POLICE are looking for thieves who smashed their way into a doctor's car and stole his bag, containing a range of drugs.

The bag contained morphine, diazepam and pethadine. The car, a Suzuki, was parked in Kellfield Avenue, at the rear of Kelbrook Way, Pallister Park, Middlesbrough, yesterday afternoon. Anyone with information to help the police should ring (01642) 303126.

Surgery changes: Due to refurbishment work at Linthorpe Community Centre, Middlesbrough, Councillor Frances McIntyre's first ward surgery of the New Year for Park Ward residents has been rescheduled from 11am to noon on Friday, not Monday, as previously arranged. Councillor John McPartland's next ward surgery for Kader residents will be held from 11am to noon at Nature's World, on Ladgate Lane, next Saturday.

Walk on: People are invited to take part in a nine to ten-mile winter walk in the company of countryside wardens on Wednesday, January 15. The walk is from the Guisborough Forest and Walkway through Morton Grange to Langbaurgh Quarry, returning via Airy Holme Farm and Roseberry Common. Book in advance by calling 01287 631132.

Panto fun: More than 500 children enjoyed a matinee performance of Goldilocks and the Three Amazing Bears at Billingham Forum yesterday afternoon. The youngsters were all taking part in Stockton's Children's Fund Programme. Six young competition winners also got the chance to meet the stars of the show, Keith Harris and Orville the Duck.

Festive fitness: A ten-week weight loss course designed to help those who have over-indulged during Christmas starts in Redcar this month. The class meets at Redcar Adult Education Centre from 6.30pm to 8pm. The course starts on January 15. The fee is £13 or £3 for concessions. For details, call (01642) 475397.

Trees recycled: People are invited to drop off their unwanted Christmas trees in the Guisborough Forest and Walkway car park, at Pinchinthorpe. They will be chipped at the end of the month and the chippings used on site for a variety of projects, including mulching hedgerows and flower beds.

Little dancers: The Cleveland Theatre School on Belasis Avenue, Billingham, is opening a baby dance centre. Children aged from three to eight years will be able to pick music and each month learn a new dance routine.

Shoppers stranded: Three customers were rescued by firefighters after being trapped in a lift in British Home Stores in Middlesbrough town centre yesterday.

Slim fast: Weightwatchers Club will resume at Thornaby's Asda store on Wednesday, between 7pm and 8pm in the store restaurant.

Meet and greet: Green Lane Women's Institute meets on Wednesday, at 2pm, at St Mary's Church Hall, Green Lane, Acklam.