Children in Darlington can join thousands of others taking part in The Blue Peter Bikeathon on Sunday. The charity bike ride, in aid of leukaemia research, is expected to attract 25,000 participants across the country. The Darlington event will start at 11am, in South Park. Children wishing to take part are advised to turn up early to register.

SPRING CONCERT: Bishop Auckland Choral Society is performing Faure's Requiem on Saturday, at 7.15pm, in Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. Tickets are £6, £4 for concessions and £2 for children. They are available on 0191-378 0707 or (01388) 834359.

DATE CHANGES: Changes to Darlington Borough Council's refuse collection service for the Spring Bank Holiday week have been announced. From next Monday, collection dates will be a day later than usual, with the schedule returning to normal on Monday, May 12.

WHIST DRIVE: Kirk Merrington Over-60 Club is holding a whist and domino drive on Saturday, at 2pm, in the village hall. Admission costs £1.

CHURCH SALE: A table-top sale in Hamsterley Village Hall on Saturday, from 10am to noon, will raise money for St James' Church. For more information call Julia Hunter on (01388) 488483.

COMMUNITY MEETING: The Firthmoor and District Community Association will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, May 20, at 6.45pm, at Firthmoor Community Centre, Burnside Road, Darlington. The meeting is open to all residents.

HOME EXTENSION: Planning permission is being sought for a single-storey side extension to a house in Manor Road, Darlington. Councillors will decide whether to grant permission tomorrow.

ANNUAL MEETING: The annual meeting of Chilton West Residents' Association will be held in Chilton and Windlestone Working Men's Club tonight, at 7.15pm.

COACH TRIP: The Friends of Senior Citizens charity has organised a coach trip to Edinburgh, to coincide with the visit of the tall ships on Friday, May 23. The coach fare is £12 and there are pick-up points at Newton Aycliffe, Heighington, Shildon and Cockerton. To book a place or for further details telephone (01325) 313925.

GOLF CARS: Great Aycliffe Town Council has agreed to buy three golf cars for the course at the Oak Leaf Sports Complex, Newton Aycliffe. They will be on hire at £10 per round.

FLOWER CLUB: Darlington Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society holds its next meeting next Tuesday, at 7.30pm, in the ASE Club in Northgate.