Thieves snatch pregnant pet

A five-year-old black Labrador bitch, which was pregnant, has been stolen from a farmhouse in Sedgefield.

The dog, which was wearing a red collar, was locked in a pound at the back of the farm, but thieves removed two bolts and stole it between 7.30am and 6pm on Monday.

SPORTS COACHING: Free football coaching for 11 to 16-year-olds is being offered at Parkside Community Association on March 27 and April 5, from 10am to 3pm. Stephen Jackson leads a session for girls on April 5. Bishop Auckland tennis coach Keith Greenwell has a course at the Town Recreation Ground from April 2 to 5, from 1pm to 3pm. And Bishop Auckland Cricket Club is holding a one-day course at Parkside on March 27, from 10am to 3pm. For details call Julie Wynn on (01388) 761606.

SHOW NIGHT: The Grangetown Stars, eight people with learning disabilities, will perform at the RAFA Club, Barrington Road, Newton Aycliffe, on March 14, from 7pm. For details call (01325) 313123.

CAR THEFTS: A Ford Escort, registration J144 RFA, was stolen from Ford Terrace, Chilton, between 9pm on Sunday and 5.20am on Monday. A blue Ford Fiesta, registration K54 BHN, was stolen from a factory unit on Salters Lane Industrial Estate, Sedgefield, between 2.05pm and 2.12pm on Monday.

PARTNERSHIP MEETS: The Bishop Auckland Community Partnership meets tomorrow, at 10.30am, at Bishop Auckland Methodist Church.

CASH BONUS: Foreman Recycling, from Spennymoor, has presented £600 to the Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland.

WEEDING OUT: Walkers are celebrating No Smoking Day next Wednesday with a two-mile trek, starting from the Peases West Sports Complex, Crook, at 12.15pm. To register in advance, call (01388) 761607.

WOMAN ACCUSED: The case of a 26-year-old woman accused of assaulting a police officer has been adjourned. Elizabeth Lee, of Heatherburn Court, Woodham, is charged with assault on February 22. The case was adjourned until March 13 at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court.

CHURCH MUSIC: Mozart's Requiem Mass, conducted by Richard Turner, will be performed in Sedgefield's St Edmund's Church on Saturday, at 7pm.

BLACK HUMOUR: Comedy thriller, Secondary Cause of Death, is to be performed by Bishop Auckland Theatre Society at the town hall from April 24 to April 27. Tickets are available from Tony Adams on (01388) 601986