A 23-year-old man had to undergo surgery after a chunk of his ear was bitten off in an unprovoked attack.

The assault happened at 11pm on Sunday, outside Sammy Jacks pub, in Front Street, Tynemouth. The victim was treated at North Tyneside Hospital, where a 4cm piece of his ear was re-attached. His assailant was described as white, 5ft 8in, of medium build and wearing a blue checked shirt. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0191-2146555.

TOWER CRACKS: Experts are undertaking vital repair work after a crack appeared in the 60ft Lilburn Tower at Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland. English Heritage staff are using the latest modern techniques in a bid to match the repair to the original stonework.

DATE SET: The hit-and-run driver involed in an incident in which six-year-old Leonie Shaw was killed on the A688 Bishop Auckland bypass will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, September 6. Colin Meek, of Salvin Street, Spennymoor, pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving when he appeared at Leeds Crown Court earlier this month. The case had been adjourned for pre-sentence reports.

WALL BUS: A summer bus catering for cyclists and people with disabilities starts running along the length of Hadrian's Wall, from Wallsend to Bowness on Solway, this week. Service AD122 can carry four bikes and has a low floor for easy access and space for a wheelchair. For details, contact (01434) 322002.