THIRTY child witnesses as young as ten have given statements to police about the death of a boy under the wheels of a school bus, a court was told yesterday.

Bus driver Deborah White, 40, is awaiting trial on a charge of causing the death by dangerous driving of 12-year-old Jamie Lee Wells, in Burlam Road, Middlesbrough, on March 8.

Yesterday, Mrs White, of Hollinside Road, Billingham, appeared at Teesside Crown Court, and the case was adjourned until October 11. She was given unconditional bail.

BAG SNATCH: A 44-year-old woman driver suffered shock when her bag was snatched in the Theresa Russell car park, Newcastle, on Tuesday, by a man wearing a balaclava, who got into her car when she unlocked it. He was aged 17 to 25, and wearing a navy bomber jacket, blue jeans and trainers. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0191-214 6555.

SHIP FIRE: Fire broke out in the hold of a tug boat yesterday. Fire crews were called at 11.23am to Tyne Dock, Commercial Road, South Shields, to tackle a blaze in the front hold of the Rowangarth. The fire was started when a cutting torch burnt through the hold wall, setting fire to ropes and tarpaulin. A Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade spokesman said the prompt closure of the hold by workers prevented the incident being worse.

CLASSIC DRAMA: Jane Austen's Emma will be performed at Durham's Gala Theatre next month. Emma Woodhouse, a young, single woman determined to avoid marriage, is played by Laura Howard, who has appeared in Midsomer Murders. The production features dance, live music and sumptuous period costumes and runs from Monday to Saturday, September 16 to 21.

ASSAULT CHARGE: Peter William Harris, 52, appeared before Chester-le-Street magistrates yesterday charged with assaulting a 16-year-old at Park House, a council-run respite home for children with disabilities in Sherburn, Durham. Mr Harris, of Granville Road, Peterlee, County Durham, pleaded not guilty and the case was adjourned to August 29.

MUSICAL MAYHEM: A show that promises the complete works of Andrew Lloyd Webber in 60 seconds is heading to Newcastle from the Edinburgh Festival, where it won rave reviews. Zipp! 100 Musicals in 100 Minutes is written and hosted by Gyles Brandreth. It will be running at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle from Wednesday to Saturday September 11 to 14. To book, call 0870 9055060.

PIRACY RAID: A house was raided yesterday and a man arrested as part of an investigation into counterfeiting in the North-East. Detectives swooped on a house in Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, seizing computers. The man was last night being questioned by Northumbria Police.

SOCCER HISTORY: A course examining the history of football will be held on ten Tuesdays, starting on September 24, at the Workers' Educational Association, Bennet House, Horsemarket, Darlington. For details, call (01325) 357801.