NORTHUMBRIA Police are appealing for witnesses to a road accident that claimed the life of an 83-year-old pensioner on Friday afternoon.

The man died after he was hit by a Renault van in Victoria Road West, Hebburn, South Tyneside. Witnesses should call 0191-454 7555, extension 66391.

MAN ATTACKED: A 43-year-old man suffered serious head injuries when he was attacked as he walked past a pub in the Sandhill area of Newcastle at 9.50pm on Saturday. Anyone with information should call police on 0191-214 6555.

FULL MEASURE: Durham county councillors have backed a call by their trading standards officers for the Government to insist that drinkers get a full pint of beer. Ministers are planning legislation that would see landlords prosecuted only if they served a pint that was less than 95 per cent liquid.

HORSES FOUND: Police at Peterlee, in County Durham, are trying to trace the owners of two horses found wandering near the A19 on Saturday evening. The light brown and white Shetland and the black and white heavy horse are being looked after. Anyone with information should call 0191-586 2621.

WATCHING BIRDS: Birdwatchers can learn more about the pastime at an event on Saturday. It takes place between 9.30am and 4.30pm at Low Barns Nature Reserve, Witton-le-Wear, County Durham. Tickets are £10 for adults and £6 for children. Members of Durham Wildlife Trust qualify for a discount. More information is available on (01388) 488728 or (01429) 867550.

LIFT OFF: The cliff lift run by Scarborough Borough Council between the Grand Hotel and the Aquarium Top has been taken out of service. The 73-year-old lift, which carries thousands of passengers every summer, developed difficulties with the brake pads, said a tourism department spokesman. "But there was no danger to the public," he added.

FLOWER FESTIVAL: A centenary festival of flowers and music is being held at St Wilfrid's Church, Duchy Road, Harrogate, from July 26 to 28. For details call (01423) 879566.

NEW HOMES: Planners have approved plans for two four-bedroom homes at the Old Stables, Langthorpe, Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire. Harrogate Borough Council planners were told the scheme involved demolition of outbuildings. Langthorpe Parish Council said development was overdue.

ROADWORKS AHEAD: A 30mph speed limit and traffic lights will be operating on the A69 Carlisle to Newcastle road from today at West Rattenshaw Bridge, near Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, when work starts on the refurbishment of the bridge.

DRIVER WARNING: Motorists on the North York Moors are being warned about the temporary closure of a minor road at Castleton Station, near Whitby, while a cattle grid is removed. Closure is scheduled for five days, from Friday, but it is expected the work will be completed in a day. Access for pedestrians will be maintained.