The Northern Echo's sister paper, the East Cleveland Advertiser, has helped raise more than £500 for the upkeep of the Sir William Turner's Almshouses at Kirkleatham, near Redcar. The money, raised from local businesses, has been set aside towards funding a landscaping and garden scheme on derelict land next to the almshouses. The almshouses, which were founded in 1676, provide sheltered accommodation for retired people.

MAKING TRACKS: Families were invited to look for mammal tracks and signs at the weekend. Beginning with a talk at the Wildlife Trust office in Kirkleatham, near Redcar, they then walked through Guisborough Forest to look for tracks and signs.

NEW COMPLEX: Plans to build a two-storey club house and changing complex at Hartlepool Sixth Form College will be discussed by councillors tomorrow. West Hartlepool Rugby Club wants to redevelop the changing rooms on the site. The plans have been recommended for approval.

PANTO TIME: Jack and the Beanstalk will be staged at Yarm Road Methodist Church, Yarm Road, Stockton, from Tuesday to Saturday, February 1. Tickets cost £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children on Tuesday, and £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children for all other performances. Tickets are available by telephoning (01642) 644173.

BEADING WORKSHOP: The art of beading will be demonstrated at a workshop at Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park, Normanby, near Middlesbrough, on Wednesday, from 10am to 3pm. The course costs £5 with all materials provided. To book a place call the countryside wardens on (01642) 459629.

SCOUTS CALL: Young people aged between ten-and-a-half and 14 years are invited to join Redcar Seventh Scout group which meets at 6.30pm on Thursdays. For details call Dave, on (01642) 504647.

FARMERS' MARKET: The next farmers' market in Stockton will be on Wednesday. Wellington Square Shopping Centre will host the market, which sells produce including cheeses, pies, cakes and hand-made soaps. The market is held on the last Wednesday of each month.

UNITY SERVICE: St Paul's Church, in Bishopton Road, Stockton is holding a service to celebrate the week of Christian Unity on Sunday at 4pm.