FIRE destroyed a metal silo at a chipboard factory in Shildon yesterday.

The silo, containing about ten tons of sawdust, collapsed as fire crews from Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe brought the blaze under control. The plant was owned by George Reynolds UK before it was sold to Vertex Panel Products in February last year and later taken over by a management buy-out, which went into receivership. Most of its assets were sold to Egger (UK) in April.

RESCUE RACE: The Quakers Running Club in Darlington is organising an eight-mile trail race at Hamsterley Forest, Weardale, on October 12. Proceeds will go to Stan's Van Appeal, Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team's fund to replace its Land Rover. For details visit the Internet website at http://quakersrunning club.co.uk.

CARS TARGETED: A mobile phone was stolen from a car in Milbank Road, Darlington, on Friday. A Fiat Punto car was broken into in Symington Walk on the same night, but nothing was taken.

HOUSE FIRE: A fire which started in a downstairs fuse box early on Friday left Rose Cottage, in Wackerfield, near Evenwood, smoke-logged.

BLOOD DONORS: A blood donor session will be held in the parish hall, Newgate, Barnard Castle, on Friday, from 3pm to 7pm.

CHARITY BOOST: The Mayor of Spennymoor, Councillor Elsie Summerson, has arranged a social night with live music to raise money for her nominated charity at Spennymoor Town Hall on Friday, at 7.30pm. Proceeds will go to St Andrew's Medical Centre. Tickets are available from the town hall.

HEALING VISIT: People from the Northumbrian Centre of Prayer for Christian Healing will be visiting West Auckland Methodist Church for a healing service on Friday, at 7.30pm.

HARVEST LUNCH: Members of St John's Church, Lynesack, will be serving harvest lunches on Thursday, and the following Thursday, in the village hall at Copley, near Barnard Castle, to raise money for church funds.

CHARITY COLLECTION: A street collection in Darlington raised £150 for the NCH children's charity.

CHURCH SHOP: Willington Methodist Church, in Lydia Street, is opening a Wednesday charity shop from 9am to 11am to raise money for church funds. The shop will be closed in school holidays.

COUNCIL MEETING: A meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council's scrutiny committee for regeneration, environment and community safety will be held in the council chamber, Green Lane, Spennymoor, tomorrow, at 10am.