CORONER APPEAL: Family members of 64-year-old David Cruikshank, who was a resident at South View Nursing Home in Billingham, are being asked to come forward.

Mr Cruikshank passed away on Sunday, December 16. There were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Family members can contact the Coroners Office on 01642-729350.

NORDIC WALKING: Fitness sessions to introduce people in Hartlepool to Nordic Walking are being held throughout January, February and March.

The Scandinavian fitness technique uses walking poles and can burn up to 47 per cent more calories than normal walking.

The sessions will be run on Thursday mornings from 10.30am-11.30am at different locations and there will be some two-hour sessions too. All are led by qualified walk leaders and run by Hartlepool Council’s sport and activity team.

Sessions are £3.50 and walking poles are provided. For more information contact Ryan Houghton on 01429 -284414 or email ryan.houghton@hartlepool.gov.uk.

TREE CHAMPION: A Redcar & Cleveland councillor has been named a “tree champion” after the council signed up to a Woodland Trust scheme.

A new volunteering initiative to restore and create woodlands in the region has been set up, and the Trust has named Coun Sheelagh Clarke, the cabinet member for health and social wellbeing, as its tree champion.

She will alert the charity to any threats to ancient woodland, encourage more people to enjoy their local woods, and help the trust get more trees planted locally towards the charity’s aim of doubling native woodland across the UK.

To find out about the work of the Councillor Tree Champion network visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk.