AN INQUEST into the death of a 13-year-old boy was opened yesterday at Bishop Auckland Magistrates Court.

Liam Richardson died when a stolen Vauxhall Astra in which he was travelling careered out of control in West Cornforth, County Durham, on January 16. His father Gary told South Durham Coroner Colin Penna that he identified his son's body at Bishop Auckland General Hospital. Senior investigating officer Inspector David Hammond confirmed that a 14-year-old boy had been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and would appear in court on Monday. Liam's funeral will take place today at St Luke's Church, Ferryhill, at 11.30am. The inquest was adjourned until the criminal proceedings have been completed.

MASSAGE COURSE: The Workers Educational Association is offering a course in Indian head massage with Christine McDonough, starting on Wednesday, from 6pm to 9pm, until April 9, at Bankfoot Grove Community Centre, Crook. For details, call Margaret Morris on (01388) 762039 or 07905 965842.

TABLE-TOP SALE: The Friends of Senior Citizens charity is holding a table-top sale in Witham Hall, Barnard Castle, on Saturday, March 8, from 10.30am to 2.30pm. To book a table, contact Peter Beaty on (01325) 313924.

ANNUAL MEETING: Newton Aycliffe Gardens Guild will hold its annual meeting in the Royal British Legion Club on Monday, March 3, at 7.30pm.

MUSICAL DATE: Barrington Youth Productions is staging the musical Bugsy Malone, at Bishop Barrington School, Bishop Auckland, from next Friday to Sunday, February 15, at 7.30pm each night. For tickets, call (01388) 603307.

COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning will be held in St Clare's Church hall, Newton Aycliffe, on Saturday, February 8 from 10am to noon. Entrance is 50p. All proceeds go to the Great North Air Ambulance.

CHURCH CHOIR: The annual choir concert at Neville Parade Methodist Church, Newton Aycliffe, will be held on Saturday, February 8, at 7pm, featuring the Annfield Plain Gleemen. For tickets, priced £3, call (01325) 315538.

ART CLASSES: Stephanie Grant will hold art classes at Witham Hall, every Tuesday, from February 4, between 1.45pm and 3.45pm. For details, call (01833) 631107.

CAR THEFT: A green Ford Orion, registration number L239 VRG, was stolen from Langdale Oval, Trimdon Village, between 7.15pm and 9pm on Wednesday.

BUS ATTACKED: A brick was thrown through the window of an Arriva North East bus in Dean Bank, Ferryhill, at 4.25pm on Tuesday.

CAR DAMAGED: A Renault Megane was extensively scratched while it was parked in Newton Street, Ferryhill, between 5pm on Tuesday and noon on Wednesday.