A SECOND village in County Durham has become the target of thieves who risk injury by stealing airbags from vehicles.

Raiders who broke into a Lexus car, in Snackgate Lane, Heighington, near Darlington, took two of the explosive devices, as well as a set of Mizuno golf clubs in an overnight attack on Tuesday. The previous night, three vehicles in Sadberge were targeted by thieves who also took airbags. Police have warned that airbags carry an explosive device, which can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Anyone who has information is asked to contact police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Home improvements: A £430,000 flagship scheme has given a new sense of independence to people with mental health problems. That is how much the Endeavour Housing Association has spent converting Webb House, Middlesbrough, which previously provided shared accommodation, into ten self-contained flats. Managing agent Stonham House Association is providing round-the-clock support.

TAKING AIM: Celebrities, companies and gun enthusiasts will be competing at Ripley Castle's Really Wild Clay Day on Monday. A total of 25 teams will shoot at more than 25,000 clay pigeons on the estate, just outside Harrogate. It is hoped the event will raise more than £20,000 for children's charities Candlelighters and National Children's Homes. Celebrities including Jeremy Clarkson and Lesley Joseph will join Olympic shooting gold medallist Richard Faulds and British and English champion Simon Ward at the event.

ABSEIL CHALLENGE: The Royal National Institute for the Blind is appealing for people to take part in an abseil down Gurney House, in Middlesbrough, on Sunday, May 26. It costs £10 to take part and funds will be used to help blind and partially-sighted people in the Durham and Cleveland areas. Anyone who would like to take part is asked to call Gillian Rosemurgey on (01388) 529316.

CHARITY runners: The Spencer Dayman Meningitis Laboratories are looking for people in the North-East and North Yorkshire who would be interested in completing the Great North Run while raising funds for the national charity. The laboratories are at the forefront of research into the often deadly disease but relies on fundraising to maintain its work. Anyone interested is asked to call 0117 373 7373.

Musical world: Redcar Operatic Society is marking its 75th anniversary celebrations with a musical extravaganza at Middlesbrough Theatre. The event features music from Irving Berlin, as well as a tap-dancing event. A gala show takes place tomorrow with tickets costing £10.50, and other performances run until next Saturday, with tickets at £9.50 or £8.50. Shows start at 7.30pm. The box office can be contacted on (01642) 815181.

Pole position: Clive Hart a Teesside Hospice day centre visitor for the past eight years, is flying the flag in style for the Queen's Golden Jubilee. He has paid for a flagpole to be placed outside the Middlesbrough hospice, which will be used to celebrate future hospice events.

BRIDGE TILTING: The Gateshead Millennium Bridge will be tilting today at 1pm and 4pm to allow Tyne pleasure boat Island Scene to pass through. It will also tilt at 2pm and 5pm on Tuesday to allow the same vessel through.