A CONTROVERSIAL Hollywood film depicting the death of Jesus is being shown in a North-East church. The rector of a Wearside church will screen Mel Gibson's movie The Passion of the Christ on Good Friday. The Reverend Doctor Ian Wallis would usually hold a two-hour meditation session at St Michael's and All Angels on Good Friday, but by showing the film, he is hoping to attract a new audience to the church.

MP's book: William Hague, MP for Richmondshire and former Tory leader, will be visiting St Andrew's Church, Grinton, in the Yorkshire Dales, on April 23, to talk about his book Pitt the Younger. The event starts at 7.30pm and is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief and the church. Tickets are £10 from (01748) 818156.

FUN EVENTS: Easter events for children will be held in the Grainger Market in Newcastle on Saturday and next between 11am and 4pm. There will be face painting, entertainment and balloon modelling. There will also be an arts and crafts table where youngsters can make Easter cards, hats and masks.

Moor buses: The Moors bus service to attractions and villages across the North York Moors has begun its new season. From now until October 30 it will run every Sunday and bank holiday as well as daily during the school summer holidays. Timetables are available from tourist information centres or online at www.moors.uk.net/moorsbus

INTERNET AWARDS: Charities and community groups can apply for the AOL Innovation in the Community Awards, which encourage innovative use of the Internet. Thirty prizes of £2,000 and an AOL broadband gold account are on offer. Application forms can be downloaded from www.aol.com/innovation, or requested from 020 7348 8390. The closing date is June 6.

HELP NEEDED: Convoy Aid is appealing for a mobile electrical engineer to fix the charity's forklift truck. There remains 60 tons of aid to be loaded on to a lorry to be taken to remote communities in Romania. To help, call 078760 77110.

POETRY READING: Wendy Cope, a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, will be reading poetry at Darlington Arts Centre on Tuesday, April 19, at 8pm. Tickets cost £8.50, concessions are £6.50, from (01325) 486555.

CELEBRITY SNOOKER: Snooker player Dennis Taylor will be at Darlington Snooker Club on Saturday, July 9. Tickets are £15. Early booking is recommended. For tickets or more information, call (01325) 241388.

CYCLIST hurt: A cyclist was in collision with a car outside Barclays Bank, in North Road, Darlington, yesterday, at about 12.30pm. The man, who is aged about 30, suffered a cut hand and was taken to hospital.