A MAN was arrested after a 45-minute police siege at a house on Bishop Auckland's Woodhouse Close Estate on Saturday.

Officers surrounded the house, in Lusby Crescent, where a man had barricaded himself in the attic. They forced their way in and arrested a man, who was taken to Bishop Auckland police station, where he was questioned yesterday.

CHILD TRAPPED: Cutting equipment had to be used by firefighters to free a child who got his foot trapped in the side of an armchair at his home in Ingleton, near Darlington, at 8.15am yesterday.

TREASURER WANTED: Weardale Railway Trust, a charity working to reopen the line from Bishop Auckland to Weardale, is looking for a voluntary treasurer. The trust also needs people to help renovate Stanhope station, clear and repair the track and restore rolling stock. For details call volunteer agency 2D on (01388) 762220, or e-mail www.weardale-railway.org.uk.

WALK CHALLENGE: British Hart Foundation supporters are organising a Shildon Shuffle next month and are appealing for walkers to tackle an easy two-and-a-half-mile route suitable for all ages. The walk starts at Shildon Civic Hall on Sunday, September 15, at 2.30pm. Sponsorship forms are available from Marjorie Burton on (01388) 774248.

CHARITY EFFORT: Wear Valley District Council chairwoman Councillor Margaret Pinkney is raising money for her charity appeal with an event at Willington Working Men's Club, on Saturday, from 7.30pm. Proceeds will be shared between the diabetes clinic at Bishop Auckland General Hospital and the Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland.

WEEKLY DANCE: The Darlington Holy Family Social Centre, in Prior Street, holds dances every Sunday, at 8pm. Tickets are available on (01388) 602320.

CHOIR CONCERT: Consett Citizens' Choir is giving a concert at Stanhope Church Hall on Wednesday, at 8pm, to raise money for the Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland.

FUN DAY: Frosterley's annual fun day starts at noon on Saturday, on the recreation field.

LEAD WALK: A three-and-a half-mile guided walk called A Lead Dale in Miniature sets off from Hill End, Frosterley, on Sunday, at 2pm. Meet in the car park near the sheep grid.

COLOURFUL WINNER: Emma Carter, seven, from Darlington, has won a colouring competition organised by Asda. She received a gift bag and four tickets to the Odeon cinema in Darlington.

PLAY SCHEME: Pupils from Red Hall Primary School, Darlington, have drawn up their own six-week programme of summer activities. The playscheme is supported by organisations including the Red Hall Partnership, Darlington Borough Council and the Children's Fund.