A FIRE in a Middlesbrough flat was extinguished by fire fighters in the early hours of this morning (January 1)

Fire engines were sent to the Lockwood Court flat from Middlesbrough and Grangetown at 1.55am and fire fighters took about 15 minutes to douse the blaze. A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokeswoman said one of the bedrooms was about ten per cent damaged by fire. No-one was hurt.

FREE PARKING: Stockton Borough Council is to extend its free parking offer this month. The authority had offered free parking after 3pm in short stay car parks in the run up to Christmas. However the offer will now continue until January 31. Charges for on-street and long stay parking will remain in operation.

CHARITY WALK: A postponed charity walk from The Ship in Saltburn along The Gare will now take place on Sunday, January 5. The 16 mile walk was due to take place on Friday, December 27 but was cancelled. Many walkers are expected to donate money to the MS Society but walkers can donate to charity of his or her choice. Meet at The Ship Inn at 8am. Visit www.JustGiving.com/Harry-Simpson1 to donate.

WATERCOLOUR PAINTING: A ten week course in watercolour painting will begin in Satlburn on Thursday, January 16 in the upper room of the Methodist church on Milton Street between 1pm and 3pm. Call 01947 897803 to book.

LONG SERVICE: A total of 13 staff at Cleveland Potash mine at Bouldby, east Cleveland, were given golden watches in recognition of completing 25 years continuous work for the company recently. More than 400 staff have now reached the landmark.