THE first of a series of public meetings to discuss proposals for closer working between hospitals in Darlington and County Durham is to be held at Spennymoor Town Hall tomorrow, from 7pm to 9pm. Durham and Darlington Health Authority will stage a further five meetings across the county. To view the consultation document on line, log on to www.durham-ha.northy. nhs.uk.

A66 WORKS: Work to improve a junction on the A66 near Darlington will continue until the end of next month. Roads around the Sadberge junction will be affected, including Darlington Road, Middleton Road, Hillhouse Lane, Norton Road, Stockton Road and Bishopton Lane.

WOMAN DIES: A 32-year-old woman died in what is believed to be a drug-related incident at Alstone Court, Stakeford, Northumberland, at about 7pm on Saturday. Alison Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second woman was taken to hospital where she was in a stable condition last night. A man was arrested and given police bail.

MAN ASSAULTED: A 26-year-old man was critically ill last night in South Tyneside General Hospital following an assault on the Harton Moor Estate, in South Shields, at 11.45pm on Saturday. Police arrested a man and released him on bail pending further inquiries. Police have appealed to anyone with information to call 0191-454 7555, ext 65142.

FILM PREMIERE: Film-maker Neil Marshall is returning to his home town of Newcastle for the world premiere of his first feature film this week. His werewolf thriller, Dog Soldiers, will be shown at the Odeon cinema on Wednesday. Among the stars of the film expected to attend are Sean Pertwee, Kevin McKidd and Liam Cunningham.

PLANT FAIR: A spring plant fair will take place at Harlow Carr Gardens, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, on Sunday, from 11am to 4pm. Specialist nurseries will be exhibiting thousands of plants. Admission is £4.50 for adults, £3.50 senior citizens, and £1 for children aged 11 to 16.

POETRY READINGS: Award-winning poet Don Paterson will read from a selection of his works at the launch of The Northern Arts-funded poetry fest, The Verb Garden, in Middlesbrough, on May 30. Mr Paterson will also run a workshop at the University of Teesside, on May 31, for which there are 15 places.

GARAGE RAID: Two men described as Afro-Caribbean in appearance held up an assistant at the Shell Priory Garage in Newport Road, Middlesbrough, on Saturday, stealing a large quantity of cigarettes, telephone cards and postage stamps which were put into a Nike holdall. The men were about 6ft tall and one of them wore a light-coloured top with a hood. Anyone with information should telephone Cleveland Police on (01642) 303126.

JUBILEE SPEND: North-East people plan to spend an average of £45 on the Queen's golden jubilee celebrations, a survey by Lloyds TSB reports. Of those questioned, 44 per cent said they were planning some form of celebration even if it was just going to the pub.