A graffiti vandal was tagged by the law after spraying his name all over an alleyway.

Police had no problems tracing Mark Forsyth, 19, whose moniker was plastered across Spider Alley in Spittal not far from his parents' home at Main Street, Berwick.

He was yesterday ordered to pay £370 in cleaning costs and fines after admitting criminal damage.

Stars of the sea

STRICKEN fishing vessel Sophia Loren was helped back to shore - by Royal Navy Petty Officer Kirk Douglas.

The rescue took place when the Navy took students to sea on Northumbrian Universities Royal Navy Unit's ship HMS Example.

Once out of the Tyne they were called to help the fishing boat.

Crash plea

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two cars crashed yesterday on the A66 in Long Newton, Teesside, at around 8.30am, when a Citroen Saxo crossed onto the eastbound carriageway and crashed with a Vauxhall Corsa.

The drivers of both vehicles were uninjured. Call PC Jayson Morris on (01642) 301552.

Truancy check

POLICE in Cumbria yesterday joined council educational welfare officers in a crackdown on school truants.

The teams went on patrol in Carlisle, stopping any child or young person of compulsory school age who was seen out and about.

The operation also saw officers question those children out with parents.

Briny green

FORTY teams of golfers have raised more than £13,000 for lifeboat charity the RNLI in an annual charity tournament.

The event was hosted at Whitley Bay Golf Club, sponsored by E Turnbull & Sons.

In its six-year history the golf-day has now raised more than £40,000.