RESIDENTS and business owners across Bishop Auckland are being invited to enter Bishop Auckland in Bloom.

The categories are business premises, licensed premises, front and back garden, yard and allotment.

The overall winner will receive £100 while category winners will be awarded: 1st £50, 2nd £30 and 3rd £20.

Close date for entries is July 1 and judging will take place on July 14. Application forms can be obtained from the Four Clocks Centre, or by calling 01388-609852.

CYCLING CLUB: Bishop Auckland Cycling Club is holding a beginners cycle ride on Saturday (April 20), at 10am. Members of the club will be on hand to assist riders. All abilities welcome, but under-16s need parental permission. Anyone interested is asked to meet in the car park next to church near Woodhouse Leisure Centre, Woodhouse Lane. For details call Nikki Willis on 07763583010.

WRITING WORKSHOP: Author Wendy Robertson will lead a writing workshop at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on May 1, 8, 15, and 22, between 2pm and 4pm. Tickets cost £2. For more details call 03000-269524.

GARAGE BURGLARY: A number of tools were stolen from a garage in the garden of a house in Wharton Street, Coundon, between Friday, April 12 and Sunday, April 14. Items taken include a grey adult’s mountain bike with giant written in white, a green Bosch hedge trimmer, a blue Bosch hedge trimmer, a Vac Flymo blower, a yellow and black Karcher pressure washer and a variety of hand tools. Witnesses should call PC Natalie Winter, at Bishop Auckland police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

WINDOW SMASHED: The rear window of a car parked in Melrose Drive, Bishop Auckland, was smashed overnight on Saturday, April 13. The steering column of the maroon Ford Fiesta was also damaged. Witnesses should call PC Natalie Winter, at Bishop Auckland police station, on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.