Bentley House, a Grade II listed Georgian property, in Yarm, is to be converted into three separate town houses.

The plan to convert the six-bedroomed house into one, two and three-bedroomed apartments was approved by Stockton Borough Council's planning committee. Councillor Pete Andrew, said: "It is a superior Georgian house, which if put on the market would probably sell for more than £400,000. Unfortunately, there are not many families locally who can afford to pay that."

SPONSORED TODDLE: Youngsters from Stockton took part in a sponsored toddle yesterday to raise money to make story sacks for children at the Children's Centre in the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton. The centre is a child development unit for pre-school children with complex and/or multiple special needs. The event, in the town's Ropner Park, was started by Mayor of Stockton Councillor Jean O'Donnell.

Horse event: The Cleveland Committee of the British Horse Society is inviting anyone interested in horses to an open evening between 7.30pm and 9.30pm on Monday, at the Eston Equestrian Centre, Eston. There will be a blacksmith, vet, riding instructor and committee members there to answer questions. For further details, call (01642) 452260.

School reunion: A reunion is being planned for former pupils of Richard Hind Secondary Technical School, Yarm Road, Stockton on Saturday, June 22. Anyone who attended the school between 1967 and 1972/3 and would like to meet up with old friends is asked to contact Lynne Adamson on (01642) 896434 or Pat Dixon on (01642) 611801.

Football lookalikes: The Asda store in Stockton is looking for people who resemble famous footballers. Anyone who thinks they look like David Beckham or Michael Owen is asked to take a photo to the store, along with their name, who they are supposed to resemble, age and telephone number, by June 14.

NEW TAKE-AWAY: Stockton Borough Council has received a planning application to create a hot-food take-away at premises in Norton Road, Stockton.

Manhole repairs: There will be traffic controls for one week from tomorrow, in Errington Street, Marske tfor repairs to manholes by Northumbrian Water.