Regional

A MAN appeared before magistrates in Harrogate yesterday accused of raping a woman in the North Yorkshire town in March.

Paul Masheder, 42, of Waterton Close, Walton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was remanded on bail to appear before a judge at York Crown Court, next Friday.

ARSON REWARD: South Shields Angling Club is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for an arson attack on its premises, last Friday. A £32,000 boat was destroyed when arsonists broke into the compound and set it alight. Anyone with information has been asked to call 0191-454 7555, extension 65050.

PARENTS WARNED: Police in North Yorkshire have urged parents to be on their guard after an eight-year-old girl was approached by a man in Beadlam, near Helmsley, on Wednesday afternoon. The youngster was not harmed. The man is said to be about 30 and drove a red sports car.

FIRE ARRESTS: Three men were arrested early yesterday in connection with a suspected arson attack on a house in Franklin Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, earlier this week. The men, aged 27, 29 and 32, were being questioned at Harrogate police station. They were arrested after police searched premises in the town.

MAN CHARGED: George Turnbull, 21, of Allington Place, Gilesgate, Durham City, has been charged with handling stolen property following the recovery of a £35,000 Mastercraft speedboat at the North Shields ferry terminal, North Tyneside. Mr Turnbull was bailed to appear before magistrates in Cumbria, on Tuesday.

FENCING STOLEN: Raiders stole a large quantity of fencing worth £600 from the compound of Jewsons, in Dunston, Gateshead, on Tuesday night. All were marked with a metal badge of Jewsons Upafence, manufactured by George Hill Industries. Anyone who has been offered the fencing, or has information, has been asked to call 0191-454 7555.

HIT-AND-RUN: Police are trying to trace a hit-and-run driver who knocked a 17-year-old boy off his bike in Gilsland Street, Sunderland, at 3.30pm last Friday. The cyclist was not seriously injured. The only description is that the car was red. Anyone with information has been asked to call 0191-454 7555, extension 66659.

THEATRE MISERY: Theatre fans have been assured of a full refund by Billingham Forum, on Teesside, after a production of the Stephen King thriller, Misery, went into liquidation. The show, which was due to open on Monday, was to have featured former EastEnders actor Leslie Grantham and former Brookside actress Sandra Maitland.

COUNCIL RESHUFFLE: A new leader for the coming civic year was elected at the annual meeting of City of York Council yesterday. Councillor Rod Hills was re-elected leader of the council, responsible on the executive for the economic development portfolio.

CIVIC HOTSEAT: A gust of wind caught a spark from a contractor's blowtorch and set fire to a window frame at Middlesbrough Town Hall yesterday. Workers installing new lead flashing around the windows of the listed building put out the fire before the arrival of firefighters