FIVE children's play areas are being installed in Darlington.

The borough council has been trying to improve provisions for children in the town, following criticism in an Audit Commission report.

The areas are at Red Hall, Eastbourne Sports Complex, Eastbourne Park, Firthmoor and Eastmount Road.

FORUM PRAISED: Wear Valley Disability Access Forum has been highlighted as a good example in the Community Fund Annual Report. The Community Fund provided £19m in grants this year and its report identifies groups that have made the most of them. The forum has been praised for improving access, offering resources and raising awareness of disabled people.

REGISTER OFFICE: Darlington's register office will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, next Friday, and New Years Day. On Christmas Eve, it will close at noon but for the rest of the holiday it will open as normal. For appointments, call (01325) 346604.

Road safety: Nominations are being invited for a national road safety award. The Dominic Fox Award recognises people who work to keep young drivers safe. Nominees can be of any age and do not have to be road safety professionals. For details, log on to www.iam.org.uk

CENTRE CLOSED: Cockerton and Branksome Living Enterprise (Cable) has closed for the festive period. It will reopen on January 6.

HISTORY TALK: Darlington Historical Society member Ian Dougill presents a talk on the River Skerne at a meeting on January 15, at 7.30pm, in Walkington House, Vane Terrace.

BISHOPS COURSE: An eight-week course on the early Prince Bishops of Durham is being run by the Darlington branch of the Workers Education Association from Tuesday, January 8, at 10am. For details, call (01325) 286138.

CLUB PLANS: Wear Valley District Council's development control committee has granted planning permission for a social club for staff of Bishop Auckland General Hospital, in Escomb Road.

BEER DATE: The Darlington Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale holds its Christmas social event tomorrow in Darlington Cricket Club, from 7pm. For details, call (01325) 362462.

NATIVITY SERVICE: Elm Ridge Methodist Church, in Carmel Road South, Darlington, will hold a nativity service, at 10.45am followed by a carol service at 6pm, on Sunday.