TALKE: A man and a teenager have appeared before a court.

Michael Donnelly, aged 18, of Maple Avenue, Talke, is accused of affray and criminal damage to a car on October 30.

Mark Stanfield, aged 29, of Maple Avenue, Talke, is accused of having a cricket bat as a weapon in Harecastle Avenue, Talke, on the same date.

North Staffordshire magistrates declined jurisdiction and the pair will be committed to the crown court on May 13. They were granted unconditional bail.

NEWCASTLE: Police in Newcastle are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a road traffic collision.

The accident happened at 7.15pm on Thursday in Lower Milehouse Lane and involved a Mini and a motorcycle.

One person, the motorcyclist, was injured in the collision but had left the scene before police arrived.

Witnesses should call Sgt Jim Perry at Newcastle police on 0300 123 44 55.

LEEK: Lee Ferns, aged 37, of Ball Haye Road, Leek, denied wounding a man with intent to do him grievous bodily harm on June 14 last year.

His case was adjourned for a trial to be held at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in the week commencing May 17.

Ferns's unconditional bail was extended.