RICHARD Todd, 16, of Hall View Grove, Darlington, raised £340 for the British Lung Foundation with a sponsored parachute jump.

The Barnard Castle School pupil did the 10,000ft freefall leap at Peterlee Flying Club on Friday.

FENCE STOLEN: A 16ft length of black iron railings with arrow finials, and a gate were stolen from a garden in Nelson Street, Ferryhill, overnight on Sunday.

SPEEDING FINE: John Smith, 42, of Hamilton Road, Motherwell, in Scotland was fined £60 after being caught speeding at 108mph on the A66 Galley Bank, near Barnard Castle. Darlington magistrates heard that Smith told police he did not think he was travelling at a fast speed, but admitted exceeding the 70mph limit.

CASE ADJOURNED: Richard Seaman, 23, of Francis Street, Stanley Crook, denied driving without due care in Crook Market Place when he appeared before magistrates in Darlington yesterday. The hearing was adjourned until April 1.

CHARGE DENIED: David Kilvert, 65, of Ravensdale Road, Darlington, denied charges of failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident when he appeared before Darlington magistrates yesterday. The case was adjourned until April 1.

OPEN EVENING: The final opening evening at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington, will be held tomorrow, between 7pm and 9pm. For details call (01325) 461315.

FOLK CONCERT: The Nebula folk group will perform at Neville Parade Methodist Church, Newton Aycliffe, tomorrow, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the door.

RESIDENTS' GROUP: The Whinfield Residents' Association in Darlington meets tomorrow, at 7.30pm, in Whinfield Junior School. After the meeting, the Whinfield Community Association will be formally adopted and a management team elected to oversee the future of a new community building.

OWNER TRACED: The owner of a silver portable Communion set recovered last week by Darlington police, has been traced.

CAR LOCKS: Discounted car steering locks are being offered to residents in a bid to cut vehicle crime. They are available at £30 from community warden Andrew Redhead on (01325) 346831.

FIRST AID: Medical Services (North-East) offers first aid courses to businesses and groups in the region. The Bishop Auckland-based company has several instructors, all holding professional qualifications. For further details about courses available, telephone (01388) 778962.