A MAN who was snared by police as part of an international crackdown on child pornography appeared in court yesterday.

Kenneth Elrick, 38, entered guilty pleas to 12 charges of downloading indecent images of children between May and December 2001.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that police found the images with pornographic video clips, on his home computer, at East Boldon Road, Cleadon, South Tyneside. The case was adjourned for sentence.

PENSIONER FEARS: Concern is growing for a 79-year-old who has not been seen since Thursday morning. Geoffrey Noble failed to return to his home in the Scarborough area of North Yorkshire after he was dropped off by a relative at a motorcycle dealers, in Hoxton Road, in the town. Mr Noble is said to be vulnerable, with learning difficulties. He was wearing a flat cap, black jacket, striped shirt and grey trousers. Anyone who may have seen him is asked to call police on (01609) 783131.

SPIRITS SCAM: A man has been jailed for two years after admitting his part in a scheme to import 75,000 cases of spirits without paying duty. Simon Keith Mullen, 33, of Shield Row Gardens, Stanley, County Durham, appeared for sentencing before Sheffield Crown Court, after pleading guilty to evading excise duty at an earlier hearing.

COUNCIL PRAISE: Two councils have been praised by the Government for improving their working practices. Darlington Borough Council and Tynedale District Council were both named as examples of good practice in a report produced by the Deputy Prime Minister's office. Darlington council was praised for its effective use of information technology, while Tynedale was found to have improved its internal communications.

BATS NIGHT: Durham Wildlife Trust is inviting children to its Low Barns Nature Reserve, near Witton-le-Wear, County Durham, for an evening of fun and games looking for bats and moths. It will be held on August 20 from 7.30pm to 10pm and costs £1.50 per child. Under-eights must have an adult with them, and booking is essential. Telephone Helen Cheetham, on 0191-584 3112.

BRIGHT FUTURE: South Tyneside will be illuminated in a £28m programme to upgrade street lighting and traffic signs. The cash will come over 25 years through the Government's Private Finance Initiative.

STREET ATTACK: Police in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, are hunting robbers who beat up a 22-year-old man in the town centre. The man, who has not been named, was found unconscious in Aberdeen Walk. He had been robbed of his mobile phone and wallet and suffered head and other injuries.

CARNIVAL TIME: Stockton Riverside Festival carnival is held today. The procession starts at 11am in Stockton High Street and includes stilt-walkers, drumming and other events, including street art, theatre, night spectaculars and comedy events. Log on to www.sirf. co.uk for more information.