SHOPPERS in Newton Aycliffe town centre are being warned to be on their guard following a spate of purse thefts.

The thieves usually strike on the town's busy Tuesday market day and are singling out middle-aged and elderly women. The victims do not realise they have been targeted until they reach for their purses to pay for goods. Police patrols in the town centre are being increased on market days and will be reinforced by uniformed staff from the Sedgefield Community Force. Detective Sergeant Lee Herridge, of Newton Aycliffe CID, said it was important shoppers were aware of the dangers. He said: "All the victims have been carrying their purses in open handbags near the top of their shopping bags, or where they can be seen in shopping trolleys."

VOLUNTEERS WANTED: The Friends of Senior Citizens charity is looking for volunteer entertainers to perform for older people in Newton Aycliffe and surrounding villages and to help with events. For more information contact Peter Beaty on (01325) 313924.

STOP SMOKING: A free ten-week smoking cessation course starts at West Cornforth Community Centre on Wednesday, September 10 from 10am to 11.30am. To register, contact Annie Pluse on 0191-301 3813 or 0781 684 8774.

FARMERS' MARKET: Sedgefield village is to host a farmers' market on the second Sunday of each month, starting from Sunday, September 14. The market will be held on the village green in front of the Hope Inn and will be open for business between 9.30am and 1.30pm.

CAT EVENT: An event to promote National Cat Week will be held in St Elizabeth's Church hall in Woodham village, Newton Aycliffe, on Sunday, September 7 from 2pm to 5pm. There will be lots of information on cats and related products on sale.

SCHOOL REUNION: A school reunion is to be held for former pupils of Durham Road Secondary Modern School, in Spennymoor, who turned 60 in 2002 or 2003. It will be held at Spennymoor Town Hall, on September 13, from 7.30pm and attendees are asked to wear old school colours. For tickets call (01388) 814871, 817849 or 605676.

INQUEST VERDICT: A verdict of accidental death was recorded yesterday on retired farmer George Beveridge, 85, who fell down stairs at his home Bounder House Farm, Tow Law, in April. An inquest at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court was told that Mr Beveridge, who was in ill health died from multiple injuries.

POOL SESSIONS: Parent and child swimming sessions are available at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre every Monday to Friday, from 10am to 1am.