A GANG of youths on bikes attacked a man as he made his way home. The 62-year-old suffered a broken jaw and head injuries after the assault in Telford Road, Sunderland. The incident happened between 9.15pm and 9.20pm on March 30 and the man was taken to hospital for treatment then released. No descriptions of the gang are available. Anyone with information to the attack is asked to call Sunderland Police on 0191-454 7555 (ext 662266).

Man missing: Relatives are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of a 54-year-old man who disappeared from his home in South Bank, Middlesbrough, on May 12 and has not been seen since. Eric Christie is 6ft 3in, of medium build and pale complexion, with grey hair and beard. Anyone knowing Mr Christie's whereabouts is asked to contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 301926.

MEP VISIT: Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat MEP for the North-East, travelled to Ethiopia as part of the European Parliament election observation delegation. Ms Hall, who visited a number of polling stations in the country with other MEPs, said: "We received a warm welcome from the Ethiopian people and the general impression was positive. These elections were conducted in a peaceful manner and represent an important step forward in the democratisation process of Ethiopia and in raising respect and awareness of human rights."

STEAMING WEEKEND: The Tanfield Railway attraction will be open at the end of the month. Passenger trains will be steaming around the restored track, through the Causey Wood, near Stanley, County Durham. The caf, engine and carriage workshops will all be open from 11am on both Sunday and Monday, May 29 and 30. The main station is off the A6076 Sunniside to Stanley road.

CONCERT DATE: Bishop Auckland Choral Society, with members of AK Chorale, present Mendelssohn Elijah at Bishop Auckland Methodist Church, County Durham, on Saturday, at 7.15pm. For tickets call (01388) 834359 or (01388) 604372.

GETTING BETTER: The host of TV's countdown, Richard Whiteley, of East Witton, County Durham, is making a slow and steady recovery following his admission to Bradford's Royal Infirmary on May 6 suffering from pneumonia. A spokesman for the YTV-produced show said they hoped the 61-year-old would be back in front of the cameras soon.

BEER FESTIVAL: The Standard pub in High Street, Northallerton, North Yorkshire is holding a beer festival and various money-raising events later this month. The fun starts on Friday, May 27 and ends on May 31. All money raised will go into a charity account which will be split between local good causes. Last year the pub raised £3,500 for charity.

TV SHOW: Improvisation television show Whose Line Is It Anyway will be filmed at Harrogate Theatre, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, tomorrow, from 8pm. Audience tickets cost between £10 and £15.50. Call (01423) 502116 to book