CHRISTMAS shoppers were largely untroubled by shoplifters and pickpockets thanks to a successful police operation against street crime in Stockton.

Operation Reassurance ran for 18 days between December 13 and January 2, during which time officers stopped and searched 80 people, arresting 16. Police worked closely with shops and the mounted police joined patrolling officers to give a higher profile on the streets. Sergeant Carl Broughton said: "The additional patrols certainly paid off. The stop-checks not only detected crime but also acted as a deterrent to those thinking of committing an offence. The officers seconded have been praised and a solid foundation has been built within the retail community of Stockton."

COLLECTORS NEEDED: Hartlepool and District Hospice is seeking volunteers to help raise money. A house-to-house collection will take place next month and the hospice needs people to carry out a collection in their area. Anyone who would like to take part is asked to call Leah Jeffries on (01429) 292127.

NEW WARDENS: Twelve community wardens have been recruited to patrol Hartlepool's New Deal for Communities (NDC) area. Wardens will patrol in pairs seven days a week and will be mainly on foot. They are based at the NDC offices at The Arches, Park Road, Hartlepool, and can be contacted on (01429) 855118.

BAND CALL: Middlesbrough Council and Steel Bands North are looking for people of all abilities to play the steel drums. Workshops will be held during term time at Hall Garth School, in Acklam, and those taking part will perform at events such as Music Live and the Middlesbrough Mela. To take part, call (01642) 315244.

TOILETS WATCH: Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is investigating complaints about the men's toilet block at Newton-under-Roseberry, near Guisborough. It is claimed that the block has become a meeting place for homosexuals.

WINTER TREK: A five-mile walk is taking place along the footpaths and bridleways surrounding Summerhill, in Hartlepool, on Sunday, from 10am to 12.30pm. Anyone interested is asked to meet at the Summerhill Visitor Centre, off Catcote Road, at 9.55am.

NEW ROLE: Hartlepool Primary Care Trust has appointed Angela Hawkes as its chief executive. Mrs Hawkes, 42, joins from Easington Primary Care Trust, where she was director of service integration.

TANNING CENTRE: Stockton Borough Council has received a planning application from Tanfastic Sun Centres to convert a pub in Norton Road, Stockton, into a tanning studio.

COLLECTORS' FAIR: A collectors' fair and table-top sale will be held at Saltburn Community Centre on Saturday, January 18, from 9.30am to 4pm. Admission is free.