THE General Medical Council is launching a new inquiry into complaints from seven patients of a former North-East gynaecologist, submitted after he was found guilty of serious professional misconduct last week, relating to a botched abortion at a private Birmingham clinic.

Andrew Gbingie, 47, who previously worked at South Tyneside General Hospital and Newcastle Royal Infirmary, could be struck off if the latest allegations are proved, after being allowed to continue working after last week's GMC hearing.

ACTION PLAN: The Government would handle future outbreaks of foot-and-mouth differently from its response in 2001, according to a new contingency plan. Animal health minister Elliott Morley said key recommendations include an immediate movement ban on animals, consideration of emergency vaccination, incinerator disposal of animal carcasses preferred to less favoured options of rendering and open air burning, plus closure of footpaths in a 1.86-mile radius of infected premises.

FREE WORKSHOP: Non-profit groups and charities interested in setting up a community website are invited to a free workshop hosted by The Northern Echo's CommuniGate programme, at Darlington's Crown Street Library, from 10am to noon tomorrow, and 5pm to 7pm on Thursday. Call Andrew Hutton on (01325) 505270 or visit: www.communigate.co.uk/ne

MURDER CHARGE: Suhel Miah, 21, who is accused of murdering 63-year-old Hashi Dualeh at a bedsit in Beach Road, South Shields, last month, made his first appearance at Newcastle Crown Court. No plea was taken and Miah, of Wallington Grove, South Shields, was remanded in custody until June 10.

MEDIUMS MEET: Rainbow's End is holding a five-day seminar called Mediumship Made Simple at Darlington Spiritualist Church, Denmark Street, Darlington. Special guests are Bill Fiddes and Yvonne Saint. The event starts on Monday and costs £50 for the week or £10 a day. For more information, call Vi Kipling on (01325) 252754.

BOY TRAPPED: A three-year-old boy was released unhurt by firefighters after he trapped his leg in a baby gate at his home in Whessoe Road, Hardwick, Stockton, just after 9.30am yesterday. He was unhurt.

GREAT ESCAPE: Childline North-East is urging people to take part in its Great Escape Challenge on Saturday, June 21. The team that travels the furthest within 24 hours will win. For more details, call Joanne Summers on 0191-383 2554.

DRIVING TEST: Darlington Advanced Motorists will carry out free assessments of people's driving at Morrison's, Morton Park, in Darlington, between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Sunday.

CHALLENGERS HUNT: The National Deaf Children's Society is looking for anyone interested in joining in its 400km Cycle Cuba Challenge. Participants must raise £2,300 to take part. Call 0870 1290111 for details.