CHARITY LEAP: Sarah Nevins, 16, from North Bitchburn, is making a sponsored parachute jump in aid of Breast Cancer Care.

She will be joined by friend Nicole Ward and Nicole's aunt, Alyson Bell, to aid the Make a Wish Foundation. Sponsors can contact Sarah on (01388) 764015.

HISTORY BOOK: A book on Howden-le-Wear, written by Chris Gibson and Joan Potts with contributions from members of the local history society, will go on sale soon. Howden-le-Wear History Group meets tonight, at 7.30pm, in the community centre for a talk by Barbara Shepherd on the history of Chittocks grocery shop.

COMEBACK: Crook light-welterweight professional boxer Nigel Wright made a successful comeback after injury when he gained a 58-57 points decision over Darren Melville from London, in Portsmouth.

NEW POSTS: Crook Community Partnership has appointed Rose Seabury as secretary, and Mary Gillard as treasurer. Agreement has been reached on the plans for Arthur Street and the project will be a children's play area.

ANNUAL MEETING: The Helmington Row Village Hall committee annual meeting will be tomorrow, at 7.30pm.