CRIME STATISTICS: At a meeting of Howden-le-Wear Neighbourhood Watch PC McElhone reported that ten crimes had been committed in the area in December.

They involved four cases of criminal damage and two thefts. The problem of youths causing annoyance in the village was discussed and it was agreed that a letter should be written to Wear Valley District Council about the matter. Joanne Kemp-Ambler and Angela Chapman are now joint treasurers and John Raw was thanked for providing a bus to take senior citizens to the carol service. The winning numbers in the raffle in aid of the primary school were: 779, 602, 968, 127 and 727. The next meeting will be on Monday, March 3, at 7pm.

MORE PUBLICITY: At the recent meeting of the Crook Community Partnership it was agreed that during the next few months the partnership would run a publicity campaign to make residents more aware of how they can have a say in the regeneration programme for Crook. The partnership working with action plan manager Christine Budd will also decide the priorities for projects suggested in the Crook Community Appraisal. Information about the grants available from the neighbourhood renewal fund for community groups in town was also given.

SELF DEFENCE: Kick boxing for all levels takes place at St Catherine's Community Centre Crook tonight, at 7pm. More details on (01207) 502700.

INSTITUTE MEETS: Howden-le-Wear Women's Institute meets tonight at 7pm in the Community Centre, Hargill Road. Melitta Butterall will give a talk on the art of embroidery.

HISTORY TALK: Norman Kelly of Chester-le-Street will give a talk called The Old Grocer's Shop at the next meeting of Howden-le-Wear Local History Society next Monday, at 7pm in the history room at the Community Centre.

DATE REMINDER: Members and interested parties are reminded of the meeting in Crook Cricket Club's social club on Wednesday, at 7.30pm.