Residents in Thornaby are being reminded to attend a meeting next week.

The aim of the meeting is to give residents in the town a chance to have their say on whether they would like the Village Park Residents' Association to continue. The meeting will take place at the Robert Atkinson Centre, Thorntree Road, Thornaby, on Monday at 7pm. Other items on the agenda include the proposed development of the local park, a police update and care of the Village Park area.

REPORTER'S SURGERY: Anyone who has a story to tell or an issue they would like The Northern Echo to investigate is invited to Yarm Library on Wednesday. Reporter Katie Barlow is holding a surgery from 10am to noon to talk to residents about anything from a family member's achievement to a concern or dispute about living in the town or surrounding area.

COFFEE TIME: The Saltburn and District Branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind is holding a coffee morning, next Saturday, from 10am to noon, at Skelton Methodist church hall. There will be cakes and guide dog gifts for sale.

DIABETES TALK: Dr Vince Connolly, a diabetologist, will deliver a talk called Managing Diabetes in Hospital, which will be followed by a question-and- answer session. The event will take place at James Cook University Hospital lecture room, in the education centre, on Tuesday, at 7.30pm.

EYES DOWN: A bingo afternoon will be held at Marske Cheshire Home on Thursday. Doors open at 1.15pm, and it's eyes down at 2pm. Admission is free and there will be cash prizes, raffle and refreshments.

JACK'S MUSIC: Jack Keane, a fiddle player in his eighties, entertained Cleveland Retired Men's Association members recently.

NEW JOBS: Three jobs have been created with the opening of the Hire Station tool hire store, in Middlesbrough.

DISABILITY MEETING: The Cleveland Society of Mencap will hold a meeting in the Grenfell Club, Ridley Street, Redcar, next Saturday, between 10am and noon.