CHARITIES are being urged to get help on how to make the best of their status at a seminar in Darlington today.

David Brown, president of the Tees Valley Law Society, will tell local charities and voluntary organisations that they may not be making the most of themselves.

The event takes place at Age Concern, Bradbury House, from 5pm to 7pm.

FLORAL PRAISE: Darlington Flower Club congratulated members Cynthia Scott and Mildred Stafford, who won bronze medal in the flower arranging section at Chelsea Flower Show.

OPEN WORKSHOP: Obscura Photo Theatre is holding an open workshop today for people aged 16 to 25 with physical or sensory impairment. The taster session will take place from 10am to 4pm at the Friends Meeting House, Skinnergate, Darlington.

EXTENSION PLAN: Thermal Insulation Contractors Association has applied to Darlington Borough Council to build a single-storey workshop extension at the office and training centre, formerly John Menzies, Allington Way, Darlington.

CLASSES AVAILABLE: A variety of classes are available at the refurbished Stanhope Community Association learning centre, including basic computing, reflexology, art, needlecraft and tai chi. For details contact Billy Hunt or Catherine Reed on (01388) 526939.

DANCE TIME: A 50/50 dance by the Symbolics is being at Stanhope Town Hall on Friday, June 27, from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Call (01388) 517240 for tickets. Proceeds go to Stanhope Silver Band.

MP'S VISIT: North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong is to attend the opening of the Emerald Nursery, in North Terrace, Crook, on Friday, at 2.30pm.

CARNIVAL DISCO: Crook Cricket Club is hosting a family disco to elect this year's carnival queen and her princesses on Friday, from 7.30pm to 11pm.

HOMEWORK CLUB: Parkside School is continuing with its homework club, at Crook Library every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 4pm to 6pm.

MEETING PLACE: Crook Salvation Army is holding a an open meeting at its Queen Street centre tomorrow, at 2pm.

MINI MARKET: A mini market is being held at St Catherine's Community Centre, Crook Market Place, tomorrow, from 9am to 2pm.

CHURCH FUNDS: Crook Methodist Church raised £512 at a market on Saturday. The winning numbers in the raffle were: buff 477, 265, 384, 314 and 426; blue 444 and 391; and white 229.

IN STEAM: Weardale Steam Transport Festival is being held at Bondisle field, Stanhope, on Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29. For details contact Dave Foxton on (01388) 526203.