Evening Chronicle

A Legal Danger

SALVIA is not the first drug to spark health fears despite its legal status. Nicknamed Magic Mint and Sall-D, the herbal substance is a close relative of the mint plant, but, when smoked, produces intoxicating effects.

Drug Craze Fears After Thousands View Video ; Films Shot On Tyneside Shows Youths in a Daze

A MIND-BENDING drug available in shops across the North East has become the centre of an internet video craze. Footage of people smoking Salvia, a dangerous hallucinogen described as stronger than LSD, has appeared in a string of YouTube video clips posted from across Tyneside.

Students' Reward

DOZENS of students at a Northumberland school enjoyed a VIP- style treat in recognition of their faultless attendance records. Five limos transported 40 Blyth Community College students to a celebratory lunch and bowling session at the Royal Quays in North Shields.

Halt Is Called to Murder Trial

THE murder trial of a man accused of stabbing his ex-partner to death has been stopped. George Murray was appearing at Newcastle Crown Court charged with killing Shirley Elliott at her home in Hazel Grove, Leam Lane, Gateshead, on December 4 last year.

Childhood Memories Still Sweetest ; Booklet Adds to History of North Shields

AN entertaining and nostalgic little booklet came into my possession this week, full of memories of Toys, Games and Sweets, which is its title. Put together by the Clifton Court Reminisce Group, with the help of the Local Studies Department of North Tyneside Library Service, it is full of nostalgia for things you and I did many, many years ago when we spent most days laughing, at least it seems that way now.

Born On This Day

1839: George Cadbury. English chocolate manufacturer 1911: William Golding (deceased). English novelist, whose works include The Lord of the Flies. 1928: Adam West. Actor, famous for playing Batman on television. 1930: Derek Nimmo (deceased). British actor, who appeared in Oh Father and Oh Brother.

Died On This Day

Menace Is Booted Out ; Nuisance Had Previously Injured a Baby Girl by Shaking Her

A MAN who shook a baby so violently he left her blind, deaf and brain damaged has been booted out of his Tyneside flat. Kevin Agar was locked up for six years for the horrific attack in 2002 but since coming out of a young offenders' institution he hasn't mended his ways.

Binge Drink Calls

A NORTH East alcohol office is urging the Government not to delay plans to tackle binge drinking. Measures to curb binge drinking top a list of regulations to be shelved in the latest U-turn forced on Labour by the economic downturn, which sees Government cut its 'non business' programme. In a letter sent by Lord Mandelson to members of the Sub Committee on Better Regulation of the National Economic Council, he singles out the "mandatory code on alcohol" as a particular candidate for delay.

Katherine Sings at Bobby Memorial ; Superstar Songbird Will Perform After Promise Made to Legend

WELSH soprano Katherine Jenkins will be carrying out a promise she made to Sir Bobby Robson by singing at his memorial service at Durham Cathedral. The award-winning singer met Sir Bobby about 18 months ago and became good friends with the former Newcastle United manager. Overwhelmed by his determination to raise over pounds 1m to open a centre in Newcastle to fight cancer while he fought the disease for the fifth time himself, she promised to sing at an event to be arranged to raise money fo...

Great Venue

THE Playhouse in Whitley Bay began life in 1913 as an all- weather entertainment venue. Films first began to be shown in the 20s, but it became apparent it was not well suited to function as a cinema.

It's Time to Play ; Children Welcome Opening

A CONCERT featuring the best of Tyneside's musical talent will celebrate the re-opening of a theatre. The event will be held at the Whitley Bay Playhouse, on Thursday evening to mark the end of an pounds 8m revamp project.

Lots On Offer for Younger Children ; Advertisement F E at U R E

IN the early years of a child's education the foundations are laid which lead to a lifelong love of learning. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a school which really understands young children. NPS in Jesmond is definitely that school. First Steps at NPS is a wonderful, well-resourced nursery where children experience learning at its best. A carefully planned early years curriculum offers activities that are exciting, helping children to learn and develop.

Dream Role for Geordie Dave ; Geordie Actor Dave Nellist has Landed His Dream Role, Starring in Billy Elliot. Entertainment Editor Gordon Barr Catches Up with Him

FOR three hours every night Dave Nellist is in his beloved North East - even though in reality he is on a stage in London's West End. The 40-year-old father-of-two is now in his second week starring in award-winning musical Billy Elliot, and it is a show very close to his heart.

Tv Critic

WATCHING the heats in Masterchef: The Professionals was an appetising taster of things to come. The chefs and chefettes - is there such a word as chefette? - competing certainly had their plates full. But the result was a satisfying mix of drama and cookery programme.

Haven From Bustle of City ; On a Recent Trip to Bustling London, Gary Beckwith Discovers an Elegant and Relaxing Hotel

INVOKING images of swarms of people and the constant hum of traffic and city life, central London is often a never-ending hustle and bustle of activity. But on a recent trip for a weekend visit I enjoyed a stay at a quiet and almost reclusive hotel soaked in understated opulence and grace with exquisite food to boot.

Best of the Bunch

Pick of the Day

Great North Run (11.10pm) Jonathan Edwards presents highlights of the half marathon between Newcastle and South Shields. Tsegaye Kebede and Gete Wami won the men's and women's elite races last year to complete an Ethiopian double. Antiques Roadshow (8.00pm) New series. Fiona Bruce and the team visit Jersey's Samares Manor, where items examined include a lemon squeezer said to have belonged to Marilyn Monroe. Doc Martin (9.00pm) New series. Since calling off his marriage to Louisa, Martin has ...

Can You Help Us to Support Nspcc?

SEAN and Dan are travelling to London next April to take part in the London marathon. They are running to raise money for the NSPCC, with a target of pounds 4,000 between them. So far they have had a lot of support from there family, friends and work colleagues at Npower. Npower has helped them a lot so far by holding a dress-down fundraising week at their three North East offices.

Cricket Club Party