TWO men armed with metal bars robbed the Co-op store in Percy Terrace, Penshaw, Houghton-le-Spring, on Sunday at about 9.35pm.

One of the men threatened staff while the other kept watch at the door. The pair, both in their early 20s, made off with cash and goods. No one was injured in the raid.

Anyone with information is asked to call Houghton-le-Spring CID on 0191-454 7555.

POLICE INJURED: Two police officers were among three casualties in a car crash on Monkwearmouth Bridge, Sunderland, yesterday. The officers and another male driver were all taken to hospital with neck injuries.

MINISTER'S VISIT: The North-East Assembly welcomed Denis MacShane, the Minister for Europe, to the Guildhall, Newcastle, on his first visit to the region. He spoke to an invited audience about the relationship between the public and the European Union.

SUSPICIOUS FIRE: Police are investigating after the former Musgrave School, in Gateshead, was badly damaged by fire on Sunday. They are appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious at the building between Wednesday and Sunday to call Gateshead East CID on 0191-454 7555, extension 64143.

WINE-TASTING: A wine-tasting evening in aid of the British Red Cross will be held tomorrow, from 4pm to 9pm, at the Town Hall, Durham Market Place. Tickets, priced £3, are available from the Wine Cellar, Old Elvet, Durham.

FAIRYTALE ON STAGE: The Chester-le-Street Theatre Group will perform Beauty and the Beast, at Park View Community Centre, Chester-le-Street, from today, until Saturday at 7.15pm nightly, with a matinee performance at 2pm on Saturday. For details, ring Bill Stephenson on 0191-388 4752.

SEASONAL SHOW: The Holly and the Ivy, a Christmas play starring Tony Britton, opens at Durham's Gala Theatre today and runs until Saturday, with matinees on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets are available on 0191-332 4062.

STARS' SUPPORT: Stars from Byker Grove showed their support for Childline Yorkshire and North-East by helping to celebrate its fifth birthday last week. They helped cut a cake and launched an appeal for more local support.

TEENAGER FOUND: Fourteen-year-old Nikki Ross, who had been missing from her home in Gosforth, Newcastle since November 2, was found safe and well by police yesterday.

SCHOOL PRESENTATION: Reception class children from Cheveley Park County Primary School, Belmont, raised £119 for the BBC Children in Need Appeal with a non-uniform day and teddy bears' picnic.

CHRISTMAS SALE: The National Glass Centre in Sunderland is holding a Christmas Selling Exhibition in its Mezzanine Gallery from today until January 29. It will feature perfume bottles created by some of Britain's top designer glass makers.