Health Minister and Darlington MP Alan Milburn has welcomed news that men are to become eligible for bus travel concessions at 60 - the same age as women.

Until yesterday, men had to wait until they were 65 to get half-price bus fares on services in Darlington. Mr Milburn said: "It is only fair that concessions based on age should be the same for both sexes."

SERVICE AWARD: Darlington Council's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service is to receive a Government accolade. It is one of only four in the country to be given the award in the latest round of bids for Beacon Status, the highest Government accolade for a council service. The Beacon Council scheme selects councils to act as centres of excellence to promote best practice.

COACH TRIP: A pensioners' coach trip to Lightwater Valley has been organised for Friday, April 11. The coach will pick up at Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Heighington and Darlington. To book call (01325) 313924.

NURSERY PLAN: An application for a nursery and offices at Mount Pleasant Primary School, Newton Lane, Darlington, has been received by Darlington Borough Council.

DRAMA SHOW: The Firebird, a Russian adventure tale, will be performed at the Elite Hall, Crook, tomorrow, at 1.30pm. For tickets call (01388) 761541 extension 219.

CANINE PARADE: Bishop Auckland Scout Hall, in Kingsway, will host a charity dog show on Sunday, April 13, from 1pm. Entries can be made on the day.

HORSES SAVED: Four horses were rescued by firefighters from a barn in Greenfields Road, Bishop Auckland, when nearby wooden sheds caught fire on Monday night.

JOCKEY APPEAL: A sponsored hobby horse ride called The Butterwick Derby is being organised by Butterwick Hospice Care at Sedgefield Racecourse on Saturday, May 17. The event is part of The Butterwick Race Day, a family fun day in aid of the charity. For details call (01642) 624231 or (01388) 603003.

STORE PLEA: The Asda store in Spennymoor is raising funds for leukaemia patient Catherine Readshaw, nine, of Ferryhill. The store is running a raffle, which will be drawn on Saturday, to help Catherine and her family