Clampdown on road tax cheats

A CLAMPDOWN on road tax cheats is being launched across Teesside today. The DVLA has set up "stingray" cameras in the area to catch motorists using unlicensed vehicles. In addition, extra wheelclamping hit squads will target untaxed cars, with a release fee of £200. Tax cheats will face prosecution, with fines of up to £1,000 for cars and motorbikes and £23,000 for HGVs.

SPORTS OPENING: Middlesbrough FC boss Steve McClaren will be taking a break from training tomorrow when he pays a visit to Yarm School. He will be at the school to open its multi-purpose sports surface. During the ceremony he will cut the ribbon to declare the pitches open and watch sports demonstrations by the pupils.

SCHOOL SECURITY: A Hartlepool school is hoping to improve security by building a 7ft steel fence. Barnard Grove Primary School, in the King Oswy area of the town, has applied to Hartlepool Borough Council for permission.

NEW WATCHDOG: A Cleveland Group of the World Wide Fund For Nature has just been formed and will meet at Nature's World, Ladgate Lane, Acklam, Middlesbrough, on Thursday. New members are welcome.

SUPPORTING CARERS: Carers looking after people with mental health problems are being invited to an event at the Southlands Centre in Ormesby Road, Middlesbrough, tomorrow, to find out how they can get involved in monitoring services and service developments. They will also be offered advice on education and training.

RECYCLING PLEA: Shoppers are being urged to drop off unwanted spectacles, hearing aids and mobile phones for possible use in developing countries, at the Cleveland Centre, Middlesbrough, on Easter Saturday. Middlesbrough Teesside Lions Club is holding an Easter egg tombola in the main concourse of the Cleveland Centre, when members will collect cast off items.

CHILDS PLAY: More than 100 children from Archibald Primary School, St Francis Primary and Whinney Banks Junior, all in Middlesbrough, are presenting an evening of song, drama and dance at Middlesbrough Theatre tomorrow. The youngsters have worked with two musicians during the past term in a project funded by the West Middlesbrough New Deal for Communities Education Zone