Vandals in car wrecking spree

VANDALS left a trail of damage over the weekend after targeting a dozen cars parked in neighbouring streets in St Helen Auckland.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the damage, which took place early on Saturday.

Several vehicles were broken into and driven a short distance, while others had windows smashed. Police say three men have been charged in connection with the incidents.

Witnessed are asked to contact Detective Constable Nigel Crampton, at Bishop Auckland police station, on (01388) 603566.

PLANS SUBMITTED: The following planning applications have been received by Wear Valley District Council: building of stables at Well Bank, Billy Row; new shop front at 70 Front Street, West Auckland; two storey extension in Killhope Grove, Bishop Auckland; change of use to taxi office, 59 North Bondgate, Bishop Auckland; conversion of byre to accommodation, Snipegate Farm, Tow Law; new shop front, 28 Maude Terrace, St Helen Auckland; change of use from public space to garden, adjacent to Linburn Drive, Bishop Auckland; extension to 46 Fore Bondgate, Bishop Auckland.

FLAT BLAZE: Firefighters were called to a fire at a flat above The Brewer's Droop pub, in Willington, at 5.20am yesterday after people were reported trapped. The inhabitants escaped safely, but the kitchen was severely damaged.

CASTLE RAMBLE: Crook and Weardale Ramblers will embark on a seven-mile walk around Lumley Castle next Sunday. The group leaves Crook Market Place at 9.30am, or participants can join the group at the totem pole, near Great Lumley. For details call Ses Baldwin, on (01388) 608979.

HISTORY GROUP: Sedgefield Family History Group will hear a talk by Ann Fell, called Looking for Annie Vera, at its meeting in Ceddesfeld Hall next Monday, at 7.45pm.

DIABETICS MEETING: A meeting for diabetics will take place at Cumbria Lodge, on the Henknowle estate, Bishop Auckland, at 1.30pm on Wednesday. Guest speaker will be Kathryn Webster from the Primary Care Group.

MUSIC HALL: The Winston Follies will perform old-time music hall at Winston Village Hall, on Wednesday, at 7.30pm. For tickets call (01325) 732104.

BLOOD DONORS: A blood donor session is being held at Willington Methodist Church, in Lydia Street, on Wednesday, from 3pm to 7pm.

TABLE SALE: St Catherine's Community Centre, in Crook Market Place, is hosting a table-top sale on Saturday, from 9.30am to noon. Tables costing £5 can be booked on (01388) 766706.

SUPPORTERS MEET: The Darlington and district branch of the Leeds United Supporters Club is holding a branch meeting at the Oak Tree pub, Newton Aycliffe, on March 24, at 7.30pm. For details contact Kim Rowling on (01325) 312127