Nature's World, in Middlesbrough, held its first farmers' market yesterday.

The markets, which will be held at the botanical centre on every fourth Sunday in the month, is a way to support farmers recovering from the foot-and-mouth disease crisis and under pressure from imported produce, said centre manager Stuart Goldie.

CYCLISTS MEET: Cyclists will be able to say what facilities they would like when the Tees Valley Cycle Forum meets in Middlesbrough Town Hall on Wednesday, at 6.30pm. Guest speaker will be Ted Liddle, of the English Regions Cycling Task Force.

SPRING CLEAN: About 70 people filled more than 100 bin liners with rubbish in a litter sweep of Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, at the weekend. Children and adults from across the community took part in the clean up.

MAN HURT: Firefighters gave a man oxygen after he was affected by fumes from a fire in a wall mounted heater in a bedroom at a house in Hart Lane, Hartlepool.

ROADWORKS: Motorists are warned of road works in progress from tomorrow until Friday in Stanghow Road, Lingdale, east Cleveland, while repairs are carried out on a disused railway bridge. A temporary traffic management scheme is being introduced.

BODY TALK: Professor Robin Brunton, an expert in the social aspects of genetics, alcohol use and child abuse, is giving a free lecture examining the relationship between drugs, technology and the body at the University of Teesside on Wednesday, May 7, at 6.30pm.

LEARNER'S WEEK: Forensic investigation, disaster management, sport, human performance, literature, leisure and tourism are some of the topics covered in a series of free seminars to be held at the University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, during Adult Learners' Week, which runs from May 10 to May 16. For details call (01642) 384277