THE Teesmouth lifeboat towed a stranded fishing boat to safety on Wednesday.

The all-weather lifeboat was launched at about 1pm and collected the 16ft fishing boat about two miles north of Redcar. It took the boat and its two crew back to the River Tees.

Singers needed: A choir is being formed at Stockton Sixth Form College and singers of all ages are invited to join. No previous experience is needed. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 6.45pm to 9pm at the college, starting on September 24. For further information, contact the college on (01642) 612611.

Good fun: Brake pad manufacturers TMD Friction, which is based in the Oakesway Industrial Estate, Hartlepool, raised £750 earlier this year with a fun day. The money was divided equally between the Hartlepool Hospice, West View Primary School and the Children's Ward at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Pirate night: Youngsters aged six to ten are being invited to spend a night on the HM Bark Endeavour, in Stockton, on November 15. The night, in aid of the Butterwick Hospice, will give children the chance to experience how pirates used to live by playing games and sleeping on the ship. For more information and registration packs contact Sarah Eldon on (01642) 624231.

Speak up: Cleveland Speakers Club is offering members of the public a chance to brush up on their speaking skills when it reopens later this month. The club meets at the Municipal Golf Club, Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, on Monday, September 30, at 7.30pm. Call (01642) 622493 or (01642) 299938 for details.

Church Fair: A fair will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Saltburn, on Sunday, September 22. There will be barbecued food and cream teas beginning at 2pm in the church grounds in Milton Street, near Saltburn caravan park.

Music Evening: The Stokesley Support group of the Teesside Hospice will present a charity musical evening at Stokesley Methodist Church on Saturday, September 28, at 7.30pm. The Betty Middleton Festival Choir will perform, with soloist Tim Foley. Tickets are £4 and are available by phoning (01642) 711096 or Teesside Hospice Fundraising on (01642) 355866.