POLICE believe two shop raids in Redcar on Saturday are linked. In the first incident, a man walked into Booze Busters off-licence, in Roseberry Square, on the Lakes estate, at about 9.15pm. After threatening staff he made off with the till.

About 20 minutes later, a man armed with a knife tried to steal cash from Green Lane Wine Shop. On both occasions, the man wore a baseball cap and sunglasses.

Anyone with information about the raids is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Paul Richardson on (01642) 302626

PARISH ELECTIONS: At the annual parish meeting in Guisborough, Alec Harrington stood down as church warden after serving for eight years. Heather Whitehead was elected in his place and Audrey Johnson was re-elected unopposed. The wardens will be sworn in at a service in Nunthorpe Parish Hall tomorrow, at 7pm.

MEMORY LANE: Marske Pensioners and Friends group are holding a nostalgia show at the Cheshire Home, in Marske tomorrow, from 2pm to 4pm. Tickets priced £1 are available at the door.

YORKSHIRE GLORY: Graeme Aldous will present Nell's Glorious Yorkshire when Guisborough Retired Men's Forum meets at Guisborough Cricket Club today, at 10.30am.

TV REPORT: Yarm School will feature in tonight's BBC1 4x4 Reports programme, which will be looking at school examinations. The programme starts at 7.30pm.

ROADWORKS RETURN: Stockton Borough Council will continue work on the cobbled areas of Yarm High Street this week.

FURNITURE APPEAL: Hartlepool and District Hospice is appealling for good quality pieces of furniture to sell in its shops. Three-piece suites must carry a Fire Resistant label. To arrange for free collection, call the hospice warehouse on (01429) 869286.

NEW CENTRE: Planning approval has been given for a clinical academic centre at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

COFFEE MORNING: St Peter's Church will hold a coffee morning at All Saints' Church, Hartburn Village, Hartlepool, on Saturday. Entrance is 50p and proceeds will go to Christian Aid.