GARDENS in Gainford will be opening to the public to raise money for the parish church.

St Mary's Church will benefit from the proceeds of the village's annual gardens display, which takes place on Sunday, June 29. Opening times are from 2pm to 5.30pm. Tickets cost £3 and maps of the gardens available for viewing will be on sale on the village green. Teas will be served on the green between 2.30pm and 5pm and there will be an embroidery exhibition in the church. The event concludes with songs of praise in the church, at 6.30pm. For more details, contact (01325) 730379.

CHANGING TIMES: Spennymoor and District Mobility Club meets today at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, from 1pm to 4pm. The club will now meet an hour earlier so that members can take part in carpet bowls, using new equipment.

QUACKY RACES: A duck race will be held in Staindrop on Sunday to raise money for the village's Christmas lights fund. There are two heats, starting at 6pm, with the first six competing in the final for a cash prize. Ducks can be bought before the race for £1.

LEAGUE AIM: Nigel Douthwaite, Wear Valley community sports club development officer, and Tom Kelly, who formed St Mary's Junior Football Club in 1986, are looking to establish football leagues in south Durham. Managers of youth football teams who are interested in joining a league can call Nigel on (01388) 765555, or Tom on (01388) 605745.

SALE DATE: A car boot sale will be held at Toft Hill and Etherley Community Centre field, tomorrow, from 10am to 4pm, to raise funds for Etherley Methodist Church. To book a space for a car, £5, or van, £7, call (01388) 832279.

MINING HERITAGE: A mining exhibition is to be held at Tudhoe Methodist Chapel, near Spennymoor, on Saturday, June 14, from 10am to 4pm. Admission is 50p. All proceeds in aid of the chapel roof repair fund.

EXHIBIT OPEN: An exhibition, called John Wesley's Weardale, commemorating the 300th anniversary of his birth, is being held the Weardale Museum, Ireshopeburn, throughout the summer. Opening times are 2pm to 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday inclusive. For more details, contact 01388 517433.

GIVING BLOOD: A blood donor session will be held in Barnard Castle parish hall, Newgate, next Friday, between 3pm and 7pm.

COFFEE INVITE: A coffee morning to raise funds for Christian Aid takes place at Eldon House, East Green, Heighington, on Saturday, June 28, from 10am to noon. Admission is £1. There will be stalls selling cakes, books and plants.

CHARITY EVENT: A ceilidh in aid of Darlington Samaritans takes place at the Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, tomorrow, from 7.30pm to 11pm. More details on (01325) 488679.