POLICE are seeking witnesses after children threw a brick from a bridge at a motorbike, hitting the pillion passenger.

The woman escaped unhurt in the incident, on the A194 road near Springwell, Tyne and Wear, on Saturday, at about 6.30pm. Anyone with information is asked to contact Washington CID on 0191 454-7555, ext 66445.

INQUEST OPENS: An inquest into the death of 42-year-old divorcee Alan Iles has been opened and adjourned for further inquiries. The retired British Aerospace aircraft fitter was found dead at his home in Fife Street, Middlesbrough, on September 12.

ROAD HOPE: Former Stockton South MP Tim Devlin says he is pleased that a safe interchange, which he pressed for many years ago, on the A66 at Long Newton, near Stockton, could be built at last. "I was shocked when the new Labour Government stopped the scheme in 1997. I am pleased to hear that it is to come to fruition and I hope it saves lives,'' he said.

GAME CHALLENGE: Computer games shop Chips, in Middlesbrough, is the only store in the North-East to be chosen to host one of five regional heats today, of a Playstation 2 tournament. The Tekken 4 - King of Iron Fist Tournament.

TRAVEL GUIDE: The sixth edition of The Hidden Places of Yorkshire has been published, with information on accommodation, places of interest and eating out. The 266-page paperback is priced £8.99 from Travel Publishing.