FOUR people were taken to hospital after a three-car pile-up on the ring road in Stockton.

The accident happened at about 8.25pm on Friday night.Two fire engines and a rescue tender from Stockton attended the scene, and remained for 45 minutes clearing debris and making the area safe.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: A Christmas concert organised by the Rotary Club of Guisborough and Great Ayton takes place on Wednesday, December 18. Proceeds will go to the Charitable Foundation of Rotary International. The concert starts at 7.30pm in the 17th Century chapel of Sir William Turner's Almshouses, at Kirkleatham. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets cost £5, including complimentary wine in the interval, and are available from Sotheran's Stationery Shop, Queen Street, Redcar. Alternatively, call (01642) 490401.

TWINNING DINNER: Redcar and Cleveland Twinning Association plans to hold a dinner to coincide with its spring AGM. The Twinning Association promotes international exchanges between families and students in east Cleveland and those in Troisdorf, in Germany. For details, contact (01642) 471662 - evenings only.

WALKWAY CAROLS: The choir from Galley Hill Primary School, Guisborough, will be singing outside the visitor centre at the Guisborough Forest and Walkway, Pinchinthorpe, on Sunday, December 15. The children will give two performances at 11am and 1pm, with mince pies and hot drinks available. For details, call (01287) 631132.

BIN FIRE: A store room in Shackleton Close, Thornaby, was damaged by the smoke from three wheeled bins set alight at about 7.30pm on Saturday. Firefighters who dowsed the flames believe the fire could have been started maliciously.

PATH DECISION: Planners have decided that a public right of way still exists along a section of railway line in Guisborough. It has been used regularly by locals since the Guisborough to Middlesbrough line was closed in 1964, but following a public inquiry in October, it will now be recognised as an official footpath.