A STARS in their eyes fancy dress karaoke night will be held at Etherley Cricket Club on Saturday (March 1) at 7pm to raise funds for Laura Lowes and her daughter Esmie to travel to a specialist hospital in London.

Mrs Lowes has an aggressive bowel disease while three-year-old Esmie has kidney and chest problems after being born nine weeks premature. Tickets cost £2 from 01388-832551 or 833245.

PLANNING PERMISSION: Durham County Council’s planning committee has approved plans to build a four bedroom home in the garden behind Hardwick House in Sedgefield. Planning permission was originally given for a house on the site last year, but the amended plan, which was approved by councillors on Thursday, (February 20) is for a larger property. The plan went before the committee as it was submitted by a council employee.

ANNEXE APPROVAL: The owner of a house in Cecil Road in Barnard Castle has been given permission by Durham County Council’s planning committee to let a tenant live in his annexe. The extension had previously been approved by the council on the grounds that it would be used by an elderly relative. Applicant Richard Mulley said the annexe was no longer needed by the relative and he needs to be able to allow a tenant to move in as he is having to pay full Council Tax on the extension.

CHAPEL LUNCH: Witton Park Methodist Chapel will host a luncheon club on Wednesday, February 26, from noon to 2pm. Entry is free and all are welcome.

BIKES MARKED: Police in Crook marked 22 bikes for free as part of a campaign to prevent cycles from being stolen. For more information on future bike marking events, visit Crook Neighbourhood Policing Team’s Facebook page.

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION: Bishop FM has launched a photography competition for families. Competitors can enter up to four A4 size photographs for an entry fee of £5, with proceeds being split between Bishop FM and the Bishop Auckland Community Partnership. Photos must be taken in the Bishop Auckland area, for more information visit the Four Clocks Centre on Newgate Street or call 01388-609852. The deadline is Friday, May 2.

RAFA MEETING: The Spennymoor branch of the Royal Air Forces Association will hold their general meeting at 1.30pm on Tuesday, March 11, at Low Spennymoor Working Men’s Club.