A GIRL told a court she was hiding naked in a darkened room when she was dragged to a bedroom by her hair.

The 17-year-old, speaking over a video link, said teenager Michael Grey then forced her to have sex. Michael Bosomworth, defending, told her that Mr Grey claimed she willingly had sex with him. Mr Grey, 18, of Mapleton Road, Redcar, pleads not guilty at Teesside Crown Court to two charges of rape on Easter Monday. The case continues.

SECURITY REVIEW: Education officials last night promised to review security after four primary schoolchildren wandered off from their playground at Percy Main Primary School in North Shields, North Tyneside. The group sparked a massive search by police, who called in the force helicopter to sweep fields. Within half an hour the children were found playing by a pond.

ANTI-WAR PROTEST: A group formed after the September 11 attacks in America is backing moves to prevent a war with Iraq. Darlington for Peace is organising a bus to travel from Darlington and Bishop Auckland to the Stop the War demonstration in London, on Saturday, September 28. For more details call (0771) 5881901.

PARKS' ROLE: National parks have been told they have a vital role to play as the Government develops new polices. In a speech to the National Park Authorities Conference in Hexham, Northumberland, yesterday, Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael said each could be a test-bed for Government strategies in the countryside.

HALL FAIR: Newby Hall and gardens, at Ripon, North Yorkshire, will be hosting a Rainbow Craft Fair, from September 27 to 29. Admission is included in the entry charge for the hall. Prices are £5.50 for adults, £4.50 for pensioners and £4 for children. For further information, call (01423) 322583 or visit www.newbyhall.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Volunteer tutors are needed to teach literacy and numeracy to inmates at Deerbolt Young Offenders' Institution, Barnard Castle, County Durham. No experience is needed because training will be given, leading to a City and Guilds certificate. For further details call (01833) 638437.