A THIEF on crutches and with his left ankle in a plaster cast, hobbled off with a 77-year-old woman's purse after sneaking into her home in Churchill Avenue, Whitley Bay.

The incident took place on Thursday, September 19, but has only just been made public. The thief was described as aged 16 to 18, of slim build, with mousey coloured hair. He was wearing a grey top with blue and red hoops and dark jogging bottoms. Anyone with information is asked to contact North Shields CID on 0191 214-6555.

ROAD ACCIDENT: A man was taken to Darlington Memorial hospital following a road accident on Sunday night on the A1, eight miles north of Scotch Corner. The man, a passenger in a car, sustained head injuries when the vehicle and an articulated lorry were involved in a collision shortly before 10pm.

SCHOOL OPEN: Polam Hall School, Darlington, opens its doors to prospective students and their families on Saturday, from 11am until 3pm. All areas of the school will be open and lessons will be operating as normal so visitors can view the pupils at work.

BUTTERWICK BOP: A disco night complete with a grand raffle for a TV, CD player and other prizes is being held for the Butterwick Hospice appeal at Low Grange Club, Billingham, on October 18.

DRIVER INJURED: A woman was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital with minor injuries yesterday after her car was involved in a collision with another vehicle. The accident occurred on the A68, on the outskirts of the town, near the A1 turn-off, at about 8.35am.

CULT SHOW: The Olivier award-winning cult classic rock 'n' roll extravaganza, Return to the Forbidden Planet, will be on at Newcastle's Theatre Royal from October 21 to 26. Based on Shakespeare's The Tempest, it features hits from the 1950s and 1960s, including Teenager in Love, Only the Lonely and Monster Mash. For more details or to book tickets, contact the box office on 0870 905 5060.