Police appeal for witnesses

A WOMAN was dragged into an alleyway by two men who then demanded money. She was held round the neck as her pockets were searched and was left with a small cut on the front of her neck.

The woman was grabbed in Brenda Road, Hartlepool, near its junction with Sydenham Road, and pulled into an alleyway which runs through to Borrowdale Street. The men escaped empty-handed. Witnesses to Saturday night's attack are asked to contact Cleveland Police, on (01642) 302126.

Man hurt: A man sustained head injuries after being struck by a car near the Cleveland Bay pub, on the junction of Yarm Road and Urlay Nook Road, Eaglescliffe.

Driver freed: Firefighters freed a man trapped in his car following a collision at the junction of Overdale Road and Evesham Road, Park End, Middlesbrough, at the weekend.

Writing success: Farmer's wife Barbara Welford from Scaling, Saltburn, has won a cheque for £300 after winning the Farmers' Weekly Frater Memorial writing contest. Freda Phalp, from Great Ayton, won £50 for her story.

Course vacancies: Places are still available for courses, including basic computing and the certificate in counselling, starting at Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough, in January. Details on (01287) 280800.

Marching orders: Former Yarm School pupil Paul Logie, 22, from Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, was one of 200 officer cadets chosen for the Sovereign's passing out parade, before Princess Anne, at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

Building work: A contraflow will continue to operate on the northbound carriageway of the A1053 Tees Dock Road, Grangetown, before moving to the southbound carriageway, until the end of February to allow for the construction of a pipe bridge.

Town Hall tours:

Guided tours of Middlesbrough's Town Hall have been organised for January 16. The tours begin at 11am and the last one is at 4.30pm.

Hospice help: Guisborough Cricket Club has presented a £500 cheque to Teesside Hospice, inspired by the plight of coach John Dale who has responded well to treatment for a brain tumour, paid for by the club.

Appeal boost: The Saltburn Animal Rescue Association (Sara) is £1,000 nearer its dream of building an animal sanctuary thanks to money raised by a Cleveland Police Band concert. Sara members Pat Smith and Dot Raine are inviting sponsors for a dip in the sea off Saltburn pier, on New Year's Day