POLICE swooped on three addresses early yesterday.

Six men and three women in their 20s, 30s and 40s were arrested in connection with possession and supply of controlled drugs after the 8am raids in the West View, Owton Manor and town centre areas of Hartlepool. Searches of the properties are continuing, but Cleveland Police said officers had recovered a small amount of what is thought to be heroin.

TAKEAWAY APPROVED: Hartlepool Borough Council's planning and licensing committee has approved plans for Ronnie Redferns, in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, to trade as a delicatessen and takeaway shop.

AWARDS EVENING: Children will be presented with Duke of Edinburgh Awards at an event taking place in Redcar tonight. The Mayor of Redcar, Councillor Vilma Collins, will present gold, silver and bronze awards at Rye Hills School at 7.30pm.

CHORAL CONCERT: Stockton Male Voice Choir will appear at St Patrick's Church,Westbury St, Thornaby on Monday at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £3 each and are available from the church or at the door. All the money raised will go to the church restoration fund.

DEAF CLUB: The Hard of Hearing Club is holding a table-top sale and raffle on Tuesday, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm in the Catholic Club, Wolviston Road, Billingham.

BARN DANCE: A charity barn dance social evening with supper will be held at Egglescliffe Community Centre on Saturday, from 7.30pm to 11pm. Admission is £2.50.

LIBRARY TALK: Narrow boat art will be the subject of a talk and exhibition at Brotton Library, in east Cleveland, on Wednesday. The talk begins at 1pm and entrance is free.

MORE ROOM: Plans to extend a classroom and build an entrance and reception at Hart Primary School, in Hart Village, have been approved.

GENEROUS SHOPPERS: Staff at Asda, in Thornaby, raised £845 for the Butterwick Hospice by holding a collection among shoppers.

SCHOOL REUNION: A reunion will be held next month for anyone who attended Billingham South Modern Senior School from 1951 to 1953. For details call (01642) 808986.