A LARGE quantity of prescription drugs were stolen from a car in Redcar on Tuesday.

The drugs were taken some time between 8.10am and 9.20am from the car outside Scott's Chemist, in Roseberry Square. The thieves took a plastic box containing drugs, including tranquillisers and painkillers. Police said taking the drugs in large quantities, or allowing them to fall into the hands of youngsters, could have dangerous consequences. Anyone with information is asked to call PC Chris Stone on (01642) 302626.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Volunteer Initiative Project in Hartlepool offers a free gardening, painting and decorating service to the elderly, disabled and other groups. The service is provided by the volunteer workforce and is available throughout the town. Having completed most of their work they are now looking for new jobs. They are also looking for new volunteers as well as donations of painting and decorating equipment and gardening tools. Anyone interested in receiving help from the workforce or becoming a volunteer is asked to contact the service on (01429) 283187.

GERMAN TWIN: Members of the Redcar and Cleveland Twinning Association expressed their thanks to founder member Paul Stenson who has retired from the committee after 12 years. Mr Stenson retired following the association's recent annual meeting in which an exchange visit of pupils from Guisborough's Prior Pursglove College and Lawrence Jackson school to Germany was planned. Retiring president Beatrice Lythgo was asked to be next year's president. The Redcar and east Cleveland area is twinned with the Troisdorf area of Germany.

JUMBLE SALE: There will be a jumble sale at Saltburn Methodist Church, Milton Street, Saltburn, on Saturday, at 2pm. Admission is 10p.