POLICE rescuers searched a stretch of the River Tees yesterday after finding an upturned boat and wet clothing in the area.

A member of the public alerted the police at lunchtime after finding the boat along with abandoned angling equipment at Egglestone, near Barnard Castle. The Teedsale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team were called out and the police helicopter was scrambled, but no one was found. A police spokesman said no one had been reported missing and the search was a precautionary measure, but if anyone has any information they are asked to call (01833) 637328.

DRIVER TRAPPED: A driver who swerved to avoid a fox ended up trapped in his overturned car. Philip Powell, 29, of Trimdon Station, County Durham, fractured his vertebrae in the accident. The crash occurred at 12.30am on Saturday, on the B1280, between Station Town and the A19. Mr Powell lost control of his Renault Clio and the car overturned. Durham Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with any information should contact 0191-386 4929.

HELICOPTER TRIP: Visitors to the North of England Motorshow in Newcastle next month will have the chance to win a helicopter ride. The show takes place at Newcastle Racecourse on August 3 and 4, and visitors to the North-East Garages exhibition stand could win one of the free flights taking place every hour throughout the show, which runs from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

SEX SHOP: A plan to open a sex shop in a busy shopping area of Middlesbrough has been approved by councillors. Middlesbrough Council's licensing committee told applicant Provincial Enterprises yesterday to come up with a list of possible names for the store, which will be discussed at a meeting on August 5. Kevin Mitchell, of the Leeds company, said the shop, in Linthorpe Road, would not be called Fetish Forum, as originally feared by residents.

NEW BRIDGE: Work on a new footbridge linking two towns will begin this weekend. The New Blacks Footbridge, from the Mickledales estate in Redcar, to Marske, will cross the Darlington to Saltburn railway line and will be a combined cycleway and footpath. Work should be finished by September.

KENNEL EXTENSION: A boarding kennel and cattery in Bishop Middleham, County Durham, is to be expanded, following a successful planning application to Sedgefield Borough Council.

CHILDREN'S SHOW: The Gruffalo, a show to keep children entertained during the summer holidays, is coming to the North-East next Monday. The musical adaptation of a picture book is performed at the Arts Centre, Darlington, at 11am and 2.30pm. It is recommended for children aged five to ten years. Tickets are £3.50. For more information, or to book, call (01325) 486555.