TOP LOT: A late 18th century gentleman's mahogany dressing table commissioned by renowned Cumbrian social and agricultural reformer John Christian Curwen is to go under the hammer at Addisons auction house, Barnard Castle tomorrow (Saturday, March 8). It is valued at between £800 and £1,200. The sale starts at 10am.

LENT COLLECTIONS: Five organisations will benefit from Almsgiving during Lent courtesy of the congregation at The Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, based at St Osmund's Catholic Church, Gainford. This week, after mass on Sunday (March 9) the retiring collection will be donated to St Teresa's Hospice. Other groups to benefit during Lent include St Cuthbert's Care, Aid to the Church in Need, the Catenian Association and the Darlington Credit Union.

MUSIC NIGHT: An open mic night featuring guest trio Easy Life will be held at Butterknowle Village Hall on Sunday, March 30, from 7.30pm to 11pm. Admission is free and a bar and refreshments will be available. For further details, call 01388-710855.

STEPPING OUT: Line dancing sessions take place very Monday evening at Ingleton Village Hall at 7.30pm. Tuition is available for beginners, but experienced dancers are also welcome. For further details, call Hazel on 01325-730250.

BREWING UP: A coffee morning organised by St Mary's Church is being held in the Masonic Hall, Middleton-in-Teesdale, on Saturday, March 15, from 10.30am to 11.45am.

HISTORY TALK: Dawn Webster, curator of Kiplin Hall, in North Yorkshire, will give a talk entitled The Remarkable Miss Bridget Talbot – the property's last owner – when she is guest of Gainford Local History Group on Monday, March 17. It takes place in the village hall at 7.15pm. Admission is £2.