COMEDY venues are holding Christmas specials with Stockton’s Catch 22 on Friday, December 13 and Middlesbrough's Big Mouth on Saturday, December 14 sharing a festive line-up of Jeff Innocent, Lloyd Langford and Matt Reed.

Tickets for Catch 22 at Arc in Stockon costing £15 are available by calling the box office on 01642-525199 or arconline.co.uk

Tickets for the Big Mouth gig at Middlesbrough Town Hall are priced £15 and can be bought by calling 01642-729729 or visiting middlesbroughtownhallonline.co.uk

FESTIVE MARKET: Handcrafted gifts including festive wreaths will be on sale alongside traditional sweets, speciality beer and baked goods at a Christmas market being held on Friday, from 9am to 4pm, on Corporation Road near BHS on Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7, from 9am to 4pm.

WITNESS APPEAL: Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault outside the King John’s Tavern on South Road in Hartlepool on Monday  (December 2), at 7pm. A 53-year-old man suffered a fractured ankle and severe bruising in the assault. The suspect is described as a white male, around 40 years old, bald, and was wearing glasses and a light coloured top. Witnesses should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS: Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience is hosting a Christmas Crackers extravaganza next Thursday (December 12), between 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Santa will be making his grand entrance into Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience by boat at 5.30pm and he will spend the rest of the evening meeting youngsters and their families. There will also be market stalls, magic shows, story-telling and dance performances. Tickets cost 4.25 (free for children under two) or £15.50 for a family ticket for two adults and three children.

CORONER APPEAL: A coroner is appealing for family members to come forward after the death of 49-year-old Geoffrey Thompson of Hudson House, Thornaby. Mr Thompson passed away on Sunday, December 1, at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Any family members can contact the Coroners Office on 01642-729350.

RAINBOW FACILITIES: A new sauna/steam room and disabled toilet has been opened at the Rainbow Leisure Centre in Coulby Newham. The ‘changing places’ toilet cubicle, designed for adults and children with complex needs, includes a mobile changing trolley, height-adjustable basin, hoist, toilet and shower.