Police are appealing for help in tracing a man who gained entry to a sheltered housing complex.

On Saturday, the man thought to be in his 20s, gained entry to Ted Fletcher Court off Salters Lane South in Darlington.

He walked into an unlocked flat and told the elderly 88-year-old woman living there he was a new warden.

The man, who was 5ft 8ins tall and of thin build, went through to the sitting room, where he sat on the sofa. He then started searching the room and a hand bag.

Inspector Bill Bentham explained that when the woman told him he would not find anything of value in the flat, he left.

The man was wearing a blue track suit, was clean shaven and had blonde hair and spoke with a Darlington accent.

Anyone with information should contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681.

*A man charged with the burglary of an elderly couple in Wesmoreland Street, Darlington appeared before Magistrates yesterday.

Keith Alan Dixon, 28, of no fixed abode, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Court charged with stealing £900 from the couple on February 4, as well as handling stolen goods between February 5 and 12 and stealing bottles of spirits and a camera worth £45 on January 21.

He will reappear at court on April 14 when the case will be committed to crown court.