Armed police were called to the Borough Road area of Darlington at the weekend after reported sightings of a man with a gun.

Following an investigation on Saturday the reports were discovered to be unfounded.

SAFER DRIVING: Free assessment drives will be offered to motorists at Morrisons, Morton Park, Darlington, on Sunday, April 6, from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

WILDLIFE TALK: Middleton St George Wildlife Group will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, April 1, in the Havelock Arms in Middleton St George, starting at 7pm. On Saturday, April 5, there will be a workshop on improving water vole habitats at The Whinnies nature reserve in Middleton St George. For details call Sarah Storey on (01325) 380651.

SNEAK-IN: Police are continuing to urge people in Darlington to keep their doors and windows locked after more sneak-in thefts at the weekend.

BIRDS DISPLAY: The Scotton Owl and Raptor Rehabilitation Centre will be at Pets at Home, in Yarm Road, this weekend. The charity, which rehabilitates injured animals, will be showing some of its birds on Saturday and Sunday.

RAIL SHOW: The Arts Centre, Darlington, will host a slide show and talk by Bob Goodman on the B17 Sandringham class locomotive, on Saturday, at 7pm.

MUSICAL DATE: Bishop Auckland Music Society starts its 12th season with The Phoenix Wind Ensemble and The Roques Piano Trio, of the Royal Northern College of Music, in Auckland Castle, on Sunday, April 6, at 3pm. Tickets are available on 0191-386 8622.

DANCE PRODUCTION: A full-length dance production of Shakespeare's Hamlet comes to the North-East on Tuesday, April 1. The award-winning Arc Dance Company is staging the production at Darlington Civic Theatre, from 7.30pm. For details call (01325) 486555.

SOUL SINGER: Jazz and soul singer Ola Onabule, who sang at the wedding of Victoria and David Beckham, is performing at the Arts Centre, Darlington, on April 4, at 8pm. For tickets call (01325) 486555.

BLUES NIGHT: A charity night at St Augustine's Parish Church, Darlington, on Friday, raised £1,500 for the MS Society in Darlington., to help buy an adapted caravan for MS sufferers. The group also received £750 from County Durham Freemasons and £500 from Yarm Preparatory School. Forthcoming events include a coffee morning at St Augustine's Church, Darlington, on April 8, at 10.30am and a collection in the town's Cornmill Shopping Centre on April 12.