Four people were taken to hospital after a Rover 414 and a Vauxhall Montery collided on the A167 junction to Aycliffe Industrial Estate, Newton Aycliffe, at about 4.30pm yesterday.

Firefighters used cutting equipment to release two of the four passengers. Police said last night that none of the passengers was thought to be seriously hurt though as some were elderly they were taken to North Tees Hospital as a precaution.

MUSICAL SERVICE: The 14th annual May devotion will take place at St James the Great church, Albert Hill, Darlington, today. The service starts at 7.30pm. There will be music by Bach, Bryd, Frank and Rachmaninov. The service will be held by Reverend Father Ian Grieves and the vicar of St Gabriel's Church in Pimlico in London, Reverend Canon David Skeach. Refreshments will be served in Albert Hill club.

PETS PORTRAITS: Children can learn how to make pastel portraits of their pets at a workshop in Darlington during half-term week. The event, on Tuesday, May 27, between 10.30pm and 12.15pm, at the Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace, costs £5. Booking is not required but youngsters need to take along a photograph of their pet.

MAN HURT: A 25 year-old motorist was taken to North Tees Hospital with an open leg fracture after his car went off the road at the Blue House roundabout on the A68, near Shildon, at 4.30pm yesterday.

LEGAL TALK: Elderly people can get advice on wills, housing, benefits and other legal matters at a meeting on Wednesday, June 11. Local solicitors and a financial advisor will be available at 4pm, at Age Concern Darlington, Bradbury House, Beaumont Street West. To attend, call (01325) 362832.

DAY TRIP: The Friends of Senior Citizens charity has organised a day trip to Blackpool on Friday, May 30. The bus leaves at 9am and there are pick-up points at Ferryhill, Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Heighington and Elm Ridge and Cockerton in Darlington. To book a seat, costing £12, contact Peter Beaty on (01325) 313924.

ITEMS TO LOAN: Darlington CVS and Volunteer Bureau has items to loan to voluntary and community groups in Darlington. Among the items are collection boxes, tombolas, an overhead projector and display boards. For details, call (01325) 266888 or (01325) 254664.

BOOT SALE: Gainford Primary School is staging a car boot sale on Saturday, June 7, at 9.30am.

FUN RUN: Hummersknott School and Language College, in Darlington, holds its annual fun run on Sunday, June 15.

TABLE-TOP SALE: Helmington Row Village Hall Association is hosting a table-top sale on Saturday, June 28, from 9am to noon.