CLEVELAND Police are urging people in Marton, Middlesbrough, to be on their guard against two teenagers calling at houses in the area claiming to be looking for someone or offering to do odd jobs. Residents in the Chestnut Drive and Cypress Road area have told police they believe the pair, who speak with Irish accents, were simply checking to see if there was anyone at home.

CRASH INJURY: A woman driving a Vauxhall Corsa is in hospital on Teesside after suffering a broken back in a collision with a Mitsubishi pickup on the A171 Guisborough to Whitby Road at its junction with the Lockwood Beck turn off. Two of her passengers and the other driver were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Witnesses to the collision on Tuesday are asked to call Cleveland Police on (01642) 301558.

REVISED OPENING: The consumer advice centre in Stockton's central library will be reducing its opening hours from next week. David Kitching, Stockton Borough Council's trading standards and licensing manager said the usual high standards of service would be maintained.

RESIDENT WRITERS: People are being asked to send human interest stories and photographs for publication in a Christmas edition of a New Deal for Communities newsletter, being sent to 4,000 homes between Hart Lane and Belle Vue, Hartlepool.

VIP VISIT: Isaac Osei, the High Commissioner of Ghana, will be a guest of Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon and Councillor Ken Hall at Middlesbrough town hall today when he will be joined by members of the Ghanian Association.

GROOVY, BABY: Austin Powers look and soundalike Michael Wilson Green will compere a fashion show at Middlesbrough's Hill Street Centre on November 20. Free tickets for the event are available from the manager's office at the centre.

DISABILITIES DAY: An information day to address the needs of people with learning disabilities and their families is being held at the Historic Quay, Hartlepool, on Thursday. There will be advice on health, training and job opportunities and accommodation.

ACCIDENT APPEAL: Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a 50-year-old cyclist sustained a broken rib, leg, foot and knee in a collision with a red Toyota car outside the Healaugh Shops, in Yarm, on October 30. Anyone with information is asked to ring Cleveland Police on (01642) 302226.