BIKE THEFT: Police are appealing for information after an Apollo Slant bike was stolen outside the Millhouse Leisure Centre in Hartlepool on Thursday, October 18 between 6:15pm and 7:05pm. The black bike was locked away but it is believed that the thief cut through the lock. Call PC Darren Guest on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

ESTER RANTZEN: Alex Cunningham, the Labour MP for Stockton North has joined Esther Rantzen’s campaign to promote CSV Make a Difference Day. The day is UK’S the biggest single day of volunteering and is scheduled for Saturday, October 27. Find out more at http://www.csv.org.uk/campaigns/csv-make-difference-day

TREE TIME: There’s a chance to find out about the trees surrounding Hartlepool on Monday, October 29 from 10am to 2pm. Hartlepool Council’s Countryside and Rights of Way Assistant Hannah Woodhouse will lead a five-mile circular walk will start from Ward Jackson Park and head up into the Howls Ancient Woodland, hidden away in Dalton Piercy.  Call 01429 523419 to book.

SPOOKY LIBRARIES: Hartlepool’s libraries have lined up a host of Halloween activities over the half-term holidays. There will be painting ghostly figures, fireworks craft activities and Halloween read and rhyme. Most of the events are free but a number must be booked in advance at the relevant library. To find out more call Hartlepool Central Library on 01429 272905, Headland Library on 01429 268169, Owton Manor Library on 01429 272835, Seaton Carew Library on 01429 269808 or Throston Grange Library on 01429 263199.

NEW ROADS: The first set of road improvements to be made as part of Stockton Town Centre's multi-million pound regeneration are now complete. A new junction layout, on-street parking, loading bays, upgraded traffic signals and improved paving are among the works which have taken place at the far north of the High Street to make it easier for people to visit the town centre. It means buses can now travel along the High Street and back again and there is more on-street parking.