An inquest into the death of Joseph William Ward, of Birtley, near Gateshead, is due to open at the North Durham Coroner's office, Elliott Street, Crook, County Durham, at 9am today.

Mr Ward died when he was crushed by a forklift truck at a Co-op distribution centre on the Drum Industrial Estate, Chester-le-Street.

COACH TRIP: The reader travel department at The Northern Echo is arranging a coach trip to The Designer Room discount store, at Jacksons Landing, Hartlepool Marina, on Thursday, February 27. The trip will coincide with a Buy One Get One Free promotion on thousands of selected designer brands, such as DKNY, Calvin Klein and Jasper Conran. It costs £3 per person for return coach travel from pick-up points in the North-East. To book, call (01325) 505240 or 505290.

PARADE CALL: Volunteers are being sought to take part in identity parades in Middlesbrough in the next three weeks. Police are looking for youths aged 14 to 18, of slim to medium build with red or ginger hair. They will be paid £5 for registering and £10 per hour per parade for taking part. Officers may be able to arrange transport. Anyone interested can call Sergeant John Baines on (01642) 303280.

DRUGS SURVEY: One in five people has suffered ill effects after taking medication incorrectly, a survey commissioned by Tesco Pharmacy has found. It also revealed that ten per cent of people had given their prescribed drugs, including contraceptives and sleeping pills, to someone else.

DIY DISASTERS: Channel Five is searching for Britain's worst DIY enthusiast, to be featured in a show. Producers are appealing to people to nominate their partners if they have been involved in a DIY disaster. Anyone interested can call Mark Procter on 020 7258 6714.

RUNNERS WANTED: North-East fitness fans are wanted to take part in the Great North Run on September 21, in aid of the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals. For details call Paul Wharton on 0113 2756491.

GREEN AWARD: Newcastle City Council's fleet of vehicles, many of which run on more environmentally-friendly Liquid Petroleum Gas, was highly commended award in the Best Eco Fleet of the Year section of the Fleet Excellence Awards.