A drink-driver has admitted killing his best friend in a road crash.

Daniel Reay, 24, pleaded guilty yesterday to causing the death of Keith Wealands, 22, by careless driving on March 1. He admitted being over the drink-drive limit when his Vauxhall Cavalier spun out of control and crashed into trees in John Reid Road, South Shields. Mr Wealands, who played for South Shields Football Club, was on his way to meet his girlfriend when the crash happened. Sentence was adjourned until August 18 for the preparation of reports and Reay, of Masefield Drive, South Shields, was granted unconditional bail.

ROAD CLOSURE: A further closure of the A66 eastbound entry slip road from the A1(M) northbound is planned during Friday night and the early hours of Saturday. The closure will allow work to be carried out at junction 57, Blackwell Spur interchange, near Darlington. Drivers heading for Darlington are advised to leave the A1 at the Barton interchange, junction 56, and use the B6275 through the villages of Barton, Newton Morrell and Stapleton, rejoining the A66 at the Blackwell roundabout.

DEATH CHARGES: Two youths appeared in Blaydon Youth Court yesterday charged with manslaughter, following the death of a 15-year-old boy found in a burning skip. The two, aged 15 and 16, were arrested after Michael Temperley, of Low Fell, Gateshead, was found suffering from severe burns at the town's Team Valley industrial estate. The teenagers were released on conditional bail and the case was adjourned to Gateshead Youth Court, on September 16.

PARKING BOOST: A car park in the heart of Newcastle's shopping district has re-opened after a £1.2m refurbishment. Eldon Square car park, above the John Lewis store, offers 280 spaces following resurfacing and waterproofing works. Newcastle City Council has also carried out a £140,000 improvement scheme at the Manors multi-storey car park, adding lighting and security cameras.

RACIAL ATTACK: Two Iraqi Kurds, aged 18 and 24, were assaulted in what is being treated by police as a racially motivated attack in the Ellesmere area of Newcastle, at 12.30pm on Monday. The younger victim suffered a suspected broken nose. A man and four youths were arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.

DISTRACTION THEFT: A thief stole a substantial amount of cash from an 82-year-old man after tricking his way into the man's home in Harraton, Washington. The suspect was described as being of Asian appearance, 5ft 10in, with short hair and short sideburns. He was wearing a dark suit with an open-necked blue shirt.

GOLF TOURNAMENT: Teams still have time to enter a fundraising tournament organised by heart attack victim Richard Hunter to thank the paramedics who saved his life. Four-strong teams can enter Friday's event at Heworth Golf Club, York, North Yorkshire, at a cost of £100, in aid of Life Cycle. For more information contact Mr Hunter on (01904) 638236.