A MAN accused of murdering his mother has made his first appearance at crown court.

Steven Parker, 43, is said to have stabbed 71-year-old Jean Charlton at the home they shared in Berwick, Oxclose, Washington, on August 17. No plea was taken during the short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday. Parker was remanded in custody until his next appearance before the court on October 30.

THEFT DENED: A caretaker at a top North Yorkshire school has appeared in court charged with stealing hundreds of pounds worth of equipment. Neil Kitching, 38, of Rydal Road, Harrogate, pleaded not guilty to theft of school property valued at £850, including ten rugby balls and ten tennis balls, tennis rackets, cricket equipment, tools and cookery books from Harrogate Grammar School where he is an assistant site manager. The hearing at Harrogate magistrates was adjourned until September 11 when a trial date is expected to be fixed.

THINKING TIME: Meditation classes start next week at venues in Darlington, Catterick Garrison, Middlesbrough and Durham. There is no charge for the eight-week courses but a donation of £4 per class is suggested. Classes run from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Tuesday classes are at the Atisha Buddhist centre, Milton Street, Darlington, and the St John's Centre, Shute Road, Catterick Garrison. On Thursdays, classes are held at Darlington Arts Centre and Alington House, 4, North Bailey, Durham. Friday sessions are at St Mary's Centre, 82-90 Corporation Road, Middlesbrough. Further details are available from Debbi Johnson, education programme coordinator, on (01325) 365265 or (07789) 072604.

FESTIVAL PRAISE: Music lovers have earned police praise for their good behaviour at a free festival. Jezfest, held over the bank holiday weekend on Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, attracted about 800 people. Police made only two arrests, for minor drugs offences. Chief Inspector Judith Common of Newcastle East area police said: "Everyone who came along seemed to enjoy themselves and there was an excellent atmosphere.

GARDEN OPENS: A bio diverse garden, built by a group of people with physical and learning disabilities will be officially opened at the Westerhope Centre in Westerhope, Newcastle, today. The project was undertaken as part of Newcastle City Council's Bio-diversity plan.

CHARITY DO: Music lovers have ensured the success of a charity concert celebrating 50 years of medical research next week. All tickets have been sold for a fundraising event starring opera singer Graeme Danby in Bowes Museum on Wednesday. The concert, which also features Danby's wife Valerie Reid, mezzo-soprano Alison Hudson and baritone Richard Morrison is organised by the Bishop Auckland committee of Action Research.