POLICE were last night waiting for formal confirmation of the identity of a woman pulled from the River Nidd, in North Yorkshire.

Knaresborough resident Audrey Atkinson was reported missing yesterday morning and a hunt began immediately for the 73-year-old, who was described as extremely vulnerable. A woman's body was recovered hours later and a police spokesman confirmed it matched the description they were given for the missing pensioner. However, formal identification procedures remained incomplete last night and a formal statement is expected later today.

ARMED ROBBERY: Three robbers, two armed with sawn-off shotguns, stole a quantity of cash from Barclays Bank, in Ryton, Gateshead, at 4.25pm on Monday. A police spokesman said the men, who were wearing balaclavas and sleeveless fluorescent bibs, went behind the counter where they stole the cash. The men fled in a silver Vauxhaull Vectra, registration number A9TST, which had been stolen from Prudhoe, Northumberland, last month. Anyone with information has been asked to call 0191-454 7555 ext 64344.

BOOK SUCCESS: Shadowmancer, the first novel by Scarborough vicar Graham Taylor, has sold 75,000 copies since it was published on Saturday. The children's book, which is set on the North Yorkshire coast in the 18th Century, is at number eight in the national book charts. Reverend Taylor said "I had no idea it was going to be this big. I got a letter from my agent with the name of the man who wants to buy the film rights. It is surreal."

GARDENS OPEN: A village is to repeat an open garden event in aid of an appeal to build a new hall. About 20 gardens will be open to the public in Hutton Rudby, in North Yorkshire, from 1pm to 6pm on Sunday. Admission is £2.50 for adults, and free for children, with proceeds going to the Village Hall Appeal. Tickets will be on sale on the day at the existing village hall, where cream teas will be served from 2pm to 5pm.

MAN BURGLED: A 65-year-old man was left shocked and upset after three men claiming to be from a water company called at his home at Saltburn Road, Sunderland, and stole cash. Anyone with information on the incident, which happened at about 3.30pm on Monday, are asked to call the police on 0191-454 7555 ext 66245.

FLEET SALE: A fleet of sightseeing, restaurant and party boats, which use the River Ouse, in York, are in the final stages of being sold. Yorkboat, the largest fleet of its kind outside London, has won numerous awards and accolades over the years. Owner Denise Howard said no staff will be affected by the sale.

POINTS FAILURE: Passengers on the East Coast Main Line were delayed yesterday after a points failure at Darlington railway station at 3.20pm. A Great North Eastern Railway spokesman said the longest delay was about half-an-hour.