More than 130 riders are due to compete in the Old Raby Hunt's first point-to-point race of the season tomorrow.

Six races are scheduled on the card at Witton Castle, near Bishop Auckland, starting at 12.30pm. Magic performer is the hot tip for the first race, with Parade Racer a favourite for the Men's Open. Further information and tips are available on the Talking Point recorded information line, on 09068 446061.

U3A MEETING: The Wear-Tees branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A) holds its next meeting in Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Tuesday, February 18, at 10am, when Norman Kelly will give a talk called A Century of Entertainment.

CRICKET APPEAL: Willington Cricket Club, which celebrated its centenary last year, is looking for a professional player for the forthcoming season. Contact Don Brown on (01388) 606630 for details.

TRAILER STOLEN: A size ten Ifor Williams double-axle horse trailer was stolen from the Bishopton area between 5.30pm on Wednesday and 7.45am on Thursday. The trailer is green and white with black mudguards and has side, back and groom's doors. Anyone with information is asked to ring PC Greg Beswick on (01325) 742128.

TABLE-TOP SALE: Newton Aycliffe charity Friends of Senior Citizens is holding a table-top sale in Richmond Market Hall, on Wednesday, from 9am to noon. To book a table contact Peter Beaty on (01325) 313924.

BLOOD DONORS: Blood donor sessions will be held from 3pm to 7pm at Willington Methodist Church, in Lydia Street, on Monday, at Crook Civic Hall on Tuesday, and King James I Community College, Bishop Auckland, on Thursday.

HISTORY SOCIETY: The Barnard Castle and District History Society will meet in the United Reformed Church Hall, at 2pm, on Monday, February 10. Cliff Brown will give a talk on Prospect House, Bowes, and the Yorkshire Schools.

PUBLIC DEBATE: Woodhouse Close Action Group is holding a public meeting on Thursday, at 7pm, in Proudfoot Drive Community Centre.

COUNCIL MEETINGS: A meeting of Ferryhill Town Council's civic amenities committee will be held in the town hall on Wednesday, at 7pm, followed by a meeting of the recreation committee.

SWIM DISCO: Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex, in Bishop Auckland, has a swim disco on Wednesday, February 19, from 1pm to 4pm. Flumes and inflatables will be available. Admission is 75p.

STORE BATTLE: Two pharmacy chains are battling to win a spot in one of Darlington's major supermarkets. Chemist chains Lloyds and Moss are in competition to open a dispensing pharmacy in the Morrisons store at Morton Park.

CABINET MEETING: The next meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council's cabinet will be held on Thursday, in the council offices, Green Lane, Spennymoor, from 10am.