Bonuses given to charities: STAFF at Huntsman Petrochemicals' paraxylene plant at Wilton have donated personal cash bonuses to two local charities.

As an incentive to improve their safety performance at the plant staff involved were given £11 each if they achieved environment health and safety targets. But instead of keeping the money, most decided to donate it to charity choosing the Butterwick Hospice and the South Cleveland Hospital Holistic Cancer Care facility to benefit by £350 each.

POSSIBLE DELAYS: Drivers in Stockton are being warned of possible delays due to essential gas mains work by Transco. Work to abandon an old gas main began on Monday at the junction of Fairfield Road and Oxbridge Road. The work is expected to last about ten days and in that time three-way temporary traffic lights will be in operation.

BRICKWORKS TRAIL: A brickworks trail leaflet is being launched at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park on Saturday. The leaflet details a circular walk which follows parts of the route many workers used when going to and from work at the old brickworks. The route is four and a half miles. To take part in the walk, attend the activity centre at the park at 2pm on Saturday. To book call (01642) 415225.

Police surgery: Thornaby community policewoman PC Joanne Runagall will be holding a police surgery at the town's Asda store on Saturday at 11am. Residents are invited to attend to discuss any issues or concerns they may have.

Polish theft: Darren Gorman, 29, from Ark Royal Close, Seaton Carew, appeared before Hartlepool Magistrates' Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to stealing three bottles of car polish from the town's Tesco store. He is due back at court next Tuesday for sentencing.

POLICE WATCH: Youngsters who gather near East Cleveland schools will come under police scrutiny this summer. Cleveland Police is stepping up patrols at primary and secondary schools in the area, in a bid to stop vandalism, damage and theft. Superintendent Dee Collins of Langbaurgh district, said: "Schools are vulnerable to vandalism and misuse over the summer break and we will be challenging anyone found on school grounds. If offences are committed, youths will be cautioned or prosecuted as appropriate.