A SIGNIFICANT number of vehicles on the road have unsafe tyres, according to new research. The Cleveland Road Safety Partnership, made up of emergency services, conducted checks and found that 12 out of 89 vehicles inspected had tyres that were illegal. The checks were carried out at Coulby Newham Fire Station in Middlesbrough last week. A spokesman for the partnership urged drivers to get their tyres checked.

CHARITY DIP: A leading charity veterans of the armed forces is appealing for new volunteers. The Cleveland branch of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) is also asking for people to sponsor fundraisers planning a Boxing Day dip in the sea at Redcar. To find out more call 01642 217440 in the day or 01642 275947 in the evening or email cleveland@ssafa.org.uk