NEWCASTLE College's Modern Apprentice of the Year award has been won by Tracey Marshall, 18, of Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside.

Miss Marshall, a customer sales advisor at the Houghton branch of Northern Rock, joined the Foundation Modern Apprenticeship in customer service at Newcastle College last December. Since then, she has completed NVQs in customer service and administration and is on her way to completing five key skills, including communications and IT. Susan Lawson, course leader in the school of business management and computing, said: "Tracey has worked very hard and completed a substantial amount of work in just seven months. She always met deadlines and her submitted work was of an excellent standard. She is a model student and really deserves this award."

HOUSE BURGLED: Three men stole property from pensioners after entering their property under the pretence of examining the water supply. A Peterlee police spokesman said the men were seen leaving a property Tweddle Crescent, Blackhall, in a hurry after entering the premises at 3.50pm. Anyone with information has been urged to call Peterlee detectives on 0191-586 2621.

FAMILY HISTORY: A five-week course in how to research a family tree will be held in the Chester-le-Street Community Centre from 7pm to 9.30pm on Monday evenings, starting on September 30. The course costs £17.50. To enrol, or for further information, call 0191-388 4752.

PRIZE WINNERS: Lynn George, of West Acres, Satley, is the winner of a weekly heat of Pontin's Karaoke Champion 2002 held at the Wall Park Centre, Brixham, Devon. The prize was a £20 voucher, a winner's medallion and certificate and an invitation to the finals weekend in October.

VIEWS SOUGHT: Every household in South Tyneside is to receive a questionnaire seeking views on the reshaping of the ward boundaries in the borough. Residents are reminded to return the questionnaires before August 30 to the Returning Officer, Freepost, Town Hall and Civic Offices, Westoe Road, South Shields, NE33 1BR.

GIRLS' GOLF: Derwentside Leisure Services is again offering golf coaching in girls-only sessions over the coming weeks. The courses, which cost £10 for five morning sessions from 9.30am to 11.30am, will be held at the Hobson Golf Course, Burnopfield. A course will start next Monday. For further details contact (01207) 218014.

BLOOD SESSION: A blood donor session will be held at the Red Lion, Front Street, Chester-le-Street, from 2.30pm to 7pm on Monday, September 9. On the same day, a session will be held at the Red House Community Centre, Rutherglen Road, Red House, Sunderland, from 2.30pm to 5.45pm.