A TEENAGER appeared in court yesterday accused of making hoax calls to the emergency services, including two during recent firefighters' strikes.

The youth, from a village in the Gateshead area, faces three charges of causing a nuisance to the public by making malicious telephone calls to the emergency services.

He is said to have made calls on November 5, then during the first two-day strike, on November 14, and again during the recent eight-day stoppage by firefighters, on November 26.

The 16-year-old, who was charged on November 27, appeared at Gateshead Youth Court when proceedings were adjourned.

He was given unconditional bail to return to court for a further appearance in a fortnight.