A MOTORCYLIST was in hospital with multiple injuries last night after his bike collided with a tree.

It is believed the unnamed 49-year-old, who lives near Preston, Lancashire, failed to negotiate a left-hand bend on his Aprilia 1000cc bike, near the Selset Reservoir, four miles west of Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham. He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital, where his injuries were described as serious but not life threatening. Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident, which happened on Saturday at about 3.20pm on the B6276.

Big parade: More than 700 soldiers took part in the largest military graduation parade in the country. The 16-year-olds graduated from the Army Foundation College, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The parade was led by the college's top student, Junior Regimental Sergeant Major James Watson, of Winchester.

Abseil cash: Volunteers are needed to take part in an abseil to raise money for the Royal National Institute for the Blind in County Durham. Anyone who raises £115 sponsorship will get a free T-shirt when they take part in the abseil at Darlington Memorial Hospital, on Sunday, September 29. To take part, call (01388) 529316.

Folk music: Folk band The Wilson Family are coming to the region later this month. The traditional harmony singers will be performing on Thursday, August 29, at Darlington Arts Centre. For tickets, costing £4, call (01325) 486555.

Life course: A self-help course, called A Different Way of Life, designed for anyone who wants to change their life, will take place on Wednesdays, starting on September 25, at the Darlington branch of the WEA. For information and to enrol, call (01325) 357801.

Fundraising run: The Viking Chase Four Peaks, a 7.8-mile run over some of the highest peaks on the North York Moors, will be held on Saturday, September 7. It will raise money for Cleveland Search and Rescue Team, which needs £16,000 a year to keep going. To donate money to the run, contact 17 Glendale, Guisborough, TS14 8JF.

Horse centre: Richard Hadland, of Ward Hadland Associates, Darlington, wants planning permission to turn derelict brickworks at Hurworth Moor, near Darlington, into an equestrian centre. The proposals for the 25-acre site also include the conversion of a former garage into three houses.

Pennine website: A website has been launched for people wanting to walk the Pennine Way. The Countryside Agency has launched the site for walkers tackling the 268-mile trek from Derbyshire to Northumberland. The site - www.national-trail.co.uk/ pennine way - includes a map and information about accommodation.

Helping booklet: The Council for the Protection of Rural England has produced a new booklet for communities. The leaflet offers advice to local groups wanting to fight planning issues such as housing developments on green land and the expansion of airports. Call 020-976 6433.