MIDDLESBROUGH Council is joining forces with the Dogs Trust to offer free dog chipping and check-ups.

The events at the Community Hub @ Newport Settlement (CORR)  and Stewart Park reflect a change in the law which will require all dogs to be microchipped from April 6, 2016.

Dog owners will be able to get their pets microchipped free of charge, and take advantage of a free Dogs Trust Basic Healthcheck.

Both events run from 11am to 3pm - the first is on Wednesday, April 30, at the Community Hub @ Newport Settlement, St Paul’s Road; the second is on Wednesday, May 7 at Stewart Park, near Bolckow Visitor Centre, Ladgate Lane.

All dogs must be wearing a collar and lead and be accompanied by a handler aged 18 or over.

CANCELLED EVENT: A table top sale at the Community Hub @ Newport Settlement planned for Sunday, April 27 has been cancelled. Organisers apologise for any inconvenience and hope to hold the event at a future date.

POETRY EVENT: YOUNG people in Hartlepool are invited to find out more about the poetry of the First World War at a special free event next. Called simply the Poetry Event, it’s on Tuesday, April 22 in Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre in Raby Road from 6pm to 8.30pm. There will be a showing of the 1997 film ‘Regeneration’, which tells the story of an army psychiatrist, William Rivers, who is treating shell-shocked soldiers. Under his care are the poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, as well as Billy Prior, who is mute. The event is free and there’s no need to book. To find out more call Nichola McIntosh on 07841-794571.

CLASSICAL MUSIC: Middlesbrough's much-acclaimed classical concert series continues on Thursday, April 24, when the Royal Northern Sinfonia return to the town. Tickets are also now on sale for the return of the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, performing the sounds of Shostakovich, Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky, together with the season’s final Classical Café featuring local young performers and established professional musicians. The Royal Northern Sinfonia will perform at 7.45pm, while the Moscow Philharmonic will appear on May 13. Tickets are priced from £13.50 with concessions from £11.50 and students just £6. Classical Café will take place between 2pm-3pm on May 18. Entry is £3, free to under-12s. For tickets contact the box office on 01642-729729.