HUNDREDS of people attended the annual GlaxoSmithKline sports and gala day, at the company's Barnard Castle plant. The event raised thousands of pounds for the town's YMCA and the Witham Hall appeal, which is gathering money to extend and refurbish the Grade II-listed community hall, in Barnard Castle.

FLOWER SHOW: Darlington Flower Club's next meeting will be at St Cuthbert's Church Centre, on Wednesday, August 7, at 2pm. Flower arranger Barry Grey, from Cheshire, will be at the club's Christmas show, on Wednesday, October 30, at Darlington Civic Theatre. Tickets from (01325) 265776.

BIKE THEFT: A red and silver Barracuda mountain bike, worth £400, was stolen from the garden of a house in Rowan Place, Newton Aycliffe, between 8pm and midnight on Sunday.

HOUSE RAIDED: A combi-boiler, living room and bedroom carpet and a gas fire were stolen from a house in Dene Terrace, Chilton. The theft was discovered when the owner came back from holiday at the weekend.