A TEENAGE girl sustained serious head injuries when she was involved in a collision with a car.

The accident happened on Saturday night as the 16-year-old, from Bearpark, near Durham, was crossing Toll House Road, Durham, at the west end of the bridge over the River Browney. She collided with a Ford Sierra car being driven by a 34-year-old Durham man. The girl was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, where she was detained. Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Police, on 0191-386 4929.

COUNCIL ACCUSED: A long-running prosecution against Durham County Council has been adjourned until January 14. The Health and Safety Executive is bringing charges against the council for breaching regulations after builders working on a science block at Wolsingham School and Community College, County Durham, were allegedly exposed to asbestos, in September 1999. The case will be called again at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court.

SHIMMERING LIGHTS: Three boats shimmering with the light from 200 candle-lit lanterns will sail upstream under the Millennium Bridge at Newcastle on New Year's Eve. Suspended from riggings, each paper lantern will hold a written message or wish from its maker. As the boats arrive midstream at about 8pm, opposite the Quayside, the sounds of the makers' voices will become audible over speakers.

FINAL SALUTE: The man responsible for Army recruitment throughout Teesside and County Durham will oversee his final enlistment parade after more than 40 years today. Lieutenant Colonel Colin Robinson OBE BEM will be at the South Shields Army Careers Information Office, in Fowler Road, where he enlisted in 1960, to start the latest set of recruits on their Army career.

ARMED ROBBERY: A man brandishing a fake weapon held up a jeweller in Newcastle city centre on Friday evening. The man, who fled with a quantity of chains, was pursued down Grainger Street and Westgate Road to Pink Lane, where he was lost. He was described as in his mid-20s and 5ft 10in.

COLLEGE PLANS: Plans for the opening of Newcastle's New Model College next year are gathering momentum. The new school, which will be run by a partnership of Newcastle local education authority, the Church of England Diocese and Newcastle University, is due to open in September.

SUCCESSFUL YEAR: Tyne and Wear museums service has marked its most successful year by attracting more than one million visitors to its ten venues. During the past seven months, the service has seen visitor figures climb to a record-breaking 1.08m.

TEDDY PRIZE: A giant teddy bear was raffled by Teesside International Airport staff, raising £250 for St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington. The toy was won by baggage handler Andrew McGreevy, at a Christmas sale.