PEOPLE planning fireworks parties are being offered early advice this year by Darlington Borough Council.

Its public protection team has produced a leaflet which provides help on ensuring fireworks and bonfire parties do not disturb others.

The council is sending copies of the leaflet to shops in the borough licensed to sell fireworks and asking shopkeepers to display them. Anyone wanting a leaflet can telephone (01325) 388553.

WALKABOUT: Shildon branch of the British Heart Foundation is holding a walkabout on Sunday, September 28, at 2.30pm, starting in the civic hall car park. For details call (01388) 774248.

DRAMA FESTIVAL: The Sedgefield Drama Festival is being held from next Tuesday to Saturday. Tickets are available from Selections, any drama group member or on (01740) 620091.

MEETING DATE: Bishop Auckland Civic Society will hold its annual meeting in the town hall next Tuesday, from 7.30pm. Guest speaker Les Howe will give a talk on Celtic jewellery.

FUNDS BOOST: A coffee evening in aid of the Sunday school at St James' Church, Coundon, will be held at 15 Victoria Lane, from 6.30pm, on Tuesday, September 23.

BOOT SALE: A car boot sale will be held at the village school in Woodland, near Barnard Castle, on Sunday, September 28, from 10am to 2pm.

ART SHOW: Bishop Auckland Town Hall will be celebrating its tenth anniversary by hosting an interactive exhibition of painting and photography from Monday, September 29, to Saturday, October 18.

BIKE THEFT: A blue and yellow Saracen mountain bike, worth £70, was stolen from Beveridge Way, Newton Aycliffe town centre, on Monday.

HOUSE RAID: A Matsui video recorder, Konika camera and Matsui television, worth a total of £200, were stolen from a house in Kimblesworth Walk, Newton Aycliffe, between 6.30pm on Monday and 7.30am on Tuesday.

AUTUMN FAIR: St Mark's Church, Eldon Lane, is hosting an autumn fair on Saturday, at 1pm. Lunches will be served from noon.

OPEN DAY: Parkside Community Association is holding a family open day at Parkside School, Willington, on Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.

INQUEST OPENS: An inquest into the death of Norman Smith, 79, of Albert Terrace, Billy Row, near Crook, has been opened and adjourned. The retired painter and decorator died in Bishop Auckland Hospital on September 10.

HARVEST FESTIVAL: Cotherstone Methodist Chapel, Barnard Castle, will celebrate harvest festival on Sunday, September 28, at 10.30am and 6.30pm. A musical evening will be held the following evening at 7pm.