DARLINGTON mayor Charles Johnson will present cheques to the various groups and organisations he has raised funds for during his mayoral year, which will come to an end next month.

The Mayor’s Thank You Evening will be held in the Dolphin Centre, on Friday, April 25.

LITTER PICKS: A series of litter-picks will be held in and around Darlington this month. Darlington Borough Council is urging people to get involved. Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for the local environment, said: “Last year more than 200 people volunteered and it made a massive difference to the town. Darlington is a lovely place to live and if we all pull together we can make it even better.” Full details of the planned events will be published in The Northern Echo this week.

SINGING CLASS: A group of 21 young singers from Stagecoach Darlington, aged from three to 18, raised £1,150 for Zoe’s Place hospice in Middlesbrough, with a fundraising concert. Lloyds Bank contributed an extra £500. Singing teacher Claire Willmer said: “It was truly inspiring to see each student perform, some for the first time, and there were some top class performances delivered, evoking tears and joy throughout the audience.”

SHORT WALKS: Groundwork is hosting walking events to identify factors that stop people from taking walks and identify possible changes. The first will be held on Thursday (April 10), outside Carmel Medical Practice, in Nunnery Lane, at 10am, then outside Abbey School, Abbey Road, at 1pm.

RAILWAY FRIENDS: The next meeting of the Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway will be held on Monday, April 28, at 7pm, at Polam Hall School, in Grange Road. New members are welcome.