Police hunt bike thief

A 13-YEAR-OLD paperboy was forced to hand over his bike to a 16-year-old thief in Middlesbrough, on Friday.

The 16-year-old was 5ft 9in and wore a white cap, a long white coat and bright green trousers. He threatened the paperboy and made off with his mountain bike, at about 3.30pm, in Stockworth Road, Netherfields. Police are appealing for witnesses to phone (01642) 326326.

CHARITY CEILIDH: A ceilidh is being held in Billingham on February 15 to help youngsters with learning disabilities. Blind Stag will be providing the music, and there will be a pie and peas supper. All proceeds go to the Hartburn Lodge amenity fund, which helps disabled youngsters. The event takes place at the Swan Hotel, from 7.30pm to midnight. Tickets are £4. Call (01642) 391700 to book.

CAR SMASH: A passenger had to be freed from a car by firefighters after a two-vehicle crash outside Tall Trees Hotel, Worsall Road, Yarm, at 7.30pm on Saturday. Three casualties were taken to hospital by ambulance after the collision.

CLUB NIGHT: Graduates and professional people are invited to attend Tees Valley IVC's club night, at Middlesbrough Municipal Golf Centre, Ladgate Lane, tonight. The event begins at 8pm. For details, visit www.ivc.org.uk/tees_valley

BOOK SALE: Books, records, bric-a-brac and cakes will be on offer at a sale at Linthorpe Community Centre, Middlesbrough, on Saturday. Admission to the event, between 10am and noon, is 20p. Proceeds go to Teesside Hospice.

LOTTERY HELPERS: Teesside Hospice, in Middlesbrough, is seeking street collectors for its fundraising lottery. Collectors, who must be aged 16 or over, receive commission. For details, call (01642) 814455.

LANE CLOSURES: There will be lane closures this week in Ragpath Lane, Roseworth, while Stockton Borough Council carries out traffic-calming work.

KIOSK BLAZE: Firefighters were called to Brookfield, Middlesbrough, at about 8pm on Saturday, to put out a blaze in a telephone kiosk.

ROAD DELAYS: Temporary traffic lights will be in force in Green Lane, Yarm, for two weeks from today, while gas company Transco carries out work. Traffic delays are expected.