Entries for Bishop Auckland in Bloom 2003 close on Saturday, June 14, and judging starts on Friday, July 4.

Forms are available wherever posters are displayed, as well as from Bishop Auckland Town Hall library, Cockton Hill library, Trimmers hairdressers, in Newgate Street, and Crovac House, 219 Newgate Street. They should be returned to the town hall, where organisers Bishop Auckland Civic Society plan a presentation night on Tuesday, August 5.

PUB AWARDS: The Darlington branch of the Campaign for Real Ale has named The Quaker, in the town's Mechanic's Yard, its pub of the year. The freehouse, which offers its own brew, Ghost Ale, also won the title in 2000 and 2001. The Crown Inn at Manfield was named country pub of the year for the second year.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Darlington Association on Disability needs volunteers to help with its after-school and holiday play schemes. Anyone who can help is asked to call Stacey Allan on (01325) 489999.

ANNUAL MEETING: West Auckland Parish Council will hold its annual meeting at Millbank Methodist School Room, tomorrow, from 7pm.

DOMINO DRIVE: Frosterley Women's Institute is holding a domino drive in Frosterley Village Hall on Friday, at 7.30pm. Admission is £1.50.

WATCH MEETING: Howden-le-Wear Neighbourhood Watch meets tonight, at 7pm, in the Community Centre, Hargill Road.

TABLE-TOP SALE: St Catherine's Community Centre is holding a table-top sale and mini-market tomorrow and on Tuesday next week, from 9am to 2pm. A table-top sale will also take place on Saturday, from 9.30am to noon. To book a table call (01388) 764697.

CARNIVAL FUND: Dixon J Scott will entertain at Crook Cricket Club on Thursday, with all funds going to the Crook Carnival.

PUB FAREWELL: Keith and Jackie Kyte, who have run the Red Lion pub in North Bitchburn for 13 years, said farewell with a night of free drinks and a buffet on Saturday.

EXTENSION PLAN: A plan for a two-storey extension to 178 Woodland Road, Darlington, has been received by Darlington Borough Council.

LIBRARY SCHEME: People in the Cockerton and Branksome areas of Darlington can take advantage of a new library service. Books are now available at the Cable office, 100 Whitby Way, or by calling (01325) 354084.

SPRING FAIR: Cockfield Methodist Church is holding a spring fair on Saturday, at 10.30am.