A WEEKLY activity session has been launched in Hartlepool which aims to prove that getting in better shape can be fun.

It takes place on Wednesdays at the town's Belle Vue Sports Centre, Kendal Road, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Health trainer Alexa Carter will show people how to use to strengthen their muscles and exercise their heart and lungs. There are also monthly advice sessions. Topics covered include preventing osteoporosis, diet tips and aromatherapy. Sessions cost £1.60, or £1 for concessions, and are open to people of all ages. For further details, call Margaret Boddy on (01429) 861866.

RUNNERS NEEDED: Hartle-pool and District Hospice is appealing for anyone taking part in this year's Great North Run to lend their support. Anyone helping will be provided with a training T-shirt and sponsor forms. For more details, call Lynne on (01429) 292127.

COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning will be held at Norton Green Community Centre, Norton, on Saturday, from 10am to noon. There is an entrance fee of 50p with proceeds going to the Stockton Borough Carers Resource Centre. Stalls include a tombola and books.

HEALTHY INTERVENTION: Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon has lent his support to a campaign launched by South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, appealing to men to come forward with their health concerns ranging from prostate, testicular and head and neck cancers to sun awareness, diet, cigarettes and alcohol.

TRADING PLACES: Teachers and lecturers from schools at Coulby Newham, Hartlepool and Guisborough College are on a week's placement with Cleveland Police as part of a development project. They have taken part in a police recruitment test, a court visit and a fire arms lecture.

ALL CHANGE: Detective Superintendent Mark Braithwaite has been promoted as district police commander of Hartlepool, having spent the past year responsible for all Cleveland Police murder inquiries. Superintendent John Tough, Stockton's crime manager, is to become the town's district commander. He started as a police constable and then as a detective in the district.

BLOOMING BOOST: Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council has donated £1,500 towards the resort's entry in the Northumbrian and Britain in Bloom competitions this year.