VETERINARY staff are hoping to reunite an old, blind cat with its owners.

The black tom, thought to be about 14, was found in the Bolton Grove area of Bishop Auckland last weekend. Staff at Paul Wilson Veterinary Surgeons, in Tenters Street, took in the cat, which has been well cared for. To reclaim the animal call (01388) 602707.

OFFENCE DENIED: A 15-year-old boy denied a charge of using threatening behaviour when he appeared before South Durham Youth Court in Darlington yesterday. The case awas adjourned until October 31.

MINING EXHIBITION: The Four Clocks Centre, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, will host the Silksworth Mining Exhibition on Monday and Tuesday. Anyone wishing to donate mining memorabilia can call 0191-528 8226.

PARISH COUNCIL: Dene Valley Parish Council will meet on Monday, at 7pm, in the Methodist Church Hall, South Church.

CHURCH EVENT: St Michael's Church, Heighington, is holding its patronal festival and gift day tomorrow. Communion will be at 10am and evening service at 6pm.

HARVEST FESTIVALS: The Parish of Great Aycliffe Team Ministry will be conducting harvest festival services on Sunday, at St Andrew's Church at 10.30am and St Clare's Church at 9.15am; on October 5 at St Elizabeth's Church at 10.45am; and on October 19 at St Francis' Church at 9.15am.

RUN CASH: Microbiologist Samantha Wilkinson, 23, from Crook, raised £270 for the Make A Wish Foundation UK by completing the Great North Run.

WHIST DRIVE: St Michael's Church, Bishop Middleham, is hosting a rainbow whist and domino drive in the village hall today, at 2pm. All proceeds go to church funds.

FLORAL CLASSES: A flower arranging class will be held in Summerhouses Village Hall, near Darlington, on Tuesday, from 7pm to 9pm. For details, call (01325) 374261.

OPEN EVENING: Sunnydale Comprehensive School is holding an open evening on Tuesday, from 6pm to 8.30pm.

COUNCIL MEETS: Eldon Parish Council will meet in St Marks Church, Eldon, on Tuesday, at 7pm.

HOUSING SERVICES: The next meeting of Wear Valley District Council's housing services committee is on Tuesday, at 2pm, in Crook Civic Centre.

SLIDE SHOW: A slide show featuring the national parks of America will be given by Ken Ashworth at the Methodist Church Hall, Barnard Castle, on Wednesday, at 7.30pm.