Youngsters aid town revamp: Spennymoor town centre will get a new look when youngsters from Spennymoor Youth Theatre brighten up the shopping area.

In late October and early November the youngsters will paint panels to brighten up the John Kitson Archway in time for Christmas.

NEW DIRECTOR: Carole Harding has been appointed director of Darlington Primary Care Trust. She was formerly deputy chief executive and director of primary care for Sunderland West Primary Care Trust.

PHOTO EXHIBITION: An exhibition of photography called Coalfield Stories is on display at Greenfield Community and Arts Centre, Newton Aycliffe, until the end of the month.

HOMES PLAN: Darlington Borough Council has received a planning application for permission to demolish a house at Grangefields, Durham Road, Coatham Mundeville, and build two detached homes.

COACH TRIP: A coach trip to Holy Island for pensioners will depart from Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday. The trip, which costs £12, will also pick up at Heighington and Cockerton, in Darlington. For details or to book call (01325) 313924.

HOUSE EXTENSION: An application for permission to build a two-storey extension to a property in East Close, Sadberge, has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

MARTIAL ARTS: Newcomers are invited to join two martial art classes at the Spectrum Leisure Complex, in Willington. Judo classes take place on Saturday afternoons and shotokan karate on Sunday mornings. For details call (01388) 747000.

FAMILY EVENT: Newfield Community Association, Newfield, near Willington, will host two days of activities on Thursday, August 29, and Saturday, August 31, including storytelling, arts and crafts and rock climbing. For details call Gloria Clarke on (01388) 601997, or Charles Dunnett on (01388) 606593.

FLOWER FESTIVAL: St Mark's Church, Eldon, near Bishop Auckland, will host a flower festival from Friday, August 30, to Sunday, September 1. The event will be open for preview on the Friday, from 7pm, on Saturday, from 10.30am to 5.30pm, and on Sunday, from 2pm to 5pm.

HEALTH WALK: A walk will be held in Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, tomorrow, as part of the Wear Walking for Health initiative. To join the 2.5-mile walk meet at Bishop Auckland College at 9.45am.

ASPIRING JOURNALISTS: Volunteers are needed to help compile articles, take photographs and deliver the Spennymoor Goss, a community newspaper. More details are available from the Spennymoor Community Learning Shop, Festival Walk, Spennymoor.

YOUTH CLUB: A youth club for five to 11-year-olds meets at Toft Hill and Etherley Community Centre on Tuesdays, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm