Headteacher at Darlington's Carmel Technology College, James O'Neil, has praised the school's caterers after the college was presented with a Healthy Eating award by Health Secretary Alan Milburn.

He said of Hallmark Catering Management, in Sedgefield: "Hallmark's assistance, guidance and support of this project is a demonstration of a tangible partnership."

VOLUNTEERS WANTED: The Darlington Association on Disability, Cockerton and Branksome Living Enterprise and The Salvation Army are looking for volunteers. For details contact Audrey at the Volunteer Bureau, CABLE, 108 Whitby Way, on the last Thursday of each month, between 1pm and 4pm, on (01325) 354084.

CLARIFICATION: We have been asked to point out that The Garth, in Church Lane, Ferryhill, is not a nursing home as stated in a story about Scouts clearing snow published last Saturday. It is a privately-run sheltered accommodation scheme.

BENEFIT DAY: The charity Age Concern is giving advice on benefits at an information day for people over 50 at Baring Court, Tow Law, from 10am to 1pm today. Advisors need to see details of savings and income.

DIABETIC GROUP: The Bishop Auckland Diabetic Group meets tomorrow night at 7.30pm in the Post Graduate Centre, Bishop Auckland General Hospital. Guest speaker will be Katherine Webster of the Durham Dales Primary Care Group.

RAFA MEETING: The Spennymoor branch of the Royal Air Force Association holds its annual meeting tonight at 7pm in the Combined Services Club. Telephone secretary Roy Heale on (01388) 812329.

APPLICATION LODGED: Heighington Methodist Church has submitted a planning application to Darlington Borough Council to build a single-storey extension.

MEETING DATE: The next meeting of Darlington Primary Care Trust will be on Thursday, at 2pm, in Valley House, Valley Street North, Darlington.

MEMBERS WANTED: New members are wanted for The Richardson Singers, a female choir in Darlington. For details call (01325) 257052.

SCHOOL SUCCESS: Abbey Junior School in Darlington has become the first in the town to receive a national award for reading, writing and arithmetic. It received the Quality Mark from the Basic Skills Agency after an on-site assessment by agency inspectors.

SNAP SHOW: An exhibition by Spanish photographer Maria Julia Galindo is being held at Darlington Art Centre between Monday and Saturday, until March 21.