Police have received more than 20  reports of a scam from victims in Middlesbrough which starts on social networking site, Facebook.

Victims are contacted on Facebook by someone from their ‘friends’ list who enters into conversation with them about earning money quickly.

The victim subsequently hands over their bank details to the ‘friend’ on the understanding that they could earn between £300 and £700. The ‘friend’ is actually the suspect who has hacked into their Facebook account.

Loans are then obtained in the victim’s name and the suspect then picks the victim up in their car and takes the money.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Stephen Clyburn of Middlesbrough Police on the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

LIGHT FESTIVAL: The Festival of Light and Colour inspired by the Indian festival of diwali will take place at Stockton Riverside on Tuesday, November 20 from 6pm to 7pm. Organisers have contacted schools from across the area to take part. There will be Bollywood dancing, a procession of lights and torches and music. Find out more at http://www.stockton.gov.uk/events/festivaloflightandcolour

TREE PLANTING: Residents of Hartlepool are being urged to support efforts to improve the town’s environment by helping to plant trees this weekend. The Wild Green Spaces in Hartlepool team and Hartlepool Borough Council’s Countryside Team will join forces with Hartlepool Rovers Rugby Club on Sunday NOV11 to plant trees on a field opposite the club’s ground in West View Road. The tree planting will take place between 11am and 1pm and it is hoped that people will turn out in force to support the initiative. The aim is to plant around 400 trees.