RESIDENTS in an area of Hartlepool are fighting back against crime, thanks to a cash boost.

Stranton Residents' Association is issuing anti-intruder alarms to anyone in its area, in return for a small donation. The association has been able to buy 100 alarms with the help of a £400 grant from the Community Safety Partnership. PC Colin Hopkins, Hartlepool police crime prevention officer, said this was an excellent example of a community working together to play its part in beating crime.

BIKE TEST: Mountain bikers are being urged to sign up for a competition, organised by Cleveland Police, to put their skills to the test. Skill and balance will be observed in a trial over stages in a wooded area of Preston Park, Stockton. The Ridewell 2002 event, on July 21, will include a junior race for 13 to 16 year olds and an adult race. More information is available on the website bikescene.co.uk

BRANCHING OUT: A guided 14-mile walk has been organised to mark National Walk in the Woods month, in east Cleveland. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council countryside wardens will lead a walk from Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park, at Normanby, at 10am on May 29, finishing at Saltburn Woodland Centre. Walkers are asked to dress in suitable clothes and to take a packed lunch.

AWARDS NIGHT: Sixty young people, aged 15 to 23, received awards at the first presentation organised by Skelton Single Regeneration Budget's Advice, Resource and Counselling Service. Ten produced a video tackling issues faced by young people, 30 completed a peer counselling course on drugs education and 20 completed a junior leaders' course.

HELP NEEDED: The National Kidney Research shop, in Redcar High Street, needs donations ranging from bric-a-brac to clothing, records and furniture for resale, to raise funds. The shop's telephone number is (01642) 493663. Collection can be arranged.

GOLDEN TOUCH: Middlesbrough teenager Chitra Nagarajan will be presented with her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at St James' Palace, London. The 18-year-old's medal-winning activities included a residential project, working in a blind school for women in India.