AN inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday into the death of a retired engineer. John Nesbit, 72, of Kennythorpe, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, was admitted to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on March 21. He died there on Wednesday. His daughter Susan Tapper, 42, of Ilkley, West Yorkshire, gave evidence of identification to Teesside Coroner's Court.

Lecture society: Redcar Lecture Society will be holding its annual meeting on Tuesday, at 7.30pm, in the United Reformed Church hall, in Station Road. The meeting will be followed by an illustrated talk about the Isle of Man by Vera Robinson. Admission is 50p for visitors and free for members.

COURTS CLOSE: Magistrates' courts in Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Guisborough will be closed on Tuesday as a mark of respect to the Queen Mother. More than 550 cases were due to be heard on Teesside and people who were due to attend will receive written notice of the rearranged hearing date.

Curious Finds: John Wilson will be giving a talk about Curious Finds on Local Walks to members of Guisborough Hard of Hearing Club, at the group's fortnightly meeting on Wednesday, at Helmsley House, Wilton Lane, from 10am until noon. Anyone wanting further information is asked to contact John Herring on (01287) 635373.

Cactus meeting: The Teesside branch of the British Cactus and Succulent Society will be holding its monthly meeting on Wednesday, at 7pm, in the Settlement Community Centre, St Paul's Road, off Union Street, Middlesbrough. The speaker will be Brian Fearn, who will be talking about interesting succulents and might have some plants for sale.

PUFFIN CROSSING: There will be temporary traffic lights, in Marske Road and Windsor Road, Saltburn, on Monday and Tuesday to allow for the installation of a puffin crossing.

RESIDENTS MEET: Top Lakes Residents' Association in Redcar will be holding its annual meeting on Wednesday, at Grosmont Day Centre, at 6.30pm. People from the local area are invited to attend to have their say on the issues that affect the neighbourhood. Free door chains and spyholes will be available at the meeting.

Road closed: France Street, in Redcar, will be closed for five weeks to allow for the construction of a bus lane as part of the £26m Regent Walk shopping development.