Visitor numbers to the National Rail Museum, in York, rose more than 100,000 in a year - thanks partly to free admission.

The museum's annual review for 2001/2002 revealed that 587,862 people took in the sight and sounds of rail during the 12 months from April to March - an increase on the 485,785 visitors recorded during 2000/2001. The year saw the introduction of free admission to the award-winning museum.

CHARITY'S CASE: The case against the former financial director of the Darlington Dial-a-Ride charity has been adjourned until Tuesday, April 29. Former Tory councillor Charles Smith is charged with fraudulent trading and failing to keep accounting records in connection to the Dial-a-Ride charity in Darlington. He has pleaded not guilty to fraudulent trading, but has yet to enter a plea in connection to the other charge.

CRIME 'A BLUR': Burglar Ian Welch, 40, could not remember stealing a £50 gold chain from a house in Caroline Street, Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, because of his addiction to amphetamine. Newcastle Crown Court heard how Welch, of Appleton Estate, Hetton-le-Hole, was linked to the scene through blood and pleaded guilty to burglary. Sentence was adjourned for four weeks to enable Welsh to be assessed for a drug treatment order.

BURGLARY CHARGE: Barry Walker, 24, pleaded guilty to breaking into a house in Charles Street, Boldon Colliery, South Tyneside, in May last year. Nothing was stolen but Walker was connected to the crime it by blood found at the scene, Newcastle Crown Court heard. Sentence was adjourned until April 22 and Walker, of North Road, Boldon Colliery, was granted bail.

Health pilot: York has been chosen for a specialised mental health service for deaf children. The local primary car trust is the pilot site for an innovative service in which a clinical team, based in the city, will work closely with NHS trusts in the area, and with special schools for the deaf in Wetherby and Doncaster.

CASTLE OPENS: North Yorkshire's Swinton Castle will open its gates this weekend in the name of charity. Located in Masham, the castle grounds will be opened on Sunday, between 2pm and 5pm, with all proceeds going to the British Red Cross. Children can search for the mysterious stone coffins while adults view the castle's five lakes.

FLOWER APPEAL: Ripon Cathedral is appealing to the kind-hearted to help with the cost of flowers at Easter festivals following the deaths of some of the its most generous donors. The cathedral will be decorated on Monday, April 19, and help from any volunteers would be greatly appreciated.

Gas alert: A family of four, including two boys aged 14 and ten, from Wheatley Hill, County Durham, were taken to Hartlepool's University Hospital after suffering suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, which is usually caused by faulty gas heating appliances.

Sex charges: A trial began at Teesside Crown Court yesterday of a man charged with four sex offences. Raymond Baldwin, 53, of Merrybent, Darlington, has denied one charge of rape and three of indecent assault. The trial continues