A MAN has made his first appearance at crown court accused of videotaping himself raping a child.

John Thomas Mather, 57, is facing a total of six charges - two of rape, unlawful sexual intercourse, indecent assault, making indecent photographs of a child and gross indecency towards a girl under 16. All offences are said to have been committed between May 2001 and this September. No pleas were taken during a short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday and Mr Mather, of George Scott Street, South Shields, South Tyneside, was remanded in custody. His next appearance before the court will be on December 17.

WOMAN NAMED: Police have named a 20-year-old woman who was found dead in a house at Kearsley Close, Seaton Deleval, Blyth, Northumberland, on Friday, as Alexandra Montgomery, of Linden Road, Seaton Deleval. They are still awaiting the result of toxicology tests.

KITCHEN FIRE: A woman was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital suffering from shock and smoke inhalation after her oven caught fire while she was making Sunday lunch. Two appliances attended the blaze in Harris Street, Darlington, but the fire had been put out before they arrived.

CASE ADJOURNED: The case against County Durham teacher Andrew Guffick, formerly of Commercial Street, Ferryhill Station, was adjourned at Teesside Crown Court until Friday for psychiatric reports. Guffick previously pleaded guilty to nine charges of making indecent photographs of a child.

ECHO OFFER: The Northern Echo has several copies of the latest Ms Dynamite CD to give away. The award-winning artist's CD is called A Little Deeper and is receiving excellent reviews. For your chance to win, log on to www.thisisrevolution.co.uk

WEDDING FAIR: People with wedding plans will be able to find all the services they need at an exhibition in the National Glass Centre, Sunderland, from 6pm to 8pm today. Among the exhibitors will be Chantilly Bride, Wedding Essentials, Greenwoods, and Satchi hair salon, along with firms offering car hire, flowers, photography and cakes. Admission costs £1.50, including a glass of wine.

WALK SUCCESS: Members of Billingham Synthonia Club raised more than £4,000 for the John Butterwick Hospice, in Stockton, with a sponsored walk. Thirty-four members completed the 34-mile White Rose Walk from Kilburn to Roseberry Topping in 13 hours.

COBLE RESCUE: A coble called Providence which lost its power a mile out in the North Sea yesterday, was towed back to harbour by Hartlepool lifeboat.