DELEGATES from the international aerospace community will be in the North-East this week to discuss the latest fire-testing methods concerning aircraft materials safety.

Darchem Engineering Ltd, Stillington, near Stockton is hosting the International Materials Fire Test Conference on Wednesday and Thursday.

It is one of the first occasions the group has met outside America. Representatives from Airbus, Boeing, the Federal Aviation Authority (US) and the Civil Aviation Authority (UK), as well as many industry and academic experts from more than ten different countries, will attend the event.

Visitors will witness a demonstration in Darchem's post-crash fire test rig, which was developed following the Manchester air disaster.

NATIONAL AWARD: The Forum Leisure Centre, Billingham, is one of the first complexes in the country to become a nationally-approved training centre for swimming pool lifeguards. The accreditation, by Quality Leisure Management on behalf of the Institute of Qualified Lifeguards, will make the Forum a role model for other centres in the region. Approved centres are responsible for training and upholding the quality standards for pool lifeguarding.

MIDSUMMER BALL: A midsummer ball will take place at Crathorne Hall, Teesside, on Friday, from 7.30pm to 1.30am. Tickets cost £35, and include a champagne reception, three-course meal and evening entertainment. All proceeds will go to the Teesside Hospice and British Lung Foundation Breathe North.

ASSAULT VICTIM: A man had to have emergency surgery on his throat after being assaulted outside a Hartlepool nightclub. The incident happened at 1.30am on Saturday outside the Hillcarter Hotel, Church Street. The victim was glassed by an unknown male and was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool after suffering nerve and muscle damage.

FAMILY ESCAPE: A man was rescued by firefighters from his home in Alverston Avenue, Hartlepool, in the early hours of Saturday. He had returned home after a night out, put the chip pan fryer on and then fallen asleep. His partner heard the alarm and contacted the fire brigade before managing to get herself and her children out safely. The man, who has not been named, suffered slight smoke inhalation.

POLICY ROLE: South Shields Labour MP David Miliband, former head of the No 10 policy unit, has been appointed to an EU think-tank by the Belgian Government. The small group has been set up by Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt to provide a policy "sounding board" on the future of Europe during Belgium's six-month EU presidency, which begins next month.

ALL ABOARD: Tickets are available for a fundraising trip on The Teesside Princess boat. The Butterwick Hospice is holding a disco, quiz night and barbecue on the boat on Saturday, August 16. Tickets are £16.50 each and are available by calling (01642) 624231. All proceeds will go to the Stockton hospice.