LIFEBOAT volunteers were scrambled late on Friday night to help search for a woman who had reportedly gone into the sea at Redcar.

The emergency call came just after 11.30pm on Friday (January 31) when police became concerned for the wellbeing of the woman after she contacted her partner, raising the possibility that she may enter the sea.

Both RNLI lifeboats from Redcar were launched and began a search along the shoreline at Redcar while other volunteers from the lifeboat station began a search of the beach. A helicopter from the National Police Air Service also took part in the search.

The search was called off after 20 minutes when police officers found the woman safe and well ashore.

OPEN NIGHT: Young people who are getting ready to leave school this year, or those who would like to improve their job prospects, are invited to an open evening, on Wednesday, February 5, from 5pm and 8pm. They can take a tour of the college facilities, chat to tutors and students, and even have a go at a variety of skills, from bricklaying and carpentry to robotics and nail art. Everyone is welcome at the college on Corporation Road.

BEGINNERS PILATES: BOOKINGS are being taken for a ten-week Introduction to Pilates course that is about to begin in Hartlepool. The course, part of the Hartlepool Exercise for Life (HELP) scheme run by Hartlepool Council, will begin on Monday February 10 and take place at Summerhill Visitor Centre. Weekly sessions will then take place on Mondays from 11am-12pm. The course is aimed at beginners and will have a particular focus on back care. Places are limited so booking is advised by calling 01429-284363.