AN evening of drama, dance, film, animation and art celebrating the regeneration of a Darlington estate will take place next month.

The Firthmoor Oratorio at the Civic Theatre, at 7.30pm on Monday, June 9, is the culmination of a threeyear arts project aimed at raising the profile of the estate. Community arts officer Kari Vickers said the idea was to use visuals, drama and music to depict the positive changes which Firthmoor has seen. A new primary school is soon to be followed by a £1m community centre and more than 400 new houses.

"The project has been about creating a stronger sense of community and enabling residents to take part in exciting, memorable events and activities, helping to enable the success of the regeneration programme," she said.

Pupils from St Teresa's, St John's and Firthmoor primary school have written songs for the show. Funding and help for the scheme has come from Darlington Building Society and Firthmoor Community Partnership Board. Tickets, priced £2 for adults and £1 for children, are available from the Civic box office on (01325) 486555.