TRIMDON solicitor Margaret McManners has been selected to join an expedition to Chile with Earthwatch in the autumn, to monitor the behaviour of otters.

Her husband, James, headteacher at Cassop School, near Coxhoe, worked with Earthwatch on a project earlier this year to study the echidna on Kangaroo Island, Australia. For details of Earthwatch schemes call (01865) 381850.

SCHOOL QUIZ: The Friends of Bishop Barrington Association are hosting a quiz to raise money for a school radio station. The quiz, for all age groups, will be held at the school on Monday, at 6.30pm. The group's annual meeting is on October 16, at 7pm, at the school.

STRESS SUPPORT: The Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans youth theatre group has launched a pack to help secondary school-age children cope with stress. The film raises awareness of the types of stress that affect young people.

ADULT COURSES: Spennymoor Community Learning is about the start a new adult learning programme with 22 courses to choose from. Details are available on www.spennymoorlearningtown.co.uk. Free careers advice is also available on (01388) 816888, or from the shop in Festival Walk, Spennymoor.

SHOW PRIZE: A Tow Law man's stunning carnation display won him the top prize at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show. Bill Seagrave, 65, a retired estates manager for Durham University, scooped the Daily Mail Gold Cup.

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

SCHOOL DAMAGE: Stones were thrown at West Cornforth Primary School between 7pm on Monday and 7am on Tuesday, smashing three windows.

HARVEST SERVICE: A harvest service will be held in St Anne's Church, Bishop Auckland Market Place, on Sunday, at 3pm.

ANNUAL MEETING: County Durham and Darlington Priority Services NHS Trust holds its annual meeting next Thursday, at Earl's House Hospital, Durham.

IN THE FRAME: People in the Wear Valley are invited to take part in a photography project to promote the area. Bishop Auckland Discovery Centre volunteers want people to produce images that can be turned into postcards. Call James Lowther on (01388) 662666 for details.

RESIDENTS MEET: The next meeting of Chilton West Residents' Association will be at Chilton and Windlestone Working Men's club on Tuesday, at 7.15pm.

CHARITY BOOST: Darlington Borough Council has agreed to make a £200 donation from its community leisure chest to the local Macmillan Cancer Research group.