COUNCIL tax in Darlington will rise by six per cent this year, it was decided yesterday.

The borough council's cabinet agreed the move after it was pledged that taxpayers would see no cuts in services, as well as extra investment in education, leisure and crime prevention. The majority of the borough's taxpayers, who pay the lowest Band A tax, will pay an extra £34 a year.

LOTTERY TRIP: Members of Firthmoor Over-60s Club have been granted £4,950 from the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme for a four-day stay in Blackpool, starting on March 31.

CHILD HURT: A child car passenger was injured when a stone was thrown at the vehicle in Haig Terrace, Ferryhill, yesterday, at 8.15pm. Anyone who saw the incident is asked to contact police on (01325) 314401.

FISHING CLUB: A Darlington fishing club is looking for new members. The club, at the Cable office in Whitby Way, is open to children and meets on Mondays, from 4.30pm to 6pm. For details call (01325) 354084 or 07986 545561.

COFFEE DATE: Darlington Lioness Club is holding a coffee morning on Saturday, between 10am and 11.30am, at Northland Methodist Church, North Road, in aid of the North-East air ambulance service.

CHINESE SURPRISE: Children at Whinfield Infant School, Darlington, got a surprise treat when a parcel of fortune cookies was donated by Asda, in Whinbush Way, to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

CHURCH EVENT: The parish church of St James the Great, in Albert Hill, Darlington, will hold a coffee evening on Tuesday, at 7.15pm.

ARTHRITIS MEETING: Arthritis Care is holding its next meeting at Darlington Memorial Hospital Social Club on Wednesday, at 7pm.

COFFEE INVITE: Darlington Association on Disability holds a carers' coffee morning on Saturday, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, at Pease House.

GARAGE DEMOLITION: A home owner in Lincoln Court, Darlington, has applied for planning permission from Darlington Borough Council to demolish his garage and build a two-storey side extension.

RATES PLEA: The Firthmoor Association for Community Enterprise, in Brignall Moor Crescent, Darlington, has applied to have its rates paid by the borough council. A decision will be made on the request next week.

BOARD MEETING: The next board meeting of the Sedgefield Primary Care Trust will be held next Thursday, at 2pm, in the trust's offices in Green Lane, Spennymoor.

ARTHRITIS HELP: People with arthritis, carers and friends are invited to the monthly meeting of the Wear Valley Arthritis Care Support Group, at Crook Business Centre, at 10.30am, next Thursday.