MEMBERS of Beechwood and Easterside Social Club, Middlesbrough, have bought two biopsy guns - costing about £900 each - to help hospital doctors diagnose breast cancer.

Club trustee Harry Dunn said: "We have had sponsored walks, raffles and donations. I would also like to say thank you to everyone involved, especially Betty Dale, who goes round with the football card every night."

COME ALL: An open invitation is being extended to people to see and hear a lecture being delivered in the US by American foreign policy critic Professor Noam Chomsky. The Boston lecture on the deteriorating situation in the Middle East is being relayed to the University of Teesside's lecture theatre on the ground floor of the Centuria Building, Victoria Road, Middlesbrough, at 7.30pm tonight.

SPONSORS NEEDED: Hartlepool and District Hospice is seeking event sponsorship from local companies. The hospice, in Hutton Avenue, provides care for people with terminal illnesses in Hartlepool and east Durham. If you can help, call Kevin Kidd on (01429) 288252.

BAG SCHEME: Residents of Stockton are being urged to keep using council-issued blue bags to recycle unwanted newspapers and magazines. The original calendar giving dates of collection for the blue bag scheme has now run out, but a new calendar will be issued soon. For more details call (01642) 391959 or 393602.

CASH BOOST: Asda supermarket in Thornaby raised £660 for Breast Cancer Care by holding a bucket collection.

VOLUNTEER APPEAL: A team of volunteers is needed to carry out essential repair management work on Eston Hills. Tasks will include habitat management, footpath maintenance and access improvements. All tools and training will be provided. To volunteer call Graeme Auty on (01642) 459629.

Big thanks: The Butterwick Hospice in Stockton would like to thank members of the Synthonia White Rose Society who raised £4,160 for the charity. Thirty-four people walked 34 miles to raise the cash.

COFFEE MORNING: The Wolviston Court Townswomen's Guild is holding a coffee morning with cake, handicraft and bric-a-brac stalls in the Wolviston Court Community Centre, Clifton Avenue, Billingham, on Tuesday, October 22, from 10am to 11.30am. Admission is 50p