A POACHER'S sawn-off shotgun, a derringer - a type of pistol - and a loaded .22 pistol where among items given to police in east Cleveland during a ten-day firearms amnesty.

People had been invited to give in illegal weapons without fear of prosecution in an attempt to tackle the rise in airgun attacks in Loftus and surrounding area. Police said they had received more than 20 items, including guns, knives and bayonets.

IT HELP: Children can improve their IT skills at summer schools in Redcar and Cleveland. A total of eight courses, each lasting a week, will be run, and the first starts on Monday. They will be held at the City Learning Centre, Eston, Coatham Local Learning Centre and Redcar Education Development Centre. For details, call Keith Scott on (01642) 444221.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The National Kidney Research charity shop in Redcar is looking for volunteers to help for a few hours each week. Anyone interested can call into the shop, at 108 High Street, or call (01642) 493663.

FARES INCREASE: Plans to increase taxi fares in Middlesbrough were approved yesterday. The town's Hackney Carriage Association applied to Middlesbrough Council for the 20p rise, the first in three years. The new fares will be introduced in September.

cycle challenge: A Cleveland Police Motor Club rally, which attracted police motorcyclists and supporters from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, raised £400 for the Hartlepool and East Durham Diabetic Group. The money will help to buy medical equipment.

SCIENCE WEEK: Pupils at Bader Primary School, Thornaby were encouraged to improve their diets by taste testing different fruits and vegetables and trying to drink more water during a science week recently. The week ended with a visit by a representative from the town's Asda store, who talked to the children about a healthy diet.

MOBILE MAGIC: Children aged from five to 14 are invited to the Museum of Hartlepool, at the town's Historic Quay, tomorrow to make a mobile based on a maritime theme. Sessions last an hour and begin at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. It is free to take part, but all children must be accompanied by an adult.