THE Chatterbox Caf, on Darlington's Skerne Park Estate, and Developing Initiatives for Support in the Community (Disc) have applied to Darlington Borough Council for rate relief.

Both organisations benefit from 80 per cent compulsory rate relief, but it is at the council's discretion whether they can be granted the further 20 per cent. Disc, a registered charity, aids the homeless, offenders, young people and those with special needs. The Chatterbox Caf is a community initiative which offers employment advice and training for volunteers.

ABSEIL CHALLENGE: People are being invited to aid the Royal National Institute for the Blind by taking part in a sponsored abseil at Darlington Memorial Hospital on September 29. Call Gillian Rosemurgey, on (01388) 529316, for details.

HOUSE RAID: A house in Surtees Street, Darlington, was burgled during the past fortnight, while it was unoccupied. Nothing was stolen.

CLUBS STOLEN: A red-and-white golf bag containing a half-set of clubs and a tool chest containing assorted tools, worth a total of £130, was stolen from a garden shed in Stephenson Street, Ferryhill, between 9am and 3pm on Thursday.

CHARITY AUCTION: A charity auction is being held at the Baptist Church Centre, Corporation Road, Darlington, today. The centre will be open from 1pm to 4pm to receive items. It reopens for viewing at 5pm and the auction is at 7pm. For details call (01325) 359584 or (01833) 627280.

RADIO THEFT: A Sony car stereo cassette, worth £300, was stolen from a green Renault Clio in Defoe Crescent, Newton Aycliffe, on Wednesday night.

ROOF DAMAGE: £250-worth of damage was caused to the asbestos roof of council garages at The Park, Bishop Middleham, between 9am on Monday and 8am on Wednesday.

COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning is being held at the Carers' Centre, Union Street, Darlington, today, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

DANGEROUS GAME: A Royal Mail van was dented when someone threw an object off the bridge over the A167 at Ferryhill at 4pm on Thursday, causing £150-worth of damage.

DISC SNATCHED: A tax disc was stolen from a Honda CBR motorcycle, registration S912 FTN, in the car park at TKA Tallent Chassis, on the Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate, between 8.30pm on Wednesday and 7.30am on Thursday.

KITE FESTIVAL: A kite festival is being held at Eastbourne School, Darlington on Sunday, July 21, from noon to 5.30pm.

WINDOW SMASHED: A brick was thrown through the double-glazed window of a house in Hawkshead Place, Newton Aycliffe, at 11.15pm on Thursday.

COUNCIL MEETING: A meeting of Ferryhill Town Council will be held in the town hall on Thursday, at 7pm.