SOUTH West Durham Credit Union has been registered by the Financial Services Authority after two years of hard work by volunteers. The organisation will soon open offices in Church Street, Shildon, providing loans and saving opportunities for people in Sedgefield and Wear Valley.

SPEED ACTION: Durham County Council is to install 15 speed cushions to slow traffic on the unclassified South View road, in Middlestone Moor, Spennymoor, after complaints by residents. The work will start in autumn.

GYM CLUB: The Spectrum Leisure Complex, in Willington, hosts after-school gymnastics clubs every Monday and Wednesday. For details call (01388) 747000.

PARISH COUNCIL: The next meeting of Hurworth Parish Council takes place at Hurworth Grange, near Darlington, tomorrow night.

CHURCH FESTIVAL: The St James' Festival, being held at the church in Albert Hill, Darlington, on Thursday, July 25, will be attended by the Right Reverend Robert Ladds, Bishop of Whitby. The event starts at 7.30pm.

PRACTICE GROWS: Stanhope Road Veterinary Practice, in Darlington, has applied to Darlington Borough Council for permission to build a rear ground floor extension and make internal alterations.

CAST OFF: A verse play called Cast Off, written by Ellen Phethean, will be performed by the Poetry Virgins at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Wednesday, July 17, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on (01388) 602610.

ROADWORKS: Three-way traffic lights will be in place today outside 105 Parkside, Darlington, while Northumbrian Water carries out maintenance work.

PARISH BARBECUE: St Andrew's Church, Haughton-le-Skerne, Darlington, is holding a parish barbecue in the rectory garden on Saturday, from 4pm to 7pm.

BIKE RIDE: The Darlington Freewheelers cycling club is holding an evening ride tomorrow, visiting Walworth Gate, Heighington, Redworth, Houghton-le-Side and Denton. It will start from Darlington Market Square at 7pm.

WHIST DRIVE: Summerhouse Village Hall will play host to a whist drive on Wednesday, July 17, at 7.30pm. Entrance costs £1.50, to include refreshments.

SOME PARTY: A garden party at All Saints and Salutation Church, Darlington, raised £2,300 for church funds.

SIDE EXTENSION: A planning application has been received by Darlington Borough Council for a two-storey side extension to 25 Moray Close, Darlington.

CONCERT DATE: The Richardson Singers will perform with guest group Natural High in St John's Church, Neasham Road, Darlington, on Thursday, July 18, at 7.30pm. Proceeds will go to local charities.