AN AMATEUR theatre group is on the hunt for new members. Communiversal Entertainment hold practice sessions every Friday afternoon at Byker fire station community wing.

SCHOOLS in County Durham have proved how classy they are. Another 22 schools in the county have confirmed their reputation for being among the most outward-looking in the country by winning further recognition for their outstanding international work.

A POLLUTED beach remains closed while investigators look into oil washed up there. The Environment Agency is waiting for the results of lab tests after an oily substance was discovered on the sand near the high tide mark on Cambois beach, Northumberland.

DEFENDANTS with serious previous convictions would be routinely denied bail under Tory plans, unveiled today. Murder suspects would also be remanded in custody more frequently and persistent offenders would lose the presumption of bail.

FILM star Robert Shaw, pictured, best known for his role in Jaws, will be commemorated today in the small Irish village where he lived and died in 1978.