A MOTHER and daughter have appeared in court charged with a section four public order offence for allegedly distributing or displaying to another person any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting.

Lynne Portues, 53 and her daughter, Nathalie Veart, 20, pleaded not guilty to their separate charges when they appeared before Hartlepool Magistrates’ Court today.

The pair, of Gillpark Grove, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, were released on unconditional bail until the date of their trial on December 17.

LOCAL PRODUCE: The next Farmers Market and Craft Fair at Middlesbrough’s Stewart Park on Sunday, September 1. This weekend’s event runs from 11am to 4pm and will feature a range of stalls including home-produced bakery, meats and fresh fish, sweet goods and plants. Admission is free, and visitors can also browse a range of crafts inside the Bolckow Visitor Centre.

DROP-IN CENTRE: A CARE company has opened a new drop-in service for adults with learning disabilities in Redcar and Cleveland. The service launched by Caremark (Redcar and Cleveland) aims to offer a variety of support including advice, practical support or information, development of simple life skills, developing or maintaining social networks, increasing independence and allowing people to access new interests or activities, and even to make new friends. Based at the Kirkleatham Business Park in Redcar, the drop-in centre is open seven-days-a-week. For further information call 01287-634706.

FIRST AID: St John Ambulance is running its annual Save a Life September campaign for the third year, as part of a drive to raise awareness of the importance of first aid. The event takes place at the Hill Street shopping centre in Middlesbrough on September 14 and 15. For further information visit www.sja.org.uk/sals or call 01924-268663.

SKA NIGHT: People are invited to enjoy a night of entertainment from Ska tribute band ‘Ska Beats’ who will be playing classic hits by Madness, The Specials, Bad Manners, The Selecter and The Beat, on Friday, September 6 at 7pm in the Billingham Social Club, Chapel Road, Billingham. There will be a raffle, tombola and blind cards with lots of prizes to be won at the charity fundraiser. Tickets are £5 per person and are available from the Butterwick Hospice fundraising office on 01642-628930 or Woody on 07796 661997 or email gwood43@gmail.com

BRIDGE CLUB: Middlesbrough Bridge Club restarts Friday duplicate bridge sessions at 7pm on Friday, September 6. These are in addition to chicago bridge on Mondays and duplicate bridge on Tuesdays, all at 7pm. The club meets at Holy Name of Mary Church Hall, on The Avenue Middlesbrough. For further information call 01642-801570.