OLD friends are asked to get in touch in the hope of setting up a reunion for former pupils of a girls' school.

Elizabeth Jackson, formerly of Vyner Street, Close House, near Bishop Auckland, is appealing for old colleagues who attended Close House County Girls' School from 1949 to 1959 to get in touch with her. She said: "It would be great to be reunited with so many people who I lost contact with when I moved from the area." Contact Elizabeth on (01325) 313878.

CHARITY AUCTION: The Ship Inn, Middlestone village, will hold a charity auction of pub memorabilia on Saturday, from 8pm. It will be the third year the pub has held the event in aid of the Butterwick Hospice, Bishop Auckland.

TABLETOP SALE: Jubilee Fields Community Centre, Shildon, is holding a tabletop sale on Sunday. The cafe at the centre will be open for meals, drinks and snacks from 9.30am.