In an effort to reach a wider audience, Lartington Parish Council will present its annual report and accounts and a report on the progress of the parish plan at the village's golden jubilee party, on June 4. Lartington Ladies Circle has organised the event, which includes a barbecue and treasure hunt. Village children will be presented with a set of jubilee stamps as a souvenir.

ROYAL OCCASION: The preparations for Shildon Town Carnival start tomorrow with a party night to find the carnival queen and princesses. Those entering the event, organised by Shildon Chamber of Trade, are invited to the town's Civic Hall tomorrow, at 7pm, where judges will choose the winner. Entry forms are available from Decor Supplies, 91-95 Church Street, or the Shildon Centre in Main Street.

COASTAL VISIT: Sedgefield Wildlife Group will be visiting the Seaham Harbour Coastal Scheme next Thursday. Members needing transport can meet in the parish hall car park at 6.20pm. Those using their own cars should meet at the centre in Seaham, parking outside the Co-op at 7pm. For details call Anne Gladwin on 01740 620811

WHIST DRIVE: St Michael's Church, Bishop Middleham, is holding a whist and domino drive in the village hall next Saturday, May 25, at 2pm. Proceeds are in aid of church funds.

DRAW SUCCESS: Hurworth Comprehensive School has raised £1,000 in a prize draw to help fund its bid for specialist mathematics and computing status.

BOWLS APPEAL: Witton Park Carpet Bowls Club is looking for new members. Contact Dale Daniels for details on (01388) 606543.

CAR BURNED: A stolen Ford Escort, registration K120 PJR, was driven to Walker Lane, Middridge, and set on fire between 9am on Wednesday and 5am yesterday.

CIGARETTES STOLEN: 800 cigarettes, worth £60, were stolen from a Ford Mondeo in Eden Road, Newton Aycliffe, overnight on Wednesday.

VEHICLE THEFT: A Ford Escort diesel estate, registration J175 KVK was stolen from Dale Street, Chilton, between 8pm on Tuesday and 9.15am on Wednesday.

ORGAN CONCERT: The New Victorian Centre, High Street, Howden-le-Wear, is hosting a concert by John Mann. There are still tickets available from Dennis Elmes on (01388) 763113.

ANNUAL MEETING: The Dene Valley Community Partnership is holding its annual meeting in the Salvation Army Hall, Eldon Lane, on May 28, at 6pm. Any full members wishing to be nominated for management committee posts should call (01388) 777716 by May 24.

SET FAIR: The Women's Institute is holding a fair in Cockton Hill Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland, on Saturday, May 25, from 11am.