A stock of 5,000 free trees and shrubs on offer to Darlington residents were snapped up in just a few days.

Darlington Borough Council offered the plants to residents who wanted to enhance the look of their street or garden. But an unprecedented demand for the trees meant they were all distributed weeks before the deadline for applications forms at the end of the month. The free tree scheme is in its fourth year and distributes up to ten trees per person, accompanied by a care and advice leaflet.

APPEAL CASH: A bring-and-buy sale organised by pupils at Hurworth Comprehensive School, near Darlington, yesterday raised just over £90. The sale was organised by year seven students Cathy Martin, Lynn McConnel and Victoria Stowe, in aid of this year's BBC Television Blue Peter Appeal.

CRIME REPORT: PC Karl Lowe told the last meeting of Middleton St George Parish Council that there had been seven crimes in the village in the past month. These included three cases of damage to motor vehicles.

disorder.

APPEALS ALLOWED: Two properties in Darlington's Northgate conservation area are likely to be de-listed after appeals. The St John Ambulance building and A1 Windscreens had enforcement notices served by Darlington Borough Council, but a Government inspector has recommended that the notices should be quashed.