PLANS to change the use of three terraced homes so that they can be run as a hostel for homeless men were given the go-ahead by councillors yesterday.

The charity, Turnaround Homes, applied to Stockton Borough Council for planning permission to convert the properties in Leybourne Terrace into a hostel. The three houses were operated by the charity as separate properties since 1993, providing accommodation for homeless men aged between 16 and 25.

The council's planning committee agreed to the plan, despite concerns raised by nearby residents.

POLL SUCCESS: There are already early indications that all-postal ballots will increase the number of voters in council elections across the North-East. One borough council, Redcar and Cleveland, has revealed that 36,000 ballots, or 35 per cent of the electorate, have already been received one week before counting is due to begin on Thursday. During the last elections, only 36 per cent of the east Cleveland electorate voted.

LOSE WEIGHT: Teessiders can join a ten-week programme of Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club classes from Monday. They are being taken by Christine Baker at various venues, including Eaglescliffe, Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, Maltby, Kirkby, Stokesley and Marton. For details, contact Ms Baker on (01642) 712557.

BIG THANKS: A group set up to preserve a Victorian park in Stockton wishes to thank everyone who attended an Easter event. Pamela Walton, of the Friends of Ropner Park, said: "It was a fantastic day, with over 200 people attending. Everyone had a whale of a time - plus we raised over £100." For information or to join the group, call (01642) 358888.

SADDLE UP: A sell-out quiz night raised £264 for the Riding for the Disabled Association's Unicorn Centre, Hemlington. It was the first social event to be held in the centre's recently opened training room.

SWEDISH STYLE: Teesside pupils have been producing stories, poems and paintings for a competition to show how easily they can get drinking water compared to children in developing countries. The winner may be chosen as a special delegate to an international water conference in Sweden.