A demonstrator who protested at top secret US spy base on American Independence Day pleaded not guilty to two charges yesterday.

Anthony Dickinson, 34, of Pontefract Road, Purston, Featherstone, West Yorkshire, is accused of failing to remove an Arab-style headscarf when asked by police outside the Menwith Hill base, near Harrogate, on July 4. He also denied a second charge of resisting a policeman in the execution of his duty. Dickinson was bailed to return to Harrogate magistrates court on August 20.

SEX OFFENCE: A nursing home worker accused of a sex offence appeared at Harrogate Magistrates' Court yesteday. George Fleming, 60, of Roecliffe Lane, Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, pleaded not guilty to indecent assault and was bailed to appear at Leeds Crown Court on August 28.

BUS CRASH: Firefighters rescued an elderly couple who became trapped in their car after it collided with a bus. The accident happened at 10.30am yesterday, at the junction of Grandstand Road and Montague Avenue, Newcastle. The couple were given first aid and taken by ambulance to Newcastle General Hospital. The 20 passengers on the bus were unhurt.

SUFFERING CASE: Mark Clewlow, 20, of Cinderwood, Middlesbrough, yesterday denied causing unnecessary suffering to a black and tan cross breed dog between February 18 and March 18. He was granted bail by Teesside Magistrates and his case was adjourned until August 7.

SCHOOL FIRE: A classroom was badly damaged in a fire at Thomas Hepburn School, Gateshead. Four appliances attended the blaze in Swards Road, shortly before 10pm on Wednesday.

LORRY FIRE: Police launched an investigation after suspicious fires in the cabs of two lorries yesterday. Firefighters were called at 2.40am to Selby Coachworks, Commercial Road, South Shields.

JAZZ SHOW: The Heritage Hall Stompers play the Gala Field, Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle, on Sunday, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

WOMAN HURT: A woman was in hospital last night with severe head injuries, after she was knocked down by a bus. The accident happened at 10.45am in Westoe Road, South Shields, South Tyneside. The woman, in her 60s, was taken to South Tyneside General Hospital.

RAPID RESPONSE: Arriva Trains Northern has signed up 70 of its staff as Customer Assistance Team volunteers. The staff can be deployed at short notice to stations where there is disruption for whatever reason.