FARMERS and land owners are invited to an open day to hear about the benefits of controversial on-farm wind energy.

The Royal Agricultural Society is organising the event, at Coniscliffe Grange Farm, in Staindrop Road, on Tuesday, May 6, in association with Endurance Wind Power.

It takes place from 10am to 2pm, with lunch and refreshments provided.

To book a free place, call 07779-572-598 or email charlottej@rase.org.uk

LAW THANKS: Staff, parents and children from Heighington Pre-School have thanked DMA Law, in Darlington, for providing a hamper to raffle at their annual Easter bonnet parade. A spokeswoman for the pre-school said: “The children had lots of fun creating their bonnets and showing them off to their family and friends on the stage, while singing some Easter songs. The pre-school committee also organised various other stalls along with tea and coffee for the parents, which helped raise £253.32 for much needed funds.”

GROUP MILESTONE: The Darlington branch of Parkinson's UK celebrated its tenth birthday on Wednesday (April 9), with an information day and afternoon tea assisted by several health groups including the NHS. Darlington Lions Club president Robert Hillary has chosen the group as one of his main charities he presented a cheque to the group's chairman Pat McCarthey and treasurer Jean Rochester. The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month, at 2pm, in the Millennium Hall, Carmelite Convent, Nunnery Lane. Physio exercise classes are also provided on the second and fourth Thursdays at 1.30pm also at that venue.

LIONS CLUB: Darlington Lions Club’s next fundraising event will be Northern Voices in Concert, at the Liddiard Theatre, Polam Hall School, on Friday, May 16, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 for adults, including a glass of wine, or £4 for children. To book, call 01325-720335 or 01325-720835.