A 23-year-old man out strolling with a young woman in a Cleveland village was beaten-up by a gang of youths for no apparent reason.

The man was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital with a cut eye and broken finger. The woman was shocked but unharmed. The attack occurred near the Wharton Arms, in Skelton High Street, at about 8pm on Saturday, September 7. Anyone with information is asked to call PC Stuart Bell at Guisborough Police on (01642) 302018.

MURDER CHARGE: Thomas Gallagher, 45, of Park Grove, Shiremoore, North Shields, appeared before North Tyneside magistrates yesterday charged with the murder of his wife Elizabeth Julia Gallagher, 34. He was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday.

DRINKS RECYCLING: Pupils and teachers across the North-East are being challenged to recycle drink cans to win prizes. Secondary schools are being encouraged to join the Tizer Can Challenge this month to recycle as many cans as possible to win prizes including pop concert tickets and a school party. Log on to www.cashforcans.co.uk or call (0800) 262465 for more details.

SHOPPING TRIP: Marie Curie Cancer Care is organising a shopping trip to York on Saturday, November 16. The coach will pick up in Chester-le-Street, Durham and Darlington and will arrive in York at 10.30am for a day of shopping. Tickets cost £15 and must be booked in advance. Contact 0191-3823312 for details.

TRIBUTE CONCERT: Northern Arts is organising a concert in memory of George Loggie, who died this year. The event, at Newcastle Playhouse on October 22, will celebrate Mr Loggie's commitment to arts in the region, and will feature Northern Sinfonia, Kathryn Tickell's Folkestra, and a new youth ensemble.

NEW CANON: The Reverend Jeremy Fletcher, 42, will be installed as the Canon Precentor of York Minster at an evensong service at 4pm on Saturday. Mr Fletcher studied at Durham University and taught English before becoming ordained in 1988.

BUILDERS NEEDED: Clow Beck Children's Farm at Croft, near Darlington, is looking for volunteers to help with its work. The farm is looking for people wanting to help build a straw bale house. Anyone wanting to help is asked to call (01325) 721778.