Police are asking for help from the public to trace a woman missing from home.

Amanda Jane Tindle, 34, of Knowles Farm, Hawsker, near Whitby, North Yorkshire, was reported missing last Tuesday. She was last seen at 4.35pm on the Monday at a petrol station in Whitby and is believed to be driving a blue Ford Mondeo, registration M315TUM. She is white, 56, slim built, with shoulder-length brown hair and wears glasses. She had on a brown polo-neck jumper and blue jeans. She may have with her a black Labrador. Police are concerned for her welfare and ask anyone with information to call (01947) 603443.

MINE SCARE: A fishing boat was cordoned off in a harbour after it picked up a sea mine in its nets. Police said the vessel picked up the explosive device off Blyth, Northumberland, and returned to the harbour to wait for the arrival of a bomb disposal team.

SPOOKY TALES: Staff at Castle Eden National Nature Reserve, near Peterlee, County Durham, will mark Halloween by telling spooky tales to visitors between 6.30pm and 9pm next Saturday. There will also be a fancy dress and lantern competition. To book a place call 0191-518 2403. A £2 donation is suggested.

DEFENCE PLEDGE: Defence Procurement Minister Lord Bach told the annual meeting of the Northern Defence Industries Association that the Government was committed to sustaining and improving the productivity and competitiveness of the company's arms manufacturers - even though the country's market was "the most open'' of all the industrialised countries.

PARTY MOVES: Durham Labour Party has moved its headquarters in Claypath to Nevilles Cross in the city, after its premises, which housed its offices and hosted social events for several years, were sold and the party had to terminate the lease.

SITE WARNING: Firefighters are warning children not to play on building sites after being called to rescue a 12-year-old boy trapped in mud on a site at Rushford, Ryhope, Sunderland, yesterday. An 11-year-old managed to free himself before fire crews arrived.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Thirsk and Sowerby Volunteer Bureau, North Yorkshire, has vacancies for a range of opportunities. Volunteers are needed who are willing to act as befrienders. The time given can be as little as a few hours every fortnight. Call (01845) 523115.

SCHOOL CLOSED: A school's pupils at a Tyneside will enjoyed an extended weekend break today. West Walker Primary School, Church Street, Walker, Newcastle, is closed because of a burst water pipe. It is expected to reopen tomorrow.

BIRD OBSERVATORY: An unusual house of straw on a stately home estate will be completed at the end of this year to provide shelter for bird enthusiasts. Castle Howard Arboretum Trust, North Yorkshire, embarked on the observatory earlier this year, using traditional skills and materials.