A 17-YEAR-OLD Redcar student has been highly commended in the Guardian/BBC Prom Young Composer Competition.

Sam Kennedy, who attends Prior Pursglove College, in Guisborough, entered his AS-level composition, titled Vicious-Etude for two violins, cello and piano. Sam had forgotten all about it until someone told him he was featured on the competition's website. Sam is leader of the Tees Valley Youth Orchestra and a member of the National Youth Orchestra.

ATHLETIC YOUTH: A three-day athletic activities event will take place at Laurence Jackson Sports College, in Guisborough, from Wednesday, July 23, to Friday, July 25. All eight to 15-year-olds interested in running, jumping and throwing are invited to the New Marske Harriers-organised event. The cost of the three days is £10, which includes a goodie bag and T-shirt. Guest of honour will be Chris Tomlinson, the British long jump record holder, who will be giving tips. Transport from Saltburn, Marske and Redcar is available at a cost of £3. To book, call Diane Hall on (01642) 490783, or visit the New Marske Harriers website at www.nmh.org.uk

BEACHES VISIT: More than 20 officers and soldiers from the Territorial 34 (N) Signal Regiment, in Middlesbrough, are to visit the Normandy landing grounds and battlefields next month. Their itinerary will include the site where a Middlesbrough war hero, the late Stan Hollis, won a Victoria Cross in June 1944.

ITEMS NEEDED: Organisers of a coffee morning are looking for books and bric-a-brac for their stalls. The next one to be held at Marton Community Centre, in Cypress Road, Middlesbrough, will be on Wednesday, July 5, from 10am to noon. Anyone who can help is asked to call (01642) 322 738.

SURGERY CANCELLED: Ken Walker, the councillor for Middlesbrough's Gresham ward, has cancelled his surgery which was to have been held at the Ayresome Community Enterprise centre, Middlesbrough, on Monday.