A 14-year-old boy was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham with arm injuries after he fell through a garage roof in Hope Street, Blackhill, County Durham, just before 5pm yesterday. He is thought to have been trying to retrieve a ball when the accident happened.

IGUANA'S ESCAPE: An iguana had a lucky escape when its tank caught fire in the bedroom of a terraced house in Bathgate Square, Town End Farm, Sunderland, yesterday. The tank was destroyed, but the 3ft iguana was found safe and well under a bed in another room.

wildlife plan: A plan to protect wildlife across a large part of North Yorkshire will be published this summer. Members of Hambleton District Council's cabinet have given their seal of approval to the area's biodiversity action plan. Aimed at raising awareness of the need for wildlife conservation, it contains action points focused on the species and habitats in greatest need of protection.

GOLF GEAR: Golfing equipment valued at £750 was taken from a garage in Grey Friars Close, Darlington, between 5pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday. A Wilson golf bag and trolley containing clubs, balls, and waterproofs were stolen. Also taken were a Karcher pressure washer and Black and Decker electric drill. Anyone with information is urged to call Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

BATTLE ACCOUNT: Peter Hart, an oral historian for the sound archive at the Imperial War Museum, who was born in Stanhope, County Durham, will give an account from witnesses to the First World War Battle of Jutland in 1916 at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery, on Saturday at 2pm. The talk, based on interviews with hundreds of ex-servicemen, is called When Fleets Collide - the Battle of Jutland.

Abbey drama: The National Trust is offering a drama and role-play opportunity at Fountains Abbey near Ripon on Saturday, May 18. Actors from the North Country Theatre will take visitors on a trip into the past. Admission will be £5 for adults, £2.50 for children. Booking is essential. Contact (01765) 643197.

RODENT ROCK: The Hamsters will play a concert at The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge, North Yorkshire, on Thursday, May 16. The venue will also play host to the Blakey Midsummer Open-Air Festival on Thursday, June 20, featuring Mostly Autumn, French guitarist Prendo, who is in Britain especially for the show, and Sevenball. For details, telephone (01751) 417320.

CARAVAN BLAZE: A caravan in Rectory Lane, Guisborough, was destroyed by fire on Sunday night. The blaze is believed to have been started by vandals.