PUBLIC MEETING: A public meeting was held in Stanley, Crook, to discuss the possible closure of the village school.

Headteacher Shirley Oswald said the school had received a lot of support from the local community, because many parents were in favour of small school education.

"We have a new computer suite and have had two very good Ofsted reports so we don't want to close," she said.

FUNDRAISING SALE: Willington Football Club is holding a sale of bric-a-brac household goods, clothes, books and football memorabilia at the club's ground on Friday, from 11am to 7pm. There will be bingo and a tombola in the clubhouse at 7pm.

THANK YOU: Sarah Nevins, of North Bitchburn, has thanked people who supported her sponsored parachute jump at the Peterlee Parachute Centre. She raised £1,277 for Cancer Research.

SUMMER FAIR: The Northern Echo's columnist Mike Amos will open Howden-le-Wear Methodist Church summer fair at the community centre on Saturday, at 2.30pm.

GALA CONCERT: The Crook and Weardale Choral Singers are holding a fundraising concert in St Cuthbert's RC School Hall tonight, at 7.30pm.

CHARITY NIGHT: Irish Country singer Ann Breen performs at the Civic Hall, Crook, on Friday in aid of the Stanhope and Weardale Multiple Sclerosis Society. Tickets from Vi Todd on (01388) 762634.

SOCIAL NIGHT: Crook Cricket Club's annual eve of Durham Miner's Gala social night is being held on Friday, in the social club, from 7pm to 11pm.

SUMMER FAIR: The Salvation Army centre in Queen Street, Crook, is holding a summer fair on Saturday, from 10am to noon.

FUN ACTIVITIES: Kidzone in Crook is organising activities, games and outings for children aged from five to 14 during the school summer holidays. Telephone Michelle on (01388) 768888 for further details.

FAMILY DISCO: Crook Cricket Club is hosting a family disco on Saturday, at 5pm. Admission is 50p.