AT a time of such worrying tensions around the world, it strikes me that anything we can do to foster international, multi-cultural understanding among young people is well worthwhile.

That's why I'm so pleased with the outcome of a discussion I had last year with the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Tom Nutt, about an idea for "a big event" he could organise as a highlight of his year in office.

Darlington has had some distinguished mayors over the years but, in my view, Tom is one of the best the town has had. A former customs and excise officer, nothing is too taxing for him as, ably supported by his wife Gill, he represents the borough. Friendly, caring and always smiling, he has been an excellent ambassador for Darlington.

One of Tom's passions is town twinning. He puts a huge amount of time into building relationships with Darlington's twin towns of Amiens in France, and Mulheim in Germany, so it is fitting that the theme for his Mayoral year is "Darlington International".

"How about a junior Eurovision contest?" I suggested to him, way back last summer.

He loved the idea and has gone on to turn it into an event which promises to be a spectacular fund-raiser for his local charities.

Twenty three primary schools will perform at Darlington Civic Theatre on the evening of January 26th – a week tomorrow – with each of them having drawn lots at the Town Hall to find out which country they will represent and learn about.

The judging panel comprises Ian Robinson, from Darlington and Durham Music Service; Darlington's Citizen of the Year Maura Regan; Councillor Cyndi Hughes; soprano Val MacConachie; and Caroline Darnbrook, representing the event sponsor, Darlington Building Society.

My job is to act as compere, keep the music flowing, and stir up an atmosphere worthy of a Eurovision frenzy.

"You can be Terry Wogan," said Tom. I'll do my best, minus the wig – although that may not be a bad idea in view of my previous column.

As for the Mayor, it's touch and go whether he'll be able to come up on stage to present the trophy to the winners because he's torn a cartilage in his knee.

There has to be a way – theatres have those hoists they use for Peter Pan, don't they?

ANOTHER idea appears to be gathering steam...

It is 50 years this year since arguably The Northern Echo's best-known editor Sir Harold Evans, left Darlington to make his mark as editor of the Sunday Times.

Half a century on, I'm frequently asked about him as I travel round the region.

Wouldn't it be fitting to stage "An Evening With Sir Harold Evans" in the town sometime in 2016?

The idea of a staged interview about his life and campaigns, followed by questions from the audience, has been put to the great man in New York and he's agreed in principle.

We just need a date, a venue, and an appropriate charity to benefit from his visit. Updates to follow.