A PRISON SERVICE investigation is to be launched after a woman serving a life sentence for murder was found hanged in her cell yesterday.

Diana Schooling, 52, originally from Kent, was found in her cell at Durham Prison during routine rounds yesterday morning, a spokeswoman for the Prison Service said. Prison officers attempted to resuscitate her but she was confirmed dead within the hour, the spokeswoman said. Durham Police and the coroner have also been informed.

BAND PERFORMS: Stone Coda, a band from Darlington, will perform at The Studio, in Tower Street, Hartlepool, on Thursday, with support from Flagstaff. They will then go on to The Georgian Theatre, Stockton, on Saturday, August 31, before playing at The Courtyard, Guisborough, on September 15. Stone Coda built up a large fan base and following in the media under their old name, Lucas.

CROPS ATTACK: Protestors launched an attack on a field of genetically-modified crops at Headley Hall Farm near Tadcaster, North Yorkshire. The attackers targeted GM maize growing on the farm's research fields.

BENDY BUS: A bendy bus is taking to the streets of York in an effort to improve the town's park and ride services. The articulated vehicle, longer than normal buses, is being used on a trial basis on the service running from Rawcliffe Bar.

STAGE IS SET: Disabled theatre company Earthbeat is presenting an innovative adaptation of the classic musical West Side Story at Darlington Civic Theatre on Friday, September 6, from 7.30pm. For tickets, call (01325) 486555.

CLIFFS DIG: English Heritage is to carry out archaeological excavations in Whitby. The Government's Conservation Agency has already carried out a dig at cliffs in the town and will carry out further work on the Abbey headland. Major finds at previous digs, including one during the 1920s, have been on display at Whitby Museum.

COURT DATE: William Scott Heslop, 18, of Horsley Hill, South Shields , appeared before South Tyneside magistrates yesterday charged with the murder of 16-year-old Karl Brownsword, 16, who died of head injuries on Saturday after being found at a house in South Shields. The case was adjourned to September 9, when a plea and directions hearing will be held at Newcastle Crown Court.

BODY ID: Police are expected to confirm today that a body pulled from the River Ouse on Saturday is that of missing boat owner Nicholas Lightowler. A post-mortem examination will take place in York District Hospital after the body was recovered by police underwater search teams. Mr Lightowler, 57, disappeared over a fortnight ago and his motor cruiser was found drifting at Nether Poppleton.

TOP MARKS: A North-East hospital trust has been awarded £1m by the Department of Health after achieving the maximum three stars in performance ratings for the second year running. North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust was one of only 15 in the country to achieve the top grade for a second year when the star ratings were announced last month