POLICE are trying to trace a hit-and-run van driver who hit a 14-year-old on his way to school.

The boy sustained injuries to his back and shoulder and was taken to the One Life Centre in Hartlepool for treatment.

The collision occurred at about 8.30am on Friday, January 31 on the junctions of Park Road, Catcote Road and Elwick Road in Hartlepool.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Diane Lee on 101 quoting event number 16604.

FIRE TALE: A 56-year-old Middlesbrough woman has had her first book published on the internet. Mary Rose Duff’s book A Rumour from the Firehouse is set against the back drop of the 1984 miner’s strike in the region and involves a conspiracy involving firefighters. More than 100 copies have been sold and it has received two good online reviews. It can be found on Amazon and is available for Kindle sales at 99p.

DRUG DOGS: Two police dogs have helped officers make three arrests in one of their first operations on the streets of Hartlepool. Specially trained black Labradors, Roxy and Sam, joined officers to identify those suspected of possessing drugs while in the town’s bars and clubs on the night of Saturday, January 25. A 29-year-old man has been summoned to court for possession of Class A drugs and a second 29-year-old man eventually received a caution for possession of Class A narcotics. A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences and released on bail pending further investigations.

HOME ALARMS: Teesside residents are to be offered a safety alarm service that will give them the assistance they need in an emergency by linking them directly to a monitoring centre. HomeSafe has been launched by Cleveland Fire Brigade Risk Management, the Brigade’s Community Interest Company (CIC), and is a first for Fire Authorities in the UK. It will be offered to vulnerable residents and some small businesses.

COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning will be held by Wolviston Court Townswomen’s Guild at the community centre on Clifton Avenue, Billingham, from 10am on Tuesday, February 18. Entrance costs £1.

PLANNING COMMITTEE: A controversial planning application will be discussed by Stockton Borough Council’s planning committee for the second time tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5. The plan to build 330 homes at the old Tall Trees Hotel site near Yarm was rejected by councillors. However council officers have said it must be considered again but councillors didn’t give a good enough reason to reject it. The meeting will be held at 1.30pm at Stockton Central Library.

VOTER REGISTRATION: Stockton council has reminded residents to complete their voter registration forms. People across the borough have until Monday, February 17 to return the forms. Go to Stockton.gov.uk/voting to find out more.