Comedian Jason Manford is performing his First World Problems show at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Thursday, December 19. To buy the last remaining tickets costing £22.50 call the box office on 01642-729729 or go online www.middlesbroughtownhallonline.co.uk

FESTIVE FUN: Carols will be sung at a Christmas tree lights switch on at St Paul’s Newtown Church, Bishopton Road in Stockton, at 4pm on Sunday, December 15.

STRAY DOGS: People in Hartlepool are being urged to make it a happy Christmas for stray dogs picked up on the town’s streets. They are being asked to donate much-needed items for use by the kennels where dogs not immediately reclaimed by their owners are taken by the Borough Council. The Stray Aid Rescue Centre at Coxhoe, County Durham, needs towels for drying wet dogs, tinned food, dental chews, toys and blankets. Donated items can be dropped off at reception at the Council’s offices at 1 Church Street until Christmas Eve.

WITNESS APPEAL: A teenage pedestrian suffered a broken leg following a collision with a black Skoda Superb taxi at about 3.10pm on Pierson Street just after the junction with Elliot Street in Redcar on Sunday, December 8. The driver stopped and spoke to the 14-year-old victim before giving him a lift home. It was later confirmed that the boy had suffered a broken leg. Anyone who may have seen the car prior to the collision, or anyone who witnessed the collision itself, is asked to contact PC James Hewett on the 101 number, quoting event number 216076.