A 44-year-old man died from an overdose of the painkilling drug diconal and alcohol, an inquest at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

Kenneth Scott, of Walker Lane, Newton Aycliffe, died on August 15 last year. Darlington and South Durham Coroner Colin Penna recorded an open verdict.

MISADVENTURE VERDICT: A pensioner died after choking on food, an inquest in Bishop Auckland was told yesterday. John William Reginald Kidd, 71, died at home in South View, Evenwood, last August 26. A misadventure verdict was recorded by Darlington and South Durham Coroner Colin Penna.

NIGHT CLOSURES: The Cleasby to Stapleton road will be closed from 11pm next Tuesday, to 6am the following morning, and for the same period the following night, to allow work on bridges. A diversion will be in operation via Moor Lane Bridge.

RACE NIGHT: Harness racing starts at Scotch Isle Park, Wolsingham, at 5pm tonight.

COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning will be held at St Peter's Church, Princes Street, Bishop Auckland, on Saturday, from 10am to noon, in aid of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

TABLE-TOP SALE: St Catherine's Community Centre, Crook, is holding a table-top sale on Saturday, from 9.30am to noon. To book call (01388) 766706.

BOWLS CLUB: St John's Chapel Town Hall Bowls Club meets on Wednesdays, from 7pm to 9pm.

MARTIAL ARTS: A tae kwon do club for over-14s is held at Wolsingham Working Men's Club on Wednesdays, from 6.30pm to 8pm, and Thursdays, from 7.30pm to 9pm.

YOUNG FUN: Play schemes at Trimdon Grange Community Centre and Trimdon Community College start on Monday. The weekday sessions will run from 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm.

EXTENSION SCHEME: An application for a two-storey and single-storey extension at 30 Springwell Terrace, Darlington, has been received by the borough council.

BABY CLINIC: A mother and baby clinic is held on Wednesdays, from 1pm to 3pm, in Red Hall Community Centre, Darlington.

SINGERS WANTED: St James the Great Church, Darlington, needs singers for the choir. Call Stephen Edmonds on (01325) 250242.

ROOF PLAN: Plans for a pitched roof to a garage and external alterations to a house in Garthlands, Heighington, has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

KITCHEN BLAZE: Newton Aycliffe firefighters were called to a kitchen blaze in Moule Close, yesterday. No one was injured.

SUMMER FAIR: A summer fair is being held at Agnew Community Centre, Newton Aycliffe, on Saturday, August 24, at 1pm.