A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a crash as he left the A19 in County Durham.

The accident happened at 5.45pm on Sunday, as the rider of the Suzuki motorcycle left the road at the Easington exit, on the northbound carriageway, and hit a lamppost. He suffered multiple internal injuries and was confirmed dead a short time later at Hartlepool General Hospital. Police are appealing for witnesses to call them on 0191-375 2159.

ENGINES UP: One of the region's most impressive Victorian monuments has been brought to life. The engines at Ryhope Pumping Station, near Sunderland, were built in 1868 but closed in 1967. They were re-ignited for visitors at the weekend. Wearside Model Power Boats Club also held a display at the station, while members of Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society gave people tours in a 1964 Daimler Double Decker bus.

BRANCH MEETS: The newly formed Durham branch of the UK Independence Party will hold its first meeting on Thursday, at 7.30pm, in Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Durham City. The speakers will be Charlotte Bull, the party's North-East organiser, who is standing in the region in next year's European elections, and Peter Troy, the chairman of the Sedgefield and Darlington branch of the party. To attend, call 0191-377 9316.

MUSIC RUN: International concert pianist Phillip Dyson will visit the North-East twice next month. The musician is widely recognised as one of Britain's most sought-after and innovative concert pianists, and will be arriving at the Gala Theatre, in Durham, in the middle of a world tour. He will perform at the venue on September 3 and will return to the North again on September 21, when he will take part in the Great North Run.

AIR WIN: The latest winners of the Great North Air Ambulance Service Lottery have been announced. The winner of the £200 prize for the August draw is ticket number 07040, second prize of £100 went to ticket holder 13818, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, and the £50 prize went to ticket 05254. Two people, in Redcar, east Cleveland, and Tweedmouth, Northumberland, won £25 each. There were also 25 people who won £10 each.

ROCKY DATE: The Rocky Horror Show will celebrate its 30th anniversary at Darlington's Civic Theatre next month. The show stars Jonathan Wilkes and will run from September 22 to 27. Tickets cost from £16.50 to £25, with concessions available. To book, call (01325) 486555.

LITERATURE EVENT: Durham Literature Festival will be held from Sunday, September 14, to Sunday, October 19, and will feature readings from authors. For a full list of events, call 0191-301 8245.

SPOONS COME OUT: The world spoon-playing championships will be held in the region on Saturday, September 6. The competition is the highlight of the annual festival in Trimdon, County Durham.

BLAZE RESCUE: A man was rescued from his house by firefighters during a blaze in Woodside Avenue, York, at the weekend. He was treated for smoke inhalation.