A CLAMPDOWN on vandalism and anti-social behaviour at garage sites in Hartlepool is to be extended. Hartlepool Borough Council is to spend £1,700 on a set of 1.8m high security gates and perimeter fencing to prevent unauthorised access to garages in Spearman Walk. This follows the success of similar measures at Clavering Road and Wentworth Grove, where the blocks of garages had become a regular target for vandals, the latter being reduced to a semi-derelict condition.

SEAL WATCH: A chance to catch a glimpse of seals and other wildlife in the Teesmouth estuary is on offer this weekend. Seal watches are to be held at noon and 1pm tomorrow from an observation hide in the grounds of Hartlepool Power Station. Anyone wanting to take part in the free event should meet at the Teesmouth Field Centre, off Tees Road, Hartlepool. Booking is essential by contacting (01429) 853325.

NEW HOUSES: Python Properties has applied to Stockton Borough Council for planning permission to change the use of The Grange nursing home, Yarm Road, Stockton, into three houses.

CHARITY NIGHT: A charity night will be held at The Ladle, Middlesbrough, on Monday, August 12, from 8.30pm to 1am, in aid of Ova The Rainbow, a support group dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by ovarian cancer. Tickets cost £12 and include disco and buffet. It will also feature Steve Preston as Elvis. Anyone interested in attending is asked to contact Bill or Ann on (01642) 647074.

SUMMER FUN: A summer fun day will be held at Lynnfield Primary School, Hartlepool, on Sunday, between 11am and 4pm. Attractions include a puppet show, live music, kite-making, sports competitions, pony rides and a karaoke competition. The event will start with a parade. Admission is free.

TREE TRAIL: Hartlepool Borough Council's countryside team has invited people to take part in a seven-mile walk on Sunday. The walk, The Great Tree Trail (Part II), is a follow up to a similar event held last month. The route will take in Greatham, Brierton and Claxton, and there will be a chance to learn more about native trees. That walk takes place from 10am to 2pm and is free. Anyone wishing to take part should meet at the Sheaf Thrower statue, in Greatham. They should also take a packed lunch.

ABSEIL APPEAL: A father and son from Middlesbrough are appealing for sponsors when they take part in a charity abseil on Sunday. Bill Ling, 39, a laboratory technician at the University of Teesside, and his 11-year-old son Jack, will abseil from the Tyne Bridge in aid of The Katie Trust, a children's cancer charity dedicated to the memory of Katie Neal, who died in March 1999 from a brain tumour. Anyone willing to sponsor them can call 07813 381 6009 or (01642) 342451.