Stuart Bell MP and Ray Mallon

ON MARCH 7, The Northern Echo reported a Parliamentary speech by Middlesbrough MP Stuart Bell in which he set out his view of the background to Operation Lancet in relation to Ray Mallon. In response to this speech, Mr Mallon was given the right of reply and was quoted as saying that Mr Bell had, to date, supported the burglars and thieves of Middlesbrough against police officers with regard to the evidence presented during the Operation Lancet inquiry. We wish to make it clear that it was not our intention to imply that Mr Bell supports criminals in favour of police officers and we are happy to set the record straight.

TRAFFIC CHAOS: Rush-hour traffic was plunged into chaos yesterday morning after a Citroen Berlingo van, travelling northbound on the A1(M) between Carville and Chester-le-Street, County Durham, hit the central reservation. The driver, a 22-year-old man from south Northumberland, suffered severe leg injuries after being thrown from the vehicle. He is being detained at the University Hospital of North Durham. The carriageway was closed for four hours.

LOTTERY WINNERS: The latest winners of a weekly charity lottery draw have been announced. The Great North Air Ambulance Service holds its draws every week. Wednesday's winner, who receives £200, is the holder of ticket 08630, from Wooler, Northumberland. Ten £10 winners are the holders of tickets 10928, 09836, 08906, 10846, 09200, 08591, 09841, 13364, 09094, 08128. To join the lottery or help the appeal, telephone (01668) 213824.

BOOT GRAVEYARD: The Scorpio Doc Shop, in Newcastle's Grainger Market, is offering people the chance to display their old boots in a shop graveyard in return for £1. All proceeds will be donated to the NSPCC.

PAIR OF BEAUTIES: The latest work of a North-East playwright is being performed in Hartlepool on Wednesday. Hull Truck Theatre brings its latest production - A Pair of Beauties - to Hartlepool's Town Hall Theatre, starting at 7.30pm. The new comedy, from Gordon Steel, builds on his Edinburgh Festival Fringe successes Dead Fish, Like a Virgin and 2001 football epic Studs. The playwright has won national praise for his North-East based plays, including awards from the Fringe. Tickets are £8 (£6 concessions) and are available from the box office on (01429) 890000.

ROCK REVIVAL: The Animals and Friends, a band made up of former members of the Tyneside rockers and other musicians of their era, will play Durham's Gala Theatre on Thursday, April 18. Tickets cost £10 and £8 from the box office on 0191-3324041.

JAIL STAFF PRAISED: Staff at a women's prison have been recognised for their work helping prisoners get accommodation on release. Officers Linda Boyston and Jill Horster, from HMP Low Newton, Durham City, were among a number of prison staff from all over the country to visit Buckingham Palace to collect their Butler Trust Certificate Award from the Princess Royal. The pair, plus Beth Hamner and Jacqueline Coleby, won their awards for their dedication in finding accommodation for Low Newton's inmates and giving them housing advice.