A date has been set for a resumed public inquiry into whether an amusement arcade can open in Darlington town centre.

The Noble Organisation wants to turn a shop and offices in Northgate into an amusement arcade and tanning centre. It appealed to the Government after Darlington Borough Council failed to reach a decision on the plan and an inquiry into the matter was adjourned last month. The resumed hearing will take place in Darlington Town Hall on October 16.

LIONESS CLUB: Darlington Lioness Club has raised £2,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance. The money will be presented today at the Blackwell Grange Hotel. The group has a new president, Pat De Martino, and needs new members. Call (01325) 380661 for details.

JAZZ CONCERT: Hurworth Society Jazz Band will be performing at the Grange Road Community Centre,near Darlington, on Friday, from 8.30pm to 11pm.

ROOF APPEAL: Windmill Methodist Chapel, near Bishop Auckland, is raising money for its roof appeal with a concert and supper on Wednesday by the Aycliffe and Brancepeth Brass Band. It starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available on (01388) 718597.

HOSPICE CHALLENGE: The Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland is appealing for volunteers to raise funds by taking part in a parachute jump. contact (01388) 603003 for details.

PLAY SCHEME: Children on Darlington's Red Hall estate will have plenty to do in the summer holidays. The Red Hall Partnership has organised events including games, circus workshops and bowling. For details visit the community centre.

AID COLLECTION: A collection in Heighington, near Darlington, raised more than £700 for Christian Aid.

FETE MONEY: More than £450 was raised from the first Summer fete held by Fishburn St Catherine's Church.

SLIM SUCCESS: A sponsored slim by members of St Cuthbert's Church, in Darlington, raised £1,000 for the church's organ fund.

SAINT'S DAY: St James the Great Church, in Albert Hill, Darlington, will celebrate its saint's day on Friday with a Mass, procession and benediction. The festival starts at 7.30pm.

THRIFT SALE: Second-hand goods, will be on sale at St Columba's Church and Clifton Centre, in Clifton Avenue, Darlington, on Saturday, between noon to 1.30pm.

ANNUAL MEETING: The Heighington Pre-School Group is holding its annual meeting on Thursday, September 11, in the village hall. Guest speaker will be Geoffrey Crute, from Darlington Community Volunteers' Service.