Bike stolen after threats

YOUTHS have stolen a 12-year-old boy's mountain bike after stopping him as he rode along Borough Road in Darlington, at about 7.10pm on Sunday. Two youths blocked the boy's way, one of them grabbing the bike's handlebars to stop him. He was asked if he was carrying any money or a mobile phone. When he showed he only had 9p, a third youth made threats and the boy ran off, leaving his orange Raleigh mountain bike.

The first two boys are aged about 13 and are about 4ft 10in. They wore dark clothing and baseball caps. There was no description of the third boy. Anybody with information is asked to contact Darlington police, on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

WILDLIFE TALK: Eddie Bell, Durham liaison officer, will give a talk in St Cuthbert's Hall, Darlington, tomorrow at 7.30pm. Tickets for the evening, in aid of the Sadberge branch of the National Canine Defence League, cost £5. Further details on (01325) 333114.

MEETING CANCELLED: As a mark of respect for the funeral of the Queen Mother, U3A South Durham has cancelled today's monthly meeting. Other events will go ahead as planned. For more information call Sandy on (01325) 384496.

Music search: Musicians from Darlington have a chance to take part in the Hardenberg Festiva on June 22 in the borough's German twin town, Mulheim. At least one member of the band must be from Darlington, and the band must play original material. To apply, visit the website at kirchberg-connection.de

CHEQUE PRESENTATION: The Freemasons of County Lodge have given a cheque for £650 to Darlington Memorial Hospital's appeal to buy digital retinal camera equipment.

Safe driving: A safe driving course begins in Darlington on Wednesday, April 17. The course costs £25 and leads to the advanced driving test. For details, call (01388) 812323.

NEW BARN: Plans have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council for a hay barn in a field at Killerby, Darlington. The council's planning applications committee is expected to consider the proposals at an upcoming meeting.

CAF PLANS: Units 4a to 5a on the Alliance Industrial Estate, Dodsworth Street, Darlington, will be converted from industrial use to a caf and takeaway if Darlington Borough Council grants planning permission.

School change: Dodmire junior school, in Rydal Road, has applied to Darlington Borough Council to replace a temporary classroom with two new rooms.

FOOTBALL GUEST: Former Manchester United player Norman Whiteside will be the guest speaker at the Darlington 21st Allstars junior football club's fundraising sportsman's dinner on April 26. Tickets for the event, at the Croft Spa Hotel, near Darlington, cost £25 and are available from Dave Hardisty, on (01325) 241718