Village speed limit proposed

THE South Parade at Croft, near Darlington, has been included in North Yorkshire County Council's priority list for 20mph speed limits. A meeting of the authority's Richmondshire area committee was told that Forest Drive, Colburn, remains top of the list, with a new speed limit included in a £40,000 road safety project to be phased in over the next two years. Croft can also expect new signs and road markings, with a 20mph limit a possibility in future.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Grange Road Action for Youth runs a youth club called Top Deck, at Parkgate Chambers in Borough Road, Darlington. The club runs from 6pm to 10.30pm for people over 12 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and for over-eights on alternate Saturdays, from 10am to 2pm. To help run the sessions call (01325) 351574.

WALKERS CALL: Volunteers are needed to take part in a sponsored walk in support of the Darlington Bible Society. Anyone wishing to take part in the event on Saturday, October 5, can get more details on (01325) 351245.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: A drop-in service for victims of domestic violence has been launched at the Four Clocks centre, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland. Women's refuge worker Fiona Nicholson and domestic violence PC Fiona Laws will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10am to noon. Call in or make an appointment by telephoning (01388) 600094 or PC Laws on (01325) 742327.

BIKE THEFT: A child's silver Universal Hammerhead BMX bike with purple stunt pegs, worth £40, was stolen from the garden of a house in Thornton Close, Newton Aycliffe, between 10pm on Monday and 8am yesterday.

INSTITUTE TALK: Adam Wellwood is guest speaker at Sedgefield Women's Institute's meeting today, in Sedgefield Parish Hall, at 7.15pm. The topic will be taking care of your feet.

SUMMER CONCERT: The Sedgefield Lyric Singers' summer concerts, supported by Fishburn Brass Band, will be held in Sedgefield Parish Hall on Friday and Saturday, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Selections, or Audrey Lofthouse on (01740) 620625.

CENTRE CASH: A family fun day at the Brown Trout pub, Sunnybrow, raised £832 for the Friends of the Wear Valley Centre for adults with learning disabilities.

HORSE BOX ACCIDENT: A horse box and car jack-knifed in Carmel Road North, Darlington, yesterday. The horse box was not damaged and the horses travelling in it were unhurt.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Make a Difference in Darlington is looking for members. The group, set up with the help of Barnado's, offers advice and support to carers and parents of disabled children. For details call (01325) 266909 or (01325) 254437.

BEER FESTIVAL: Sedgefield's Ceddesfeld Community Association holds its annual beer festival on Friday, from 8pm to 11pm and Saturday, from 3pm to 11pm