COUNCIL officials have said they are expecting protests against plans for 32 flats to be built in Darlington.

Maro Developments has submitted proposals to Darlington Borough Council for the properties to be built at the Ruck Engineering site in Woodland Road. Planning officer David Coates said the scheme was predominantly for three-storey buildings. The scheme would also take in part of the grounds of the nearby Cockerton Club.

CRAFT DONATION: A craft group has made a donation to a Darlington children's charity. Darlington Storysacks Association has built up a range of reading material. Sacks containing books, games, toys and story tapes are loaned to families, nurseries and schools. The charity's 140th sack has come from Long Newton Craft Group and is based on Marcus Pfister's Rainbow Fish stories. Storysacks Co-ordinator Karen Cunningham said: "The time and skill that have gone into the sack must be seen to be believed."

SCHOOL REUNION: A reunion of pupils who attended the former Immaculate Conception School, in Darlington, takes place on Saturday, April 26, at 12.15pm. The event will be held at St Augustine's Church and later at the Larchfield Centre.

FLOWER MEETING: Darlington Flower Club is holding an open meeting on Wednesday, April 16, at Polam Hall School. Doors open at 6.30pm and there will be a demonstration at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 each and can be obtained from the programme secretary on (01325) 374205.

VOLUNTEERS' DAY: Darlington Volunteers' Bureau is planning a day of music and dance to celebrate national Volunteers' Week this summer. The event, on Thursday, June 5, will take place at the Dolphin Centre from 10am to 4pm and will feature belly dancing, flamenco and Indian head massage. Any groups interested in having a stall or display are asked to call (01325) 254663.

COCKERTON GROUP: A meeting has been held of the Cockerton Area Action Group. A committee has now been elected and another meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 7, to elect officials.

CONCET DATE: The first annual David Garrood memorial concert of Easter choral music by the Carol Andrew Singers takes place in Darlington on Friday, May 2, at 7.30pm. The event at St James the Great parish church features Mozart's Solemn Vespers, Verdi's Te Deum and John Rutter's Te Deum. Tickets cost £5. To book, call (01325) 465980 or 314437.

FLOWER SHOW: Sedgefield Garden Society is arranging a trip to the Harrogate Spring Flower Show on Saturday, April 26. For details, call (01740) 620467.