AN 80-year-old woman was robbed at her home in Aintree Gardens, Gateshead, by two teenagers when she answered the door to them at 3.30pm on Saturday. The pair, aged 16 and 18 years, forced their way into her house and knocked her to the ground before stealing a small amount of cash. They both spoke with an Irish accent.

MAN ATTACKED: A 58-year-old man was pushed to the ground and beaten with his own walking stick by two robbers, as they searched his pockets. A police spokesman said the victim had been walking in Birtley, Gateshead, at 8.30pm on Sunday, when the attackers struck. They fled empty-handed, while their victim suffered shock and minor injuries.

SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT: Police have appealed for information following a suspicious incident in Newcastle on Sunday. A police spokesman said a member of the public had raised concerns after seeing an 11-year-old child being forced into a red Ford-type car by a man, believed to be of Afro-Caribbean origin. The incident happened in Elswick Road, Newcastle West, at about 8.30pm.

BLOOD DONORS: Blood donor sessions will be held in the community centre, Wensleydale Avenue, Penshaw, today, between 3pm and 7pm, and in the Methodist Church Hall, Bede Way, Peterlee, from 10am to 7pm.

COACHING VACANCY: Newton Hall St Bede's Football Club is seeking a new coach for its under-14 team for the new Russell Foster League season. The team plays on pitches alongside New College Durham, at Framwellgate Moor, on Sundays. Anyone interested is asked to contact Rob Garbutt, on 0191-384 0610.

EASTER FUN: An Easter Monday family party is being held at the village hall in Shadforth, near Durham, featuring children's entertainer Mr Lido, food, games, painted eggs and Easter bonnet competition, from 3pm until 6pm. Tickets, costing £2 for children and £1 for adults, are available from Sandra, on 0191-372 0348.

SCHOOL AWARD: Consett's Delves Lane Junior School is celebrating a £2,590 School Achievement Award after seeing its results improve by 30 per cent in three years. The improvement has taken place at the school since the arrival of headteacher Sue Haley.

DIABETIC CLUB: Durham Diabetic Club meets in the Diabetes Centre, in the east wing of the University Hospital of North Durham, on Tuesday, April 9, at 7.30pm. Guest speaker will be Dr Sue Roberts, clinical co-ordinator of the Northumbria Diabetes Service. Admission is free.

Village walk: Countryside ranger Jennie Garrod will lead a three-mile walk to the Little Wood Local Nature Reserve and Kings Wood today, starting at 1pm outside Cassop Primary School. The walk, one of a series organised by Durham County Council, is free.