AN APPEAL was made last night for witnesses to a fatal car crash.

A 35-year-old female passenger, who has yet to be named by police, died when the Vauxhall Cavalier in which she was travelling failed to negotiate a bend and collided with a telegraph pole on the C123 at Woodhorn Crossroads, near Ashington, Northumberland. Witnesses to the accident, on Saturday at 5.30pm, should contact Northumbria Police motor patrols section, on 0191-214 6555.

REWARD OFFERED: A couple have offered a £1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of arsonists who started fires which damaged a car and van parked in a secure compound. A new Toyota MR2 car and a customer's van were targeted by fireraisers at 11pm on Frdai August 2, in the latest of a number of vandal attacks at Parkside Garage, Seaham. Information should be passed to Seaham police, on 0191-581 2255.

WOMAN INJURED: A female motorist was cut free from a damaged vehicle by firefighters, following a two-car collision on the A690, at Brancepeth, near Durham. The victim was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, following the accident, on Saturday, at 3.20pm. It is not believed she suffered serious injuries.

CYCLIST HURT: A 50-year-old man was being treated for head injuries after being knocked off his bicycle in a collision with a car on Friday. The accident happened at 5.50pm outside the police station in Stanley, County Durham.The cyclist was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham for treatment.

CASE ADJOURNED: A police officer accused of wounding a 43-year-old man with a punch outside a Quayside pub has been bailed to return to Newcastle Magistrates' Court on September 4. Detective Constable John Beresford, also 43, who is based in CID in the Derwentside division, was suspended by the Durham force following the alleged incident in June.

JOINT SERVICE: Two evangelical churches in Durham will stage a joint service on Sunday. The King's Church will share the service with Durham City Baptist Church, at 11am. The service will be staged at the Baptist Church, in Gilesgate.

JUBILEE GIFT: The Gateshead branch of MFI donated £500 to the town's Oakfield Junior School and gave each of the 220 pupils T-shirts and other gifts for its jubilee celebrations. The money will help the school buy computers.

CHARITY SHOP: The PDSA, which offers a helping hand to owners of pets in need of veterinary care, is to open a fundraising shop in Yoden Way, Peterlee, on Friday, August 23. The charity is appealing for goods to sell. To help, call 0191-518 4065.

SALSA NIGHTS: The Gallery, at Chester Moor, near Chester-le-Street, is holding salsa dancing classes at 8pm on Tuesdays. It also holds buskers' nights on Wednesdays.