MILITANT countryside campaigners caused chaos yesterday as they blockaded every major route between Scotland and England.

The Rural Rebels drove tractors, trucks, vans and cars at a snail's pace, leading to huge tailbacks.

The action was a protest at the Government's continued refusal to hold an independent inquiry into the foot-and-mouth outbreak. Scores of supporters blocked border crossing points on the M74 at Gretna, the A68 at Carter Bar and the A1 north of Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland.

Guiding light: Guide leader Margaret Burniston has been presented with the Laurel Award for her consistent high standards and dedication to guiding after more than 40 years' service. Mrs Burniston, from Redcar, is outdoor activities advisor to the movement on Teesside and is the first person in 20 years in the area to get the Laurel Award.

Skater snacks: Organ-isers of the outdoor ice rink in the centre of Middlesbrough have come up with an answer to the present cold snap - free hot soup each day between 12pm and 2pm for skaters who have forgotten their packed lunch.

Deaths file: Lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service are still studying the file prepared by police on the accident in September on Old Durham Road, East Rainton, near Durham City, in which a car crashed into a bus shelter which collapsed, killing two men. The woman driver is on police bail waiting to hear if she will face charges.

Street cash: A street collection by the Royal Air Forces Association, cancelled in September because it clashed with a planned National Front demonstration in Sunderland, will now take place on Saturday, December 29, in the city and at Hetton-le-Hole and Houghton-le-Spring. The charity helps former RAF personnel and their spouses.

GET CONNECTED: A smart-card is being launched in the North-East in a bid to get youngsters to stay in education after the age of 16. The Connexions Card aims to encourage young people to stay on in education and training by offering rewards in return for a commitment to learning. The card is available to 16 to 19-year-olds offering discounts in a variety of high street retailers. Cardholders also build up points as they attend learning sessions at schools, colleges or through work-based training.

Ping pong: England will entertain Slovakia in a European League table tennis fixture at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Thursday, at 7pm. Tickets are available from the centre, priced £5 for adults, £2 juniors and £10 per family, (two adults and two children). For details, contact the leisure centre on (01325) 300500.

Climbing down: John Walton, chief financial officer with Hartlepool Borough Council, is retiring from his post as treasurer to the Cleveland Fire Authority, at Christmas. He has been authority treasurer since local government re-organisation in 1996.

Circular stroll: A six or seven-mile afternoon circular walk leaves the Angel Hotel at Loftus, east Cleveland, tomorrow at 1.30pm. It is organised by the Cleveland branch of the Ramblers Association.