Thieves stole 16 flares from a boat moored at the Ouseburn Water Sports Complex on the River Tyne in Newcastle, between last Thursday and Saturday.

A police spokesman said that when discharged, the 18in long tubes give off a red and orange Roman candle effect. The spokesman said they could be dangerous, particularly if used by children. Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-214 6555, ext 62250.

ARMED ROBBERY: Armed robbers fled with an undisclosed amount of money after holding up the Board Inn, in Widdrington Terrace, Blaydon, at 11.15pm on Sunday. A police spokesman said four masked men, one armed with a small handgun, another with what was believed to be a sword, fled in a dark E-reg Ford Granada. The vehicle was found in Arcot Drive, East Denton, Newcastle. Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-454 7555, ext 64344.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Durham City branch of the British Heart Foundation is looking for people to spare a couple of hours a week at its North Road shop. People are needed to work on tills, rotate stock, clean and collect donated items from people's homes. Anyone interested can contact Sue Steele, at the shop, on 0191-383 2960.

CRAFT TRAINING: People wishing to try craft skills can enrol at Chester-le-Street Community Association where an 11-week course will cover crafts. including from glasswork to tapestry and painting. The workshops can accommodate parenting groups or people with learning difficulties and start on September 17, running every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm. The cost is £33.

FUN DAY: The Chester West Fun Day takes place on the Hermitage School Field, Chester-le-Street, on Thursday between 10am and 3pm. There will be arts and crafts, demonstrations by the police and fire brigade, puppet shows and other events. The day has been organised by the Chester West Community Project and admission is £2.

TRACTOR CRASH: Three people suffered minor injuries after a car collided with a tractor yesterday, outside Chilton Moor Country Club, in Blackboy Road, Fencehouses, near Houghton-le-Spring, at 1.20pm.

BUS TRIP: Surestart has organised a day to Morpeth Park, Northumberland, on Thursday, August 28. The bus will pick up outside Delves Lane village hall, near Consett, at 10am. The cost is £1.50 for adults and £1 for children. To book, contact (01207) 583174.

WILL DAY: Age Concern holds an advice day on making a will, in the village hall, Delves Lane, near Consett, on Thursday between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

GIVE BLOOD: A blood donors session takes place in Trinity Methodist Church, Chester Road, Shiney Row, Wearside, on Thursday, between 2.30pm and 7pm.