A 12-year-old girl knocked down after getting off her school bus is still in a critical condition at Newcastle General Hospital.

The girl suffered serious head injuries on Thursday when she was hit by a Ford Transit van driven by a 24-year-old man, in St Benet's Way, Urpeth Grange, Ouston, near Chester-le-Street, as she crossed the road behind her bus. The driver was not injured but suffered shock.

Charity ride: Bikers set off yesterday on a ride from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise funds for Teesside Hospice. The group of five riders and two drivers, all friends, have completed a number of endurance tests in aid of charities. They chose the hospice because of the care it gave to two of the group's parents. The trip will take seven days and could raise more than £3,500.

Military fun: Newcastle Military Tattoo will be held in the city's Exhibition Park tomorrow, at 8pm. Tickets cost £10 seated and £5 standing, and are available on the night or in advance from Newcastle Tourist Information Centre, Grainger Street. A free-entry Armed Forces Gala will be held in Exhibition Park on Sunday, from 11am to 5pm.

Fifties FEes: Washington Old Hall, at Washington, near Sunderland, home of the ancestors of the first US president, will charge 1952 admission prices on Sunday to mark the golden jubilee. Adults will be able to get in for 10p (two shillings in old money) and children for 5p.

UNIVERSITY TALK: A free lecture, Trusting the Public Services and Trust in the Public Services, will be given in the University of Teesside's Europa Building, Woodlands Road, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday, June 11. The talk, by lecturer Alan Lawton, starts at 6.30pm.

Five hurt: Five people were taken to hospital after a Peugeot car overturned on the B6165, between Ripley and Knaresborough, near Scotton, North Yorkshire, at about 5.20pm on Thursday. A female passenger was seriously hurt and the driver was arrested. He was later released on police bail. Witnesses are asked to contact police on (01423) 539326.

Golf day: A golf day in aid of the charity Children North-East will be held at the Ramside Hall Golf Club, on the outskirts of Durham City, on Friday, August 16. Entry costs £220 per team. For further information, call Karen Smith at the charity's Newcastle office on 0191-232 3741.

PARK POP: The pop band blue will be headlining at a Party In The Park, at Ripley Castle, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, on Saturday, July 27. The ticket hotline number is (01653) 699989. There will also be a Last Night At The Proms concert at the castle on August 31.

SALE DATE: Richmondshire Cricket Club hosts two car boot sales this weekend. The first opens at 8am today and will run until 1pm, while the second runs between 8am and 4pm on Monday. Admission to both is by donation, with stallholders charged £5 today and £6 on Monday.

Trek visit: Michelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura in the original series of Star Trek and is star of the new Disney movie, Snow Dogs, will be appearing at Forbidden Planet, in Middlesbrough, on Friday, from 3pm to 6pm.

Flag appeal: The RSPCA is holding a flag day in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, on Saturday, June 15, and is appealing for volunteers to spare an hour or two. Contact Peter Bolton on (01937) 579827.

Art awards: Nine schools in York have won Artsmark Awards from the Arts Council for their music, art, drama, and dancing activities and teaching.