A STOCKTON school is celebrating the news that it can continue as a technology college.

Abbey Hill School Technology College was one of the first special schools in the country to be given the status by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). Its latest award means it will remain a designated DfES Specialist School for the next four years. About 230 pupils with severe and moderate learning difficulties attend the school, which is gaining a reputation for its work with autistic children.

RELATIVES SOUGHT: A coroner is trying to contact the relatives of a 46-year-old man found dead in his home. Paul Parkinson's body was found at his home in Milton Street, Saltburn. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death but the coroner needs to talk to his relatives. Anyone who can help is asked to call coroner's officer Cath Elwin on (01642) 243221.

OFFICE PLAN: Plans to build five two-storey office blocks at Lockheed Close, Preston Farm Industrial Estate, Stockton, look likely to be approved on Friday. Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee will discuss the plans to build the offices next to the Dutton Forshaw car showroom. The plans also include provision for 85 car parking spaces.

COMPUTER ROOM: Hartlepool Borough Council has received a planning application from Holy Trinity CE School, Church Street, Seaton Carew, for permission to build a single-storey extension to provide a technology suite.

PETROL STATION: Wm Morrison Supermarkets has applied to Hartlepool Borough Council for permission to build a petrol filling station, and a car and jet wash with servicing and landscaping at the junction of Clarence Road and Marina Way, Hartlepool.