LEADGATE Community Infants School and Nursery Unit, near Consett, has received the Government Curriculum Award for the quality of its relationship with villagers. The school, one of 251 in Britain to win the award, was visited by two assessors and received a glowing report.

Headteacher Pat Davison said: "Although the school faces many of the same pressures confronting other schools, we found it invaluable to list the many ways in which our pupils' learning is directly or indirectly enhanced by our partnership with so many different individuals and organisations in the outside world." The school will send two children and two adults to the Tate Modern, London, on Tuesday, June 11, to receive the award from The Duke of Gloucester.

MORRIS MEETING: Palatine Clog Morris, a Morris dancing side for women, meets on Wednesday at Carrville Methodist Church, Durham, between 8pm and 10pm. Weekly meetings will be held until June 26. New members are welcome.

JAZZ SOUNDS: The Jazz Guitar Duo will play music from the 1920s and 1930s from 7pm to 9pm tomorrow at Belmont Library, Cheveley Park Shopping Centre, Durham. Entry costs £4 or £2 for concessions.

FRANK FRENCH: Pupils at Finchale Primary School, Newton Hall, Durham, have celebrated their progress in learning French with an awards ceremony. Certificates were presented to children by Madame Francoise Sheekey, who teaches La Jolie Ronde method of French, known as the happy way to learn French because of the emphasis on fun methods of learning through games and singing.

QUARRY PLAN: The Sherburn Sand Company is applying to Durham County Council for planning permission to extend the area of extraction at Crime Rigg Quarry, Shadforth. The plan will entail the diversion of a bridleway and creation of a new farm access road.

CASH BOOST: Derwentside University of the Third Age has received a grant of £3,220 from the National Lottery's Awards For All scheme to buy audio and visual equipment.

PARISH WALKS: The Festival of Parish Walks will be held in the Lanchester area on Sunday. The Lanchester Pathfinders organisation will offer eight walks, ranging between two and eight miles. The longer walks will start at 10.30am and the shorter ones from 2pm. The event was due to be held last year, but had to be cancelled due to the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

BAPTISTS' CELEBRATE: The Baptist Church will celebrate the 350th anniversary of Rowley Baptist Church next month. The general secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Reverend David Coffey, will conduct the celebration at Castleside Village Hall, Castleside, near Consett, on June 15, at 7pm. There will be no charge for the event which will be followed by a buffet supper. Tickets are limited. Call Dianne Rutter on (01207) 509008 to book.