TOP PERFORMER: Stockton Borough Council is celebrating after winning a prestigious award for its work in delivering housing services. The council has been named "strategic local authority of the year" in the 2013 UK Housing Awards, which are organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing and Inside Housing magazine. The award recognises its work on empty housing, supporting residents and its key regeneration targets.

MURDER MYSTERY: Butterwick Children’s Hospice it hosting a murder mystery evening to raise vital funds on May 24, from 7pm in The Swan Hotel, Billingham, near Stockton. Tickets cost £9.50 each and include pie and peas. To order tickets call the fundraising office on 01642-628930.

URDU LESSONS: From Monday, May 6, Middlesbrough independent bookshop, the Boro Bookworm will start classes in Urdu for Beginners. The bookshop is based in the Forbes Buildings, unit 19, First floor, 311- 321 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough. The class with be run by a qualified teacher every Monday from 4pm to 5.30pm.

STOLEN HELMETS: Cleveland Police is appealing for information regarding the theft of 20 ski helmets and pads from a car in Middlesbrough. The helmets, which are marked with University of Teesside, were stolen from a car parked in Chester Street in Middlesbrough between April 20 and 22. Anyone with any information about the incident or who knows of the whereabouts of the helmets are asked to contact PC Martin Craddy on Cleveland Police’s non-emergency number 101 or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.