HEALTH chiefs have launched an inquiry into the death in hospital of a mental health patient.

Paul Pohlner, 36, of Meadowfield Road, Darlington was found hanged in the Pierremont unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital on December 23. An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned by Darlington and South-West Durham Coroner Colin Penna.

HISTORY TALK: Members of Darlington Historical Society will hear a talk on local history through early postcards on February 19, at 7.30pm, in Walkington House, Vane Terrace.

TOURING SHOW: The building of Causey Arch, the world's oldest surviving railway bridge, is the subject of a production by Bishop Auckland's Jack Drum Arts. The play will be performed at Appleby Grammar School on Friday, March 15, Edmundbyers Village Hall, on Saturday, March 15 and Askham Village Hall on Sunday, March 16.

CALLIGRAPHY COURSE: An eight-week course on calligraphy will start in Darlington on Wednesday, January 22. Beginners are welcome. To find out more call (01325) 357801.

TABLE-TOP SALE: A table- top sale is being held in Stanhope Town Hall on Saturday, January 18, between 10am and 4pm. All proceeds will go to Weardale Community Hospital and the MS Society. Tables are £5 and can be booked by calling (01388) 528929 or (01388) 528233.

CHARITY TRIP: Tickets are available for four trips to London in aid of the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK. The trips take place between Friday, January 17, and Monday, February 3, and cost between £108 and £139. The price includes accommodation and return coach travel. To book a place, or for details of future charity trips, call Ian Douglas, on (01833) 650638, or Burrells Coaches, on (01833) 621302.

VALENTINE DISCO: A Valentine disco will be held in Winston Village Hall on February 15, in aid of Winston Playing Field Association. Tickets cost £7.50 and include a chilli supper. A vegetarian alternative will be provided. For tickets call Angela Freeman, on (01325) 730818.

SKIFFLE BAND: The Doghouse Skiffle Band will perform in Bowes Village Hall at 7.30pm, on February 7. For tickets and further information call (01833) 628373.

WALLET FOUND: A black leather wallet has been found in Darlington's High Row. The wallet contains a house key, Orange top-up phone card and Dolphin Centre membership card. It can be collected from The Northern Echo reception desk in Priestgate, Darlington.

STEREO STOLEN: A Sony stereo radio CD player, valued at £200, was stolen from a Citroen AX in Church Lane, Ferryhill, between 6.30pm and 7pm on Tuesday.

PLANNING MEETING: A meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee will be held at the council offices, Green Lane, Spennymoor, tomorrow, from 10am.