WARNING OVER BOGUS CHARITY: Bogus charity collectors have been taking cash from shoppers in Stockton.

Police are warning against the fraudsters, who claim to be selling raffle tickets to buy wheelchairs for disabled children, at Abbey Hill School Technology College, Stockton. Tickets, offering a prize of a Caribbean holiday, are being sold at £2 each, but the school is not collecting funds.

Police want anyone who has been approached by the bogus collectors, or who has any information, to call (01642) 302226.

MAJOR DELAYS: Lane closures will be in force on the A1130 Acklam Road/George Street in Stockton while mains replacement works are carried out. Major delays are expected at peak periods and motorists are advised to aviod the area if possible.

FLAT FIRE: Cleveland fire officers were called to Everley Walk, in Hardwick, Stockton, in the early hours of yesterday to a report of a flat on fire. Smoke damage was caused to the hallway and the rest of the flat.

ROOF RESCUE: Firefighters were called to the Victoria Health Centre, in Victoria Road, Hartlepool, at 9pm on Saturday after a 14-year-old boy got stuck on the roof. They used a ladder to rescue him.

FAMILY FUN: Parents are invited to take their children along to a family fun event to celebrate National Bookstart Day, at Owton Manor Library and Community Centre, Wynard Road, Hartlepool, from 2pm to 4pm today. The event is free and is based on the theme of animal antics. It includes face painting, storytelling, and craft activities.

MARKET MEETING: The steering group of the Guisborough Market Town Initiative is holding a public meeting on Tuesday, October 9, at 7pm. in Sunnyfield House, Guisborough, to outline projects and improvements. For more details, contact Stephen Whitehead on (01287) 280800 or Alma Thrower on 07980 969580.

BIRDWATCHING EVENTS: The Teesmouth Field Centre is hosting events to celebrate World Birdwatching Day, on Saturday and Sunday. The Centre is offering people the chance to visit and view birds and seals from its Hartlepool Power Station hide, on Sunday. For more information and to book a place, ring (01429) 264912.

OPENING NIGHT: Young people are invited to attend the opening of a new youth club at Elmwood Youth and Community Centre, off Newham Way, Middlesbrough, tomorrow, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. They are offered the chance to join in with activities including disco nights, cooking, music and outdoor sports.

All ABOARD: Visitors to a park were taken for a ride in the name of charity yesterday. The Small Gauge Railway, at Preston Park, Stockton, was open for rides at a cost of 50p as part of a charity effort by the Teesside Small Gauge Railway group, which runs it. The offer will be extended to local schoolchildren today, and all proceeds will be donated to the BBC Children in Need Appeal