THE owners of a house in Darlington are appealing against a borough council decision to refuse planning permission for extensions to their property.

The couple, from Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, wanted to build a single-storey side extension and single-storey and part two-storey rear extension. The council felt that the first floor extension would result in an overbearing appearance. Anyone who would like to give their views about the proposals should write to the council before August 25.

BARN SCHEME: Details have been submitted to Darlington council to convert a barn at 83 Blackwell, in the town, into a house.

FINE IMPOSED: Nils Jollife, 26, of Sandriggs, Darlington, was fined £20 at South Durham Magistrates' Court yesterday after admitting breaching a community punishment order.

FLOWER CLUB: Darlington Flower Club will meet on Wednesday, September 3, at 2pm in St Cuthbert's Church Centre for a demonstration called Nature's Own.

NEW VICAR: The Reverend Paul Neville, curate of Chester-le-Street, will become priest-in-charge of Middleton St George and Sadberge St Andrew next month. He will be licensed by the Right Reverend John Pritchard, the Bishop of Jarrow, on September 1 at 7.30pm, at St Laurence's Church, Middleton St George.

CAT SHOW: Cat lovers from around the country will head to Spennymoor Leisure Centre for Teesside Cat Club's 23rd championship cat show. Hundreds of pets will be on show at the event on August 23. Doors open to the public at 1pm.

BOWLING TRIP: A ten-pin bowling trip to Durham has been arranged for Wednesday, as part of Sedgefield Borough Council's Summer Splash programme for young people. For details and to book call (01388) 816166.

FLOWER SHOW: Durham and Northumberland Fuchsia Society will be holding its 22nd annual show at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on August 30 and 31. For details call Tony Lawson on (01325) 466996.

FOOTBALL SKILLS: A two-week football skills camp for 11 to 14-year-olds will be held at Ferryhill Leisure Centre, from Monday, August 18. To reserve a place call (01740) 654123.

ACCESS EXHIBITION: Wear Valley Disability Access Forum will hold a free exhibition offering information and advice at Oates Garage, Willington, on Wednesday, August 20, from 11am to 3pm.

ART COURSES: Anyone interested in the drawing and painting courses starting at St Catherine's Community Centre, Crook, next month, can contact Steve Thow on (01388) 443059.