By IAN ROBSON A SOAP star has become a presenter in the documentary Lights Camera Location. Emmerdale actor John Middleton - better known as the Reverend Ashley Thomas - has launched a second career visiting North East locations used in famous films.

A DRIVE has been launched to raise pounds 1.5m to transform a mile-long stretch of riverbank only two miles from Durham city centre. The 168 acres at Low Burnhall, Croxdale, was bought earlier this year by the Woodland Trust.

FAMILIES were pedalling towards fitness yesterday. Parents and children got on their bikes as part of the County Durham Primary Care Trust's family health cycle ride, which set off from Castle Eden, east Durham.

CREATIVE youngsters have been keeping busy over the school holidays by taking part in an arts project based on recycling. Pupils from St Bede's RC Secondary School, in Peterlee, have been designing sculptures from items of waste.

By SANDY McKENZIE ASSURANCES have been given by a leading Redcar and Cleveland councillor over the future of supported bus services in East Cleveland.