SERVICE station staff were left shocked but unhurt after they were threatened by two men brandishing an axe and a hammer.

The incident happened at the Esso garage, in the A1 northbound Granada services, Gateshead, at 8.45pm, on Saturday. Two men entered the garage and threatened staff before stealing a quantity of cash and cigarettes, and running off towards Portobello Road, in the direction of Birtley. The first robber was described as 5ft 9in, and of slim build. He wore dark blue clothes, a fleece top, white trainers and a home-made hood. His accomplice was of slim build and wore a similar hood, a dark three-quarter length coat with white stripes and twin rings around the upper arms, and light coloured trousers. Witnesses are asked to contact Gateshead west CID on 0191-454 755, extension 64344.

FOCUS ON HEALTH: Polit-icians, health professionals, unions and patients gathered for a health service meeting at the weekend. More than 50 people attended the policy consultation meeting at County Hall, Durham, on Saturday. Among the speakers were Dr Peter Jones, a consultant paediatrician, Linda Hoffman from Unison, MP Kevan Jones and Government Chief Whip and North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong. Views expressed at the event will be written up for inclusion in the Labour Party's policy discussions to prepare for the next General Election manifesto.

SPONSORED TODDLE: Pup-ils from Red Rose Primary School, Chester-le-Street, and their parents and grandparents will take part in a sponsored toddle to raise money for the school and Cancer Research UK, on Wednesday, June 19, at 2pm. They will complete six laps of the playing field and will each receive a certificate.

JUBILEE EXHIBITION: An exhibition looking at how the British have lived over the past 50 years takes place at Seaton Holme visitor centre, Hall Walks, Easington Village, from Friday to Sunday, June 21 to 23. The display, to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee, will feature a 1950s' house, complete with tin bath in front of a kitchen fire in a traditional North-East "front room".

CHARITY BOOST: The people of Chester-le-Street boosted the funds of the Durham and District branch of the MS Society by £408.79 with a street collection in the town on May 25. Proceeds have already been allocated to multiple sclerosis sufferers in the Durham and Chester-le-Street areas.

TEDDIES' PICNIC: An annual teddy bear's picnic will be staged at Shotton Hall, Old Shotton, Peterlee, on Sunday, from 2pm to 5pm. Entertainment features fairground rides, a bouncy castle, Punch and Judy show, flea circus, face-painting, jazz bands, a balloon race, and various prizes for the best-dressed teddy. Entry is free, but proceeds from the various activities will go towards the Mayor of Peterlee's charity appeal fund.