Pair jailed over drugs ring

Two men have been jailed after undercover police smashed a drug dealing ring which was supplying Ecstasy tablets to clubbers. Officers launched the investigation after a tip-off that drugs were being sold in a night club at Ocean Road, South Shields. Newcastle Crown Court heard how police approached Robert Adams, 28, and Daniel Wallace, 22, and were readily supplied the drug. Wallace, of Bedford Avenue, South Shields, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and Ecstasy with intent to supply and eight charges of supplying a class A drug. Adams, of Baring Street, South Shields, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and Ecstasy and three charges of supplying a class A drug. Judge David Wood jailed them both for eight years.

WALKS WARNING: Coastguards are advising people who like to walk off their Christmas dinner along coastal footpaths to keep away from cliff edges, not to climb cliffs and to keep children and animals under control. Anyone wanting further advice is advised to contact local coastguards, who are listed in the local phone directories.

Piping up: Members of the Cleveland branch of the Northumbrian Pipers Society will play a selection of carols and northern folk tunes in the period street, at Preston Park Museum, near Stockton, on Sunday.

SITES FOR SALE: Two prime council-owned sites are being put on the market for holiday developments in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The resort's Futurist Theatre complex and land at the 19-acre Mere are being promoted to developers nationwide to attract new investment and boost the local holiday industry, which is worth about £320m a year.

Papal audience: Lecturer Gaye Ortiz met Pope John Paul II at a private audience in the Vatican. Gaye, who is head of cultural studies and senior lecturer in theology and religious studies at York St John College, was attending the world assembly of Signis, the World Catholic Association for Communication.

School closes: The Red House prep school at Moor Monkton, near York, has closed because of dwindling numbers. The school had been due to celebrate its centenary next year. "It became impossible to carry on with the numbers we had," said headteacher Major Anthony Gordon.

high note: Langbaurgh Brass Band will be performing Christmas carols at Teesside International Airport today, from 11am to 2pm.

COINS APPEAL: Marie Curie Cancer Care is appealing for spare foreign currency, which can be converted into cash to support the nursing service. For more information contact (0191) 3823311.

BUSKING IT: Help The Aged is looking for volunteer buskers, clowns, face painters, bands and other entertainers for a country fair at Bobby Shafto's estate in Spennymoor, County Durham, on July 13 and 14. Organisers are also hoping to host a vintage car, bike and bus preservation display. Contact Peter Beaty on (01325) 313924.