A TEENAGE girl tried to steal takings from the New Kyo Chop Suey House, New Kyo, County Durham, on Sunday.

Staff spotted the girl as she searched behind the shop counter at about 8.40pm. She fled the scene empty-handed. She was about 16, 5ft 6in, with long, dark hair in braids or plaits. Anyone with information is asked to contact Stanley Police on (01207) 232144.

RUSSIAN SWITCH-ON: Consett Heritage Park will be lit up for Christmas this weekend. Councillor David Llewellyn, the chairman of Derwentside District Council, will be joined by Russian exchange student Svetlana Beresneva to turn on the Christmas lights in the park on Saturday, at 6pm. Music will be provided by Consett Junior Brass Band.

THIEF SPOTTED: A man in Westfields, Stanley, chased a teenage thief who was trying to break into his van on Friday evening, November 22. He was about 15, 5ft 4in, wearing a green, woollen hat and a puffa jacket with red flashes on the shoulders. Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01207) 232144.

PENSIONERS' PARTY: Peterlee Town Council is hosting a senior citizens' New Year party at Shotton Hall, Peterlee, on Wednesday, January 8. There will be a meal and entertainment from Reece Daniels. Admission is free to residents of Peterlee. Tickets are available on 0191-586 2491.

BIKE THEFT: Thieves stole a red Honda Dominator motorbike from a home in Oakwood, Lanchester. A camper van was forced open on Tuesday night, November 26. Anyone with information is asked to call (01207) 504204.

MEMBERS WANTED: The 1st Sacriston Scouts group is appealing for boys aged between six and 11 to join. They meet on Monday nights at the St George Centre, Front Street, Sacriston. For details, call 0191-3711186.

YOUTH CHURCH: The Jezreel Kids' Church, for youngsters aged seven to 11, meets every Sunday in the Methodist Chapel, Front Street, Dipton, near Stanley, from 10am to noon.

FLOWER DEMONSTRATION: Cestrian Flower Club will hold a Christmas demonstration in the North Lodge site of Park View Community Association, Chester-le-Street, tomorrow, from 7.15pm.

STORY TIME: A story session for pre-school youngsters will be led by Carol Attewell and Jacqui Rodgerson, at Durham Clayport Library, Millennium Place, today, at 11am. Admission is free.

SCOUTS SHOW: The 1st Newfield (Urpeth Grange) Scout Group will sing carols at the Pelton Grange Residential Home on Wednesday, December 18, at 6.30pm.

TEA DANCE: A tea dance will be held today in Sherburn Sports Centre, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Admission is £2.