COLLEGE students are being urged to do their bit to make Darlington litter-free.

The borough council is working with staff and students at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College to provide extra bins in order to reduce the amount of rubbish being dropped in the Stanhope Park area, as part of a campaign to stamp out Darlington's litter problem.

Uniformed wardens are continuing to patrol the streets and have the power to impose £50 fines.

CRIME FIGURES: There were 67 recorded crimes in Darlington from Friday to Sunday, police said. These included 38 cases of theft and minor damage, six burglaries and five assaults.

REFUSE DELAY: Refuse collection services in Darlington have been put back a day after the heavy snowfall on Sunday night.

SOCIETY MEETS: The Darlington branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society meets in Carmel Convent, Nunnery Lane, on the second Wednesday of each month, at 2pm. For details call (01325) 304309.

SLIM CHANCE: Anyone wanting to take part in a sponsored slimathon for the NSPCC can attend the opening of the Clifton Community Centre, Darlington, on Saturday, from 10am to 2pm. For details call (01325) 257264.

COUNCIL DATE: The next meeting of Middleton St George Parish Council will be at Middleton Water Park next Monday, at 7pm.

PARTNERSHIP MEETS: Crook Community Partnership meets on Thursday, at 7pm, at 79 Hope Street. Members are being asked to nominate a secretary and treasurer before the annual meeting on March 6.

MP'S SURGERY: North-West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong is holding a surgery on Saturday, at 1am, at North House, 17 North Terrace, Crook. No appointment is needed.

MINI-MARKET: Nearly new clothes, bric-a-brac and refreshments will form part of a mini-market at the Salvation Army Centre, Cross Street, Shildon, next Tuesday, from 10am to 11.30pm.

RECORD COLLECTION: Residents and shoppers in Bishop Auckland have been praised for their generosity after the town's branch of the Royal British Legion enjoyed a record year for collections. A total of £6,766.66 was collected for the Poppy Appeal 2002. The next branch meeting will be on Wednesday, February 19.

SECRET AGENTS: Secret Agents is the theme for a children's day at St Peter's Church Hall, Princes Street, Bishop Auckland, on Thursday, February 20, between 10.30am and 2.30pm. The day will be hosted by the Reverend Paul Allison. Children are asked to bring a packed lunch. Drinks will be provided. Admission is 50p.

CHARITY BOOST: A fundraising day at the Somerfield supermarket in Newton Aycliffe raised more than £300 for children's charity Dreams Come True.