APPLICATIONS from people who want to become teachers are being accepted by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

The authority's education department has trainee places on offer on its year-long Graduate Teesside Programme. Trainees are employed by a school as an unqualified teacher and currently earn more than £13,000 during the year. Successful trainees can apply for teaching posts as qualified teachers with a starting salary of more than £18,000. Applications are being accepted for next September, for both primary and secondary graduates, with a December 31 closing date. For further information, call (01642) 444186.

FLEA MARKET: Saltburn Community and Arts Association will hold its next flea market and collectors' fair on Saturday, December 6, between 10am and 4pm. The event will raise funds for the Saltburn Community and Arts Centre. Refreshments will be on sale all day. Admission is free.

SALE DATE: Redcar Youth and Community Centre Playgroup will hold a table top sale, tombola and raffle on Friday, from 9.30am to 11.30am, at the playgroup in Roseberry Square, Redcar. Everyone is welcome.

GALA DAY: The Liverton Mines Gala will be held on Saturday, December 6, from 10am to 3pm at Liverton Mines Recreational Football Pitch. There will be a range of stalls and refreshments on sale.

BOOK SIGNING: Local author Bob Woodhouse will be signing copies of his new book, North Yorkshire Strange But True, at The Guisborough Bookshop, from 11am, on Saturday, December 6. It brings together all that is bizarre and curious from around the county.

MUSICAL SHOW: Middles-brough Theatre will present A Show Stopping Musical World performed by the Redcar Operatic Society, from Monday, February 9, to Saturday, February 14, at 7.30pm. Tickets for Monday to Thursday performances cost £10 (concessions £9). Tickets for Friday and Saturday performances are all £10.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: St Alban's RC Church, Redcar, is holding a Christmas fair at St Alban's School, Yew Tree Avenue, on Sunday, at 1.30pm. There will be a Santa's grotto, stalls and a raffle.

SALE DATE: A car boot sale will take place at Billingham Campus School, Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, on Sunday, at 9am. Admission is 50p for adults and free for accompanied children. Gates open to sellers at 8am and tables cost £5. For further information, contact (01642) 560947.