POLICE are encouraging mobile phone users to keep them safe by taking up a free security package.

Mobile phone firm Orange has donated £2,150 to the Sunderland City Crime Prevention Panel initiative, which aims to reduce the number of stolen phones reported to the police. The force has bought 4,000 handy packs, which include a security pen to postcode phones and other valuable property, and useful security advice. PC Joe Bradley, crime prevention officer, said: "We have given away a large number of these packs to phone users of all ages across the city. Members of the public we approach are keen to keep their phone secure and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. We are also happy to discuss crime prevention measures which are simple and effective." Sunderland City Crime Prevention Panel is a voluntary organisation which works with the police, local business and the community to prevent crime. Anyone interested in joining can call PC Bradley on 0191-454 7555, extension 66638.

WOMAN INJURED: Mary Bongard, 83, of North End, Durham, suffered serious head injuries when she was involved in an accident with a bus at the exit of the bus station in North Road, Durham, at about 10.20am on Saturday. The 58-year-old bus driver was not injured. Witnesses to the incident are asked to contact the police on 0191-386 2159.

HOUSE DAMAGED: The rear living room of a two-storey terraced house in Peel Street, Hendon, Sunderland, was completely gutted and damage was caused to the front living room, hall, and three bedrooms after a fire broke out at about 6pm on Saturday. A neighbouring property sustained slight smoke damage and the occupants suffered from slight smoke inhalation.

FARMHOUSE FIRE: Fire officers were called to Warlands Farm, Holmside, near Edmondsley, just before 8pm on Saturday to a report of a farmhouse on fire. They extinguished a blaze in the ground floor annexe roof.

TYRE THEFT: Police are asking anyone who is offered cheap tyres to contact them after 40 Michelin tyres worth £1,600 were stolen from an industrial unit in Sacriston, between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. They have a retail value of £40 each, but may be offered at a lower price. The tyre sizes are 29580/22.5 and 11/22.5. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 0191-388 4311 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

RESIDENT HURT: A man was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham suffering from smoke inhalation after a fire broke out in the kitchen of a ground floor flat at Ladysmith Court, Stanley, just after 3.30am on Saturday.

MEN'S CLUB: Stanley Men's Club meets on Thursday, October 31, at 10.30am, in the Lamplight Theatre, Stanley. John Johnson, head of technology and design at Gateshead Borough Council, will give a talk on the construction of the award-winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

OCCASION MARKED: A church marks the birthday of one of its social groups next month with two events. Blackhill Methodist Church celebrates the anniversary of its Tuesday group on Saturday, November 2, at 7pm, with a concert in the church, followed by light refreshments. Tickets are £2. On Sunday, November 3, services take place at 10.30am and 6pm, conducted by Molly Locke, of Great Ayton, North Yorkshire. The soloist at the evening service will be Sarah Kelly.