First-time flyer in police chase

A 26-year-old flying student got a lesson to remember when he ended up helping to chase suspected caravan thieves along a Northumberland road.

It was Mark Blake's first time in the cockpit of a microlight aircraft, alongside instructor Steve Clarehugh.

As they were taking off from Eshott Airfield near Felton, pilot Mr Clarehugh spotted his neighbour's caravan being taken and gave chase.

Mr Clarehugh and his student, who were flying in a Pegasus Quik microlight, shadowed the caravan being towed by a van from 1,500ft in the air down the A1.

They tipped off police who met the suspects with four patrol cars.

Three people were arrested in Morpeth and a woman was cautioned.