COMMUTERS are being invited to express their views about bus travel in Middlesbrough to a bus quality partnership working party - on board a bus.

An Arriva bus will be parked at the junction of Linthorpe Road and Davison Street, Middlesbrough, on Thursday, September 19, from 10am to 2pm, operating as a bus surgery.

BRIDGE CRASH: Firefighters cut a trapped driver free from his car after it collided with a bridge parapet on the A173 near Upleatham, Redcar, yesterday. The man, from Guisborough, escaped with whiplash and minor injuries. Some of the stonework from the bridge was dislodged.

SCRUFFS SHOW: A dog show with a difference will be held on Sunday, with prizes for the dog with the waggiest tail, most shiny coat and the scruffiest. It is the idea of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which will hold the event at the Flatts Lane Country Park, near Guisborough. Reduced-cost identity chips for dogs will be available.

ALL INVITED: A family sports day will be held at the Rainbow Leisure Centre, Coulby Newham, on Sunday. Activities will include badminton, short tennis, squash, short mat bowls and snooker.

SIGNING UP: Local historian Norman Moorsom will sign copies of his latest book, Middlesbrough's Albert Park: History, Heritage and Restoration, at Teesside Archives, Exchange Square, between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday.

MOORLAND DASH: Forty runners dashed eight miles across the North York Moors in the first Cleveland Search and Rescue team-sponsored Viking Chase. Fundraising efforts were cancelled last year because of foot-and-mouth disease restrictions. It is hoped 100 or more runners will take part next year.

BRAMBLE WALK: Thorn-proof clothes and strong shoes are recommended for a bramble-gathering walk being organised from the Margrove Heritage Centre, near Guisborough, on Sunday. For more information, call Redcar and Cleveland Heritage Centre on (01287) 610368.

KEEP ON RUNNING: Butterwick Children's Hospice, in Stockton, are appealing for runners in this year's Great North Run to enter on their behalf. Runners are asked to contact Nicola for a sponsorship form on (01642) 624231.