MAYORESS TRIBUTES: A former Mayoress of Hartlepool has passed away at the age of 91. Grace MacRae, wife of former Hartlepool Mayor John MacRae, was Mayoress in 1988-89 and said one of her proudest moments was visiting Buckingham Palace.

She worked at the laboratories in ICI, then as a supervisor at AEI, and was married to John for over 70 years, living on the Headland. They have two sons, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Her funeral will take place at Stranton Grange Crematorium Chapel on Thursday, May 1 at 2.30pm.

PARTS STOLEN: A car was dismantled and the parts were stolen from a car dealership in Middlesbrough. Between 5pm on Saturday, April 26 and 7am on Monday, April 29 the front end of a Skoda Fabia was systematically dismantled and a front door window was smashed at the Derek Slacks Skoda dealership. The bonnet, radiator, air-con unit, front bumpers, lights and housing were all stolen. Police believe thieves might have removed metal slats from the perimeter fence to gain access. They said the parts may have been stolen to order by someone with a good knowledge of cars. Witnesses should contact DC Stuart Rowbotham on the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

FUTURE CHOICES: Disabled young people aged 13 to 25 are being invited to an event to find out about support on offer. Your Future, Your Choice is being organised by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and takes place from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, May 1 at Tuned In, Majuba Road, Redcar. Youngsters, their families and carers are invited to meet representatives from health, employment, training, housing and transport organisations. Anyone who is unable to attend the free drop-in event, aimed at young people aged 13 to 25, can call 01642 304500 at any time for advice.