TWO surfers caused a scare when they were reported stranded in the North Sea, off the Cleveland coast, yesterday.

The pair seemed to be in difficulties 150 metres off the coast at Saltburn, at about 11.30am. But by the time the Teesmouth Lifeboat was scrambled, they had reached the shore. A spokesman for the Redcar lifeboat station said: "While at sea on exercises, the Teesmouth All Weather Lifeboat was diverted by Humber Coastguard to a report of two surfers in difficulties approximately 150 metres offshore at Saltburn. Following a search of the area the crew were able to confirm that two surfers were safely ashore."

COFFEE SHOP: Volunteers are needed to work at a coffee shop at Teesside Hospice, in Middlesbrough. The shop, in Northgate Road, will open at the end of this month if enough volunteers are found. For details, call (01642) 816777.

ARTISTS' SUCCESS: Three Teesside artists have been chosen to display their work at this year's Chelsea Craft Fair, in London. Jewellers Janet Hinchcliffe McCutcheon and Frances Julie Whitelaw, and ceramicist Regina Heinz will be among 220 exhibitors at the fair, from tomorrow until October 27. All three have studios at Cleveland Craft Centre, in Middlesbrough.

SHOPPING TRIP: A Christmas shopping trip to Manchester is being organised to raise funds for Teesside Hospice. The trip, on Sunday, November 17, costs £10 per person and includes a coach to and from the Trafford Centre. For details, call (01642) 355866.

SING UP: Stockton Vocal Union wishes to recruit sopranos and bass singers. All new voices are welcome at rehearsals held at the Unitarian Church Hall, Wellington Street, Stockton, on Friday evenings. For details, call (01642) 594068.

TABLE TOP SALE: Saltburn Community Centre is holding a table-top-sale with a tombola and home-made refreshments on Saturday, between 10am and 4pm. Proceeds will go to East Cleveland Lourdes.

BRAINS OF BRITAIN: The regional heats for the national Brains of Britain pub quiz are to be held between next Monday and November 17. Anybody interested can go along to one of the five participating pubs and ask the bar staff for details. They are: The Fox Inn, Guisborough; The Blue Bell, Stockton; The Kings Arms and the Telstar Hotel, Billingham, and The Travellers Rest, Hartlepool.

NOSTALGIA NIGHT: Marske Pensioners and Friends will present a nostalgia show tomorrow from 2pm to 4pm at Cheshire Home, in Marske. Tickets cost £1 at the door, and include tea and biscuits.

SNEAK THIEVES: Four out of a spate of eight recent burglaries in the Kingston and Palmer Street areas of Middlesbrough, close to the town centre, were made easier for the burglars because windows and doors had been left unlocked by residents during the night, Cleveland Police said.