FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre yesterday.

The centre, in Greenfield Way, was evacuated after staff found smoke filling the corridors shortly after 1pm.

Station Officer Steve Wharton, from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade, said a small fire was found in the female lavatories.The cause was being investigated.

CAR RAID: Thieves stole a Sony digital camera and mini-disc recorder after breaking into a Volkswagen Polo in the Yarm Road area of Darlington early on Friday. A black Timberland rucksack containing a number of documents was also taken. Anyone with information is asked to call PC Greg Beswick on (01325) 742124.

CHARITY SALE: Stanhope and Weardale branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold a car boot sale opposite Weardale Motors, Stanhope, tomorrow, at 9am.

SILK SKILLS: A demonstration at the Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, with Jo Whitehead, will reveal an effective way of decorating silk with wax and dyes. The session will take place between 10.30am and 4pm. The £15 cost includes all the materials.

GUIDED WALKS: A six-mile walk from Lower Deepdale around Dentdale, Moneyside and Deepdale,will take place tomorrow, between 1pm and 4pm. On Monday, a walk will be held between 2pm and 4pm exploring the Hoffmann Lime Kiln site.

CHARITY BOOST: An Easter egg given by Thorntons, in Northallerton, was raffled off by the Black Bull Hotel, raising £185 for the Northallerton and District Group of Diabetes UK.

GARAGE APPROVED: Plans for a single-storey extension to a house in Kennel Lane, Darlington, have been approved by borough councillors, despite objections from three neighbours.

COFFEE MORNING: Cakes, books and a raffle will be on offer at a coffee morning at Sadberge Village Hall, near Darlington, on Saturday, May 17, from 10am to noon.

SERVICE AWARD: Connexions County Durham, formerly the Careers Service, has earned a Charter Mark for its high standard of service. Connexions County Durham was launched last April to help young people achieve their full potential in learning and personal development.

TABLE TOP: Tow Law Football Club is holding a table-top sale next Saturday, at 1pm, in the clubhouse. Sellers should arrive at noon. To book a table telephone either (01388) 730512 or 730845.