Police say thieves are cashing in on careless shoppers, by ordering catalogue goods and items over the telephone - quoting Visa and Switch card numbers on discarded till receipts.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police say crooks are even rooting through dustbins to find people's account details. "Our advice to people is always shred or burn receipts. Always destroy them, never throw them away or leave them lying around," she said.

CARAVAN FIRE: Police are investigating a blaze which destroyed a caravan parked on a driveway in Jutland Road, Hartlepool, yesterday, and spread to two cars parked on the other side of a picket fence.

SLIMMER'S ACCOLADE: Ann Jennison has been awarded the title of Diamond Leader after being nominated by slimmers at Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, in recognition of outstanding service.

YOU CHOOSE: Residents can have a say about the priorities of charity Middlesbrough Environment City which is taking an exhibition and displays roadshow to the Lingfield Countryside Centre, Middlesbrough, tomorrow and Centre North East, in the centre of town, on Wednesday.

DUO SALUTED: Kerry Duff and Sarah Harrison, both students at Bede College, Billingham, are to receive Millennium Volunteer awards for completing 100 hours of voluntary work, which included helping to organise canoe club meetings and working with special needs children. The presentations are being made at the Elland Road Football Ground, in Leeds.

CHARITY TV: Tyne Tees Television is offering voluntary groups and charities the opportunity to publicise specific services or appeals on a free, mid-afternoon slot called Community Link.

SNAP LESSONS: Tips on how to repair old photographs and make special effects with images are included in digital imagery courses starting at the City Learning Centre, Eston, next Monday. For details, call (01642) 467138.

FREDDIE VISIT: Madcap comic and impressionist Freddie Starr is bringing his one man show to Middlesbrough Town Hall in June.