BARN WARNING: Police are urging farmers to keep an eye on their outbuildings after intruders entered barns at Cleatlam, near Barnard Castle, between 6.30pm on Thursday and 8.15am on Friday. The buildings were ransacked but nothing was taken. Sergeant Simon Rogers, of Barnard Castle Police, said farmers throughout the dale should keep a close watch on their barns and outbuildings. Anyone with information about the incident at Cleatlam should contact Barnard Castle Police on 101.

TAP TALK: County Durham's police and crime commissioner Ron Hogg will be guest speaker at the Teesdale Action Partnership board meeting on Wednesday, January 15. The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place at The Witham, Barnard Castle, and starts at 6pm.

CAPITAL BREAK: A two-night weekend break at the Tower Hotel, in London, will help boost the coffers of Cancer Research. The two-night stay, from Friday, January 31, to Sunday, February 2, is being organised by Teesdale-based Burrell's Coaches. Part of the profits will be donated to Cancer Research. For details, contact 01833-631303 (day) or 01833-621494 (evenings).

BUDGET DECISION: Staindrop Parish Council will meet on Thursday, January 16, in the upstairs committee room of the Scarth Hall, during which members will set their budget and council tax precept for the coming year. The meeting, which is open to the public, starts at 7.15pm.

QUIZ NIGHT: A fundraising family quiz night will take place at Gainford Village Hall on Saturday, February 1, starting at 6.30pm. Money raised will go towards the cost of staging the village's Big Weekend which this year takes place on June 21 and 22 and takes the theme of Gainford at War. For further details, contact Carolyn Squires on 01325-732047.