FRIENDS of girl band Bad Lashes are urging people of the North East to get behind their bid for stardom. Jesmond cafe boss Emily McNamee, 19, Durham duo Stacey Lacey Lincoln, 20, Sam Bennett, 21, and Hartlepool's Sophie Wilson, 23, have made the shortlist on reality TV talent contest X Factor.

PATIENTS north of the Tees will have to wait a bit longer to find out where their new hospital will be built. Decisions on the future of health care services in Stockton and Hartlepool have been delayed after an overwhelming response to a three-month consultation.

A STUDY into the stability of a disused mine has allayed fears of a major land collapse. The survey, commissioned by Hartlepool Borough Council, found that the former Warren anhydrite mine in the town's West View estate is currently stable.

THERE was family fun at Hartlepool?s Summerhill Country Park at the weekend. Attractions included sheep dog trials and sheep shearing displays, heavy horse demonstrations, basket making, wood turning, displays by a chainsaw sculptor, willow crafts, origami and henna arts and tattoos.

A GIRL suffered head injuries and a man needed surgery after two separate road crashes on Teesside. Police appealed today for witnesses to the incidents, which left a 27-year-old man needing surgery to his arm and a 17-year-old girl requiring hospital treatment.