A 34-year-old businessman is recovering after an attack in Cleadon Lane, South Tyneside, at 8.30pm on Thursday.

A police spokesman said the man was driving his grey BMW 525 when another car overtook him causing him to stop. A masked man got out of the car and broke the driver's window. The victim, who drove off to alert the police, was shaken but unhurt. Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-454 75555.

ROBBERY bid: Two men fled empty handed after holding up staff at a charity shop in Shields Road, Byker, Newcastle, at 3pm on Thursday. A police spokesman said the men demanded a key to the safe, but were told there was no safe in the shop. One of the men was described as 5ft 10in, wearing a blue cap, sweatshirt and jeans.

DEAD MAN: Lothian and Borders Police have appealed for help in tracing the relatives or friends of Sholto Douglas, 58, who was found dead in an Edinburgh flat on Friday September 13. There were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. A police spokesman Mr Douglas was believed to be from the Newcastle area and it was hoped his unusual Christian name would be recognised. Anyone with information can contact 0131-661 3362.

AWARD HOPE: A student hopes to be named National Young Designer of the Year at a ceremony in Gateshead today. Allison Robinson, 18, qualified for the final of the Audi Design Foundation competition with a design for a baby's cot. If she beats competition from 27 other finalists, the Hartlepool Sixth Form College A-level student will get to spend four weeks with an Audi design team and will receive paid work experience and a £500-a-year university bursary.

BOAT RACE: As part of Children's Hospice Awareness Week, Butterwick Children's Hospice, Stockton, is hosting a dragon boat race on the River Wear, in Durham, tomorrow. The event starts at 10am and will go on until late afternoon, and eight teams from all over the North-East will compete for the winner's trophy.