AN l8-YEAR-OLD youth appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of a Welsh guardsman on New Year's Day.

David Wayne Pallister, of Ashley Road, South Shields, south Tyneside, spoke only to confirm his name at the brief hearing, at Newcastle Crown Court. The teenager is charged with the murder of 47-year-old Richard Jones, whose body was found on the Promenade, in South Shields, on January 1. Judge Esmond Faulks remanded Mr Pallister in custody until May l7.

BIRTHPLACE REBORN: The birthplace of the North-East's most famous gardener, Capability Brown, is undergoing a transformation with the help of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Farmer John Anderson and his wife, Kitty, of Little Harle Farm, Kirkwhelpington, Northumberland, have renewed their stewardship agreement for another ten years. They have proposals to carry out restoration work in the parkland surrounding Brown's family home, Kirkharle, which stands within the bounds of their farm.

BIKE BONANZA: Cycling fans are being invited to get on their bikes to a North-East beauty spot next week. An event at Castle Eden Walkway, near Stockton, Teesside, next Sunday will provide an opportunity for cyclists to put their skills to the test in a range of activities, including a guided off-route ride of 12 miles, a family cycle treasure hunt and a speed trial on a static bike. For further information, contact (01740) 630011.

BABY'S INQUEST: An inquest was opened yesterday into the death of a two-month-old baby. Andrew Love, of Quenby Road, Billingham, Teesside, was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton, on March 14, and died there later that day. His father, Gary Love, 17, of the same address, gave evidence of identification at Teesside Coroner's Court. Coroner Michael Sheffield adjourned the proceedings, pending further inquiries.

PIPES AND DRUMS: Teesdale Pipes and Drums Band will be performing outside the Newgate shopping centre, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, today. They will be playing from 9am to 3pm and a collection will be taken for the Butterwick Children's Hospice. The band is also looking for new members. Experience is not necessary as training will be given. Call (01833) 660562 for further information.

COACH TRIP: Two places have become available for a coach trip to Paris, from Friday to Monday, April 19 to April 22. The coach leaves Barnard Castle, in County Durham, at 6.50am, and Darlington at 7.30am. The trip costs £191. All proceeds from the trip will go to Cancer Research UK. For further information, call (01833) 650638 or (01833) 621302.

GUARDS RETURN: Two North-East guardsmen who were among those lining the route of yesterday's procession to take the Queen Mother's coffin from St James' Palace, in London, to Westminster Hall, will return to the region today. Liam Green, 17, of Washington, Wearside, and Danny Murray, 18, from Gateshead, will travel by train to Newcastle Central Station.

CYCLE CHALLENGE: The National Deaf Children's Society wants cyclists from the North-East to join a sponsored ride from London to Paris. The charity event is due to take place during the August bank holiday weekend. For more information, contact 0207 4908656.

READING CASH: Cash awards of up to £6,000 are available for North-East projects which encourage communities and families to read. To apply for an award, contact Helen Russell, of the Reading Families Award Scheme, on 0207-976 2011.