Trio may hold clues to attack : POLICE are hoping to trace a taxi driver and two passengers who could hold clues about a town centre attack.

The driver of the yellow taxi picked up a man and a woman at about 2am near the 42nd Street nightclub, in Hartlepool, on Thursday morning. The woman was driven to a house in the Richmond Street area while the man was driven to an unknown destination. Anyone who recognises the description of events is asked to call (01642) 302138.

CARS DESTROYED: About 100 scrap cars were destroyed in a scrapyard blaze that saw flames and smoke reach heights of more than 100ft. Firefighters were called to Rocktop Salvage, in Farringdon Row, Sunderland, at 9.15pm on Thursday. Ten appliances were required to deal with the blaze, which also left two electricity pylons slightly damaged.

CHARITY ABSEILS: The Royal National Institute of the Blind is asking for volunteers to take part in two charity abseils. This weekend, an abseil will take place from the top of the 80ft International Centre for Life in Newcastle. Another event will be held at the North Tees University Hospital in Stockton, on June 21 and 22. For more information on the Newcastle abseil, contact (01388) 528297, or (01388) 450087 for the Stockton event.

POWER PLANS: Northern Electric Distribution has submitted plans for the diversion of a 20,000-volt overhead power line at Little Stainton, near Darlington. The proposals will be considered by members of Darlington Borough Council.

LIFEBOAT APPEAL: The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is appealing for donations of broken or unwanted jewellery to increase funds. The appeal has raised nearly £465,000 since it was launched in 1986. To help, call (01202) 663000.

WATER TESTS: The quality of bathing water on the North-East coast is being tested by the Environment Agency. Sampling will take place along the coast until September as part of the annual programme by the agency.

BANNER BACKING: Train company GNER is backing the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, which has built a £2m Tornado locomotive in Darlington. Four banners advertising the engine, at Darlington Locomotive Works, in Hopetown Lane, have been installed at the town's railway station.

SEEING RED: The British Heart Foundation is asking people in the region to wear red clothing on Friday, June 13, to show support for national Heart Day. Everyone taking part will be asked to make at least £1 to the charity. Anyone wanting to help with fundraising is asked to call the British Heart Foundation on (01937) 835421.

LICENCES TONIC: North-East drivers who have been unnecessarily charged for the renewal of certain short-term medical driving licences will be automatically reimbursed, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has said. A legal anomaly has been identified, dating back to 1997, that led to drivers being incorrectly charged fees at the age of 70 and over.

CASE POSTPONED: The case against former Darlington magistrate Paul Geldart has been postponed until Monday, June 2, at Durham Crown Court. Mr Geldart, who is charged with assault on a woman, had been due to appear in court on Monday.