A MAN assaulted a sailor because he was not fighting in the Iraqi war, a court heard yesterday.

Steven Banks, 29, overheard Gary Stott talking about his work in the Royal Navy on his mobile phone in Darlington town centre, Simon Crowder, prosecuting, told South Durham magistrates. Banks, a machine operator, asked Mr Stott: "Are you too soft to be out there?" before punching him on the nose. Banks, of Hammond Drive, Darlington, admitted assault and was ordered to pay £150 compensation and fined £100, with £55 costs.

HELP WANTED: Play leaders and assistants are being sought by Sedgefield Borough Council for its Summer Splash scheme for youngsters aged eight to 13. For details call David Rose on (01388) 816166.

CRASH INQUEST: An inquest into the death of Graham Pears, 20, who died last Thursday when his car hit a wall between Eastgate and Westgate, Weardale, will be opened at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court on Friday.

COUNCIL MEETING: The next meeting of Wear Valley District Council's development control committee is tomorrow, at 6pm, in Crook Civic Centre.

COFFEE MORNING: Shildon Salvation Army is holding a coffee morning on Saturday, from 10am to noon, in its worship and community centre, in Cross Street, Shildon.

FLOWER CLUB: Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club will hold an open meeting next Tuesday, at 6.45pm at Sedgefield Community College, when Ian Lloyd, from Cheshire, will give a demonstration called Far and Away.

FUNDING APPROVED: Darlington Borough Council's cabinet last night approved five applications for grant aid. Money will be given to Darlington Festival for Performing Arts, Firthmoor Over 60s Club, The Prince's Trust, Wesley Court Community Centre and resident April Britton, who is planning to walk part of the Great Wall of China to raise funds for the National Deaf Children's Society in October.

driving ban: Gary Read, 22, of Egglestone View, Darlington, admitted drink-driving when he appeared before South Durham magistrates yesterday and was banned from driving for two years and fined £250 with £55 costs.

FORSET FUN: Easter events at Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, include a free family treasure hunt on Sunday and Monday, April 20 and 21. Eco-themed fun and games are on the programme on Thursday, April 24, from 2pm to 4pm, when rangers will organise shelter-making and team-building games. Telephone (01388) 488312 for details or visit: www.forestry.gov. uk/HamsterleyForest.