AN inquest into the death of Colin Brown, 43, of Edith Street, Consett, was opened and adjourned by north Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle yesterday. Mr Brown was riding his motorcycle south along the A691, west of Durham, when it collided with a Rover at the junction of Trout's Lane, on Friday. The Rover's 55-year-old driver was unhurt.

FACTORY FIRE: An electrical fault sparked a blaze in a factory built to test short circuits yesterday. Firefighters were called just before 1.30pm to the British Short Circuit Testing Station, in Victoria Road West, Hebburn, South Tyneside. The fire damaged a generator and caused smoke damage to the rest of the factory.

GROUP'S SHOW: Chester-le-Street Theatre Group, County Durham, is performing Marooned, a musical comedy by local author Bill Stephenson, in the Park View Community Theatre, Chester-le-Street, from Tuesday to Saturday, May 27 to 31 at 7.15pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm. Tickets are £5, concessions £3.

Education debate: Education experts meet today to attack the Government's system of school league tables. Thatcherite Professor James Tooley and Old Labour's Professor Tony Edwards, both former chairmen of education policy, will take part in a public debate on education at the University of Newcastle at 5pm in the Herschel Building.

METRO ATTACK: Police are seeking witnesses to an attack on the Tyne and Wear Metro over the Easter holidays. Three men attacked another man with bottles, leaving him with a serious eye injury, as he travelled from Whitley Bay to Newcastle, at about 4pm on Monday, April 21. The train was crowded and police are convinced other passengers could hold vital information. Anyone who can help is asked to contact 0191-454 7555, extension 65380.

Quarry bid: W and M Thompson (Earthworks) has applied to Darlington Borough Council for an extension of the time allowed for waste disposal at Barmpton Quarry, Darlington. The bid will be considered by councillors in the next few months.

Art show: Yarm Art Society is holding its annual exhibition of water colours, pastels and oil paintings at the gallery in the Witham Hall, Barnard Castle, from June 5 to June 11.

Vehicle unveiled:A control vehicle bought by the Teesdale and Weardale search and rescue team will be unveiled at 1pm tomorrow by Lord Barnard at the team's headquarters next to Barnard Castle police station.

MUSIC FINAL: The final of York's acoustic music competition Strung Out will take place on Sunday in the Casa Bar. It will be the culmination of a three-month competition at venues throughout the city.

MAN FOUND: Jeffrey James Bradwell, reported missing from his home in Battle Hill, Wallsend, North Tyneside, on Monday, was found safe and well in Durham City yesterday.