FRAUD squad detectives fear the elderly on Teesside are being targeted in an unscrupulous conmen operation.

The crooks are sending out postcards "guaranteeing'' a share of £100m Government cash made up of cold weather payments and pension top-ups in return for a £10 registration fee.

"If these cards are being targeted on the elderly, it is a particularly cruel con," said Detective Constable Ray Savage of Cleveland Police.

ANIMATED ACCENTS: Independent Northern Publishers and Cleveland Arts is presenting Animated Accents, a celebration of creative writing and publishing from the North-East. The event takes place in Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt on Saturday, from 11am to 11pm. For further information contact Bob Beagrie on (01642) 264651.

FLOWER POWER: Saltburn is competing in the national finals of the Britain in Bloom contest, in the category small coastal resort. Sponsors and helpers can contact (01642) 624046.

LUCKY STRIKE: Vincent Metcalfe, from Thornaby, won £500 when he answered questions from a roadside survey team while taking his family bowling at Teesside Park, near Stockton.

SPEAKER'S DUTIES: Middlesbrough Council Speaker, Councillor Ken Hall, will present a trophy and prizes donated by local businesses, at an invitation indoor cricket championship on Sunday. The tournament has been organised by Teesside University student Michael Elliott.

LAUNCH CUTS: Car dealership Jennings Ford are celebrating the opening of a commercial vehicle centre in Cargo Fleet Lane, Middlesbrough, by reducing the price of more than 100 used commercial vehicles for three days this month.

LANGUAGE COURSE: Redcar Adult Learning Centre is running a beginners course in Italian. Class take place on Thursday evenings and for details ring (01642) 490409.

FUND SALE: A table-top sale in aid of Saltburn's three-day folk festival in August, will be held in the town's community centre on Saturday.

SECURITY ADVICE: People are being urged to take simple precautionary measures following 16 burglaries in two weeks in Ayresome Park Road and Berner Street, Middlesbrough. Cleveland Police advise that residents lock their doors, leave lights on and radios playing if they are going out.

NEW TAKE-AWAY: Hartlepool Borough Council have received a planning application to change the use of a shop in Lancelot Street, Hartlepool into a hot food take-away shop.

HOSPICE WALK: Hartlepool and District Hospice are looking for people to take part in the Great North Walk on Sunday, July 13, and help raise money for the hospice. Anyone wanting to take part in the event is asked to contact Kevin Kidd on (01429) 288252.