THREE people have appeared in court charged with supplying class A drugs.

Lynette McKensie, 31, of Hartley Terrace, Spennymoor, and Lynn Patsion, 40, of Hawthorne Road, Spennymoor, are accused of conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs between January 25 and May 18. Malcolm Dugdale, 41, of Busty Terrace, Shildon, was charged with supplying class A drugs between the same dates. The cases were adjourned. All three are due to appear at Teesside Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on September 1.

CRIME WARNING: Drivers in Darlington are being warned to be extra vigilant after a spate of car crime. A vehicle was stolen and four cars were broken into in the town's North Lodge Park area on Thursday. Police have advised residents to be make sure cars are securely locked and that valuable items are not left on view.

SUMMER COLOUR; In the Summer Splendour flower arranging contest at Darlington Flower Club's August meeting, Christina Steel (below) won a gold star and Sheila Richardson a silver star in the intermediate class. In the advanced class, Patricia Battye won a gold star, Rita Smith a silver star, Morage Whitehead a red star and Jane Currie and Brenda Hutchinson were highly commended.

CLEAN UP: Members of Newton Aycliffe Millennium Volunteers collected 19 bags of rubbish in a beach clean-up at Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool.

RECYCLING ROADSHOW: A large motorised dustbin will be in Newton Aycliffe town centre today as part of Sedgefield Borough Council's Rethink Rubbish campaign.

BIKE RIDE: A guided cycle ride around the Neasham area of Darlington will be held on Sunday, August 17 from 11am to 2pm. For details call Sustrans Tees Valley on (01642) 803441.

MEDITATION COURSE: The Darlington CVS and Volunteer Bureau is considering offering a meditation course. Anyone interested is asked to contact Helen McAllister on (01325) 488525.

MASTER DRUMMERS: The Kakatsitsi Master Drummers, from Ghana, will hold a workshop on drumming at the Arts Centre, Darlington, on Tuesday and Thursday, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. The workshop costs £1.55.