POLICE are hunting for thieves who stole a rare mountain bike yesterday.

The XC400GT cycle was taken from outside Kirkleatham Old Hall Museum, Redcar, between 9am and 11.30am, despite having been secured with a chain. The £1,400 red and white bike has 27 gears, triple suspension and a black and red seat. It is believed that there are only two of its type in the region. Anyone with information is asked to call police, on (01642) 302033.

ROOF FIRE: Two workers set fire to a roof they were repairing in Eaglescliffe yesterday. They were using a gas torch to burn off pitch on the roof of a house, in Whinfell Avenue, when some insulation material caught fire. Fire brigade Station Officer Dave Hammond said the blaze spread to the roof next door, but was quickly extinguished by firefighters. "It wasn't a difficult job for us to put it out, but for the householder it was horrific," he said.

INQUEST OPENED: An inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday into the death of an 89-year-old woman. Anne Norman, of Meadowcroft Road, Normanby, was admitted to Middlesbrough General Hospital on Wednesday and died there the following day. Her daughter, Irene Feeney, 55, of The Mount, Normanby, gave evidence of identification at Teesside Coroner's Court.

RUNNING TOTAL: An MP who took to the road for a sponsored run on Saturday raised £1,074 for charity. Vera Baird, MP for Redcar, ran from the town's Marske Square along the Stray to raise the cash for Redcar and Teesmouth lifeboats, St John Ambulance and other local charities.

LEARNING SURVEY: Door-to-door and street surveys are to be undertaken by the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley to assess learning and skills needs. The aim is to canvass the views of 2,000 people.

GARAGE FIRE: Vandals set fire to an unoccupied garage in High Street, Eston, yesterday. Firefighters put out the blaze, which destroyed a pile of rubbish and caused slight heat damage to the building.

MUGGING CHARGE: Two men are due to appear in court today accused of mugging an 88-year-old woman. The men, aged 25 and 29, are charged with theft of the pensioner's handbag, in North Ormesby, on Saturday. They will appear before Teesside magistrates.