A THEATRE group made up of people with learning disabilities will perform in Darlington next month.

The Earthbeat Theatre Company will put on their version of West Side Story at Darlington Civic Theatre on Friday, September 6, at 7.30pm. Director Jan Towers said: "As far as we are aware, this is the first time that a group such as ours has ever performed at the Civic Theatre and we fully intend to make our mark." Tickets are £6, or £4 for concessions, and are available from the theatre on (01325) 486555.

BUSES REROUTED: Buses are being rerouted as work to replace 200 metres of gas mains in Tantobie, near Stanley continues. Roadworks on Barcusclose Lane are expected to be finished by the middle of next month.

SOCIETY MEETING: Sedgefield Garden Society resumes its programme on Tuesday, September 3, with an outing to Strikes Garden Centre, in Stokesley, North Yorkshire. The group will leave from Ceddesfield Hall at 6.30pm.

STREET COLLECTION: A street collection held in Consett raised £249 for St John Ambulance.

MEETING CANCELLED: The meeting of Derwentside District Council's licensing committee, due to take place on Wednesday, has been cancelled.

CASH COLLECTION: A collection by Teesdale Pipes and Drums outside the Newgate Centre, last Saturday, raised £498.35. The owner of a Yale key thrown into the collection by mistake is asked to contact Barry Waldron on (01833) 660562.

HOUSE BURGLED: A Wedgwood fruit bowl, eight Wedgwood plates and a carriage clock were stolen from a house in St Oswald's Walk, Newton Aycliffe at 12.50pm on Thursday.

SUMMER DATE: A summer fete will be held next Saturday, between 10am and 4pm at Victoria House, Barton Street, Darlington. Money raised from the event will go to adults with learning disabilities.

CHURCH JUMBLE: A jumble sale will be held at St Mark's Church, Harrowgate Hill, Darlington on Wednesday, at 2pm. Admission is 10p.

SUMMER FAIR: Eggleston Village Hall is the venue for a summer fair today, starting at 2pm. Proceeds are in aid of Holy Trinity Church.

OPEN DAY: Witham Hall, in Barnard Castle, is holding an open day on Monday, from 10.30am to 3.30pm. The event is free.

FLOWER CLUB: Teesdale Flower Club meets on Wednesday, at 7.30pm, in Cotherstone Village Hall. For details contact Mary Sellwood, on (01833) 641025.