauxhall motoring. Cars from around the world set off on the 1,000-mile trail on Monday, April 28, and will be in the town's market square today, between noon and 2pm.

RAMBLE ON: The Ramblers' Association has launched an online site to help people find new walks. The site links to other information including walks for groups, accommodation and protected countryside. It can be found at www.ramblers.org.uk/walksfinder.

BLACK HUMOUR: South African comic and satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys uses his humour and the characters he creates to highlight the reality of the Aids crisis in South Africa. He is playing eight dates on a UK tour and Middlesbrough Theatre is the only one in the North-East. The performance is next Monday, at 7.30pm. For information, ring (01642) 815181.

WELLER TOUR: Paul Weller has announced when his UK tour will be coming to the region. The tickets go on sale on Saturday at 9am. He will be at the Newcastle City Hall on Thursday, July 12, and at the York Barbican on Thursday, July 17. For tickets call (0870) 7355000 or the venues.

CASTLE EVENT: Walworth Castle Hotel, near Darlington, is holding a family fun day and car boot sale on Bank Holiday Monday, May 26, in aid of The Butterwick Children's Hospice. There will be up to 36 pitches available. Anyone interested is asked to contact (01642) 624231. A charge of £5 will be made to all those taking part.