Redcar MP Vera Baird is urging her constituents to take advantage of a leaflet explaining how people on low incomes can claim extra cash.

The Help the Aged leaflet offers free advice to those over 60 on making claims for Government money to help with housing, council tax and other day-to-day costs. Ms Baird said: "Hundreds of Redcar people could be missing out on Government cash that is waiting to be claimed. This money is theirs by right, it is not charity." To get a leaflet, send a stamped, addressed envelope to Information Department (CYCI), Help the Aged, 207-221 Pentonville Road, London N1 9UZ.

CASH DONATION: Healthcare provider HealthSure has donated £2,500 to Middlesbrough's Teesside Hospice Care Foundation. The cash will be used to fund patient care at the facility in Northgate Road. General manager Maureen Thompson said: "Just 42 per cent of our annual running costs are met by local NHS trusts, so we are grateful to HealthSure for its kind donation."

HARRY POTTER: A magical afternoon in the style of Harry Potter is taking place at Flatts Lane Woodland County Park, in Normanby, Middlesbrough, on Thursday, from 2pm to 4pm. A prize is being awarded for the best Harry Potter costume. The event costs £1. For more information call (01642) 459629. There is also a magic workshop for children, costing £2, but places need to be booked separately.

PUBLIC MEETING: The Eston District Forum's public meeting will take place on Monday, September 2, at 7pm, in the Eston and California Club, High Street, in Eston. The topic of the evening is community safety. MP Vera Baird, will be at the meeting along with Councillor Dave McLuckie.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Age Concern is looking for people willing to lend a hand at its Teesside shops. For further information please contact Samantha Todd on (01642) 805550.

STATION BLAZE: Two cars were destroyed by fire after a service station was set alight. Firefighters were called to the scene on the road between Wolviston Village and Thorpe Thewles at around 10.15pm on Wednesday. It is thought the fire was started in a skip inside a compound and spread to a nearby warehouse containing the cars. Crews from Stockton tackled the blaze, which also destroyed the doors and part of the roof of the building.