WEAR Valley Community Network will report on a successful year at its annual meeting tonight in Howden-le-Wear Community Centre at 6pm.

Co-ordinator Dave Craggs said the network had supported community and voluntary groups with business planning, project development, information technology support and a range of training programmes. A number of small grants have been allocated through the Community Empowerment Fund, and Community Chest and Community Learning Chest grants will continue over the next year.

INQUEST OPENS: An inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday into the death of David Barker, 55, of Westmoor Road, Darlington, who died in Darlington Memorial Hospital on March 29.

BRAVE BUCKS: Five male supporters of a Richmond rabbit refuge have volunteered to have their legs waxed on Sunday to raise money for Bunny Burrows, as part of a Hot Cross Bunny Day, which opens in the town's Market Hall at 10am.

RABBIT FUN: Pets At Home on Darlington Retail Park, Yarm Road, is holding a rabbit weekend. The Rabbit Club will be in the store between 10am and 5pm on Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.

CREDIT UNION: South West Durham Credit Union is offering information on its loans and savings service at a promotion day in Crook's Co-op store on Saturday, from 10am to noon.

JEWELLERY HAUL: Women's Institute members from all over County Durham have collected a sack of jewellery for the National Heart Research Fund's Treasure Chest Appeal. Fund trustee David Eastham will deliver the jewellery to Bonhams Auctioneers who will put it under the hammer later this year.

JUMBLE SALE: A jumble sale is being held at the Holy Family Social Club, Cockerton, Darlington, on Saturday, from 11am to noon. All proceeds from the sale will go to the RSPCA.

CHOIR CONCERT: The Argus Singers will perform at St Paul's Church, Witton Park, on Saturday, at 7pm, in aid of church funds.

OPEN EVENT: Whitworth Church, Spennymoor, is holding an open afternoon on Sunday, from 1pm to 5pm.

BLOOD DONORS: The National Blood Service is holding a session for blood donors in Wolsingham Church Hall, Church Lane, next Tuesday, from 3.15pm to 7pm.

ANNUAL MEETING: The Helmington Row Village Hall committee's annual meeting takes place next Wednesday, at 7.30pm.