POLICE suspect a missing teenager from Scotland could have returned to his roots on Teesside.

Kyle Sherlock, 13, is missing from the Thornhill area of Dumfries. Officers from Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary said he was last seen there at about 8pm on Wednesday, June 26, when he was spotted getting into a white Ford Fiesta. Kyle is originally from Billingham and there have been several reported sightings of him in the town. He was described as about 5ft 7in, of medium build, with light brown hair cut short, and a fair complexion. When last seen he was wearing grey track suit bottoms, a red T-shirt, blue jacket and white trainers. Anyone with information on Kyle's whereabouts is asked to contact Dumfries and Galloway police on (01659) 58299.

POLICY PLATFORM: Stock-ton South's constituency Labour Party has invited David Miliband, South Shields MP and the new Minister for School Standards, to be the keynote speaker at its next forum. Mr Miliband will focus on trade and industry during his speech, which is expected to last between 20 and 30 minutes. Feedback and opinions will eventually be sent in a report to Labour's National Policy Commission. The forum is open to all party members, and the public. More details are available from Dari Taylor on (01642) 604456.

A CUT ABOVE: Two food experts at Hartlepool's Asda store helped the branch scoop the Meat Journal Supermeat Award for the North of England for the second year running. Fish supervisor June Haliman and meat manager Dave Milcher were wined and dined at the London Hilton where TV presenter Clive Anderson handed out their prize. They beat competition from eight other northern supermarkets.

FAIR GAMES: Hartburn primary school's summer fair takes place on Monday in the school grounds at Adelaide Grove, Stockton. Visitors can browse round stalls selling everything from sweets to samosas, with face painting, tombolas, a white elephant stall, bouncy castles and a whole range of family games. Refreshments will be on sale, including home-made cakes. Entry costs 30p but children accompanying adults will be admitted free. The fun starts at 6pm and lasts two hours.

SAFE AND SOUND: Homes in the Owton Manor area of Hartlepool are being made more secure. In a joint project between Hartlepool Crime Prevention Panel and Hartlepool Borough Council, 350 homes of elderly people are now having door and window alarms fitted.

COFFEE BREAK: A charity coffee morning will be held at All Saints Church Hall, Hartburn, next Tuesday, from 10.30am to 1.30pm, in aid of cancer care at local hospitals. Admission is 50p and there will be a cake stall, tombola, jumble sale and bric-a-brac.