A 12-year-old accused of luring a boy of five on to railway tracks appeared before Hartlepool magistrates yesterday. The older boy, from Hartlepool, is charged with endangering the safety of another person on a railway line, obstruction of a railway line and trespassing. The youngster, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in court with his mother. He was granted conditional bail and must return to the court on May 2.

Safety boost: New secure doors are to be installed at a block of flats on Hartlepool's Headland to help make residents feel safer. It is hoped the steel doors will curb the anti-social behaviour of people gaining unauthorised access to the flats at 17-21A Marine Drive. The block, which was built in the 1950s, comprises of eight flats served by two communal entrances.

INQUEST OPENED: An inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday into the death of a 36-year-old voluntary worker. Jerome Brown was found dead at his home in Tavistock Street, Middlesbrough, on Tuesday. His sister Josephine Lawton, 41, a retired police officer, gave evidence of identification at Teesside Coroner's Court.

Recycling sites: Three new recycling sites have been established in Billingham and Thornaby. All glass bottles and jars can be taken to The Catholic Club car park, Wolviston Road in Billingham, and Queens Social Club car park in Queens Avenue, Thornaby. Textiles and books can be taken to Kennedy Flats car park, Billingham.

Volunteers needed: The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust is looking for volunteers to help with conservation work at Hardwick Dene in Stockton. The area of public open space has an abundance of wildlife. Jobs will include footpath maintenance, fencing, pond work and litter clearance. For more information contact Helen Forbes on (01642) 808417.

HEARING ADJOURNED: An inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday into the death of a 57-year-old east Cleveland man. Edward Knapton, of Wetherell Close, Marske, was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton on Sunday where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His son Mark Knapton, 31, of High Street, Great Broughton, gave evidence of identification to Teesside Coroner's Court.