People in Spennymoor can find out about the neighbourhood renewal programme on Monday, May 20. They can also discuss priorities for the area at the community forum meeting at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, from noon to 2pm, organised by Community and Voluntary Organisations Sedgefield.

SHOW BOOST: Raby Castle, near Staindrop, attracted more than 3,000 visitors to its annual orchid show at the weekend. The boost in visitors has come as a relief to staff at the castle, which was forced to cancel the show last year because of the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

BASIC SKILLS: Free support for adults wanting to develop skills in English, maths and information technology is available on Wednesdays at Greenfield Community and Arts Centre, Newton Aycliffe. One-to-one tuition for people with dyslexia is also available. For details, visit the centre between 7pm and 9pm on Wednesdays, or telephone 0191-383 4482.

FUN FUNDRAISER: The Green pub, Billy Row, is hosting a fun night tomorrow, in aid of Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary and the Down's Syndrome Association.

PARISH MEETING: Dene Valley Parish Council holds its annual meeting and a public meeting in the Dene Valley Centre, Close House, on Monday, at 7pm.

SUNDAY RAMBLES: Crook and Weardale Ramblers will lead two walks in the Lake District on Sunday. Walkers should meet at Crook Market Place at 8am, or Gale Road car park, near Latrigg, at 9.30am. For details call (01388) 747276.

UNWANTED COINS: The Butterwick Hospice is appealing for foreign and pre-decimal coins. They can delivered to the hospice, in Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, or call (01388) 603003 for collection.

WHIST DRIVE: A whist drive is being held at the Summerhouse Village Hall next Wednesday, at 7.30pm.

ACROBATIC SUCCESS: The British Sport Acrobatics Championships attracted 1,500 people to Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre at the weekend.

COACH TRIPS: The Newton Aycliffe branch of Help the Aged has organised several coach trips in May. Telephone (01325) 313924 for details and to book.

BRASS CONCERT: A concert featuring Tees Valley Youth Brass Band is being held at Sedgefield parish church on Monday, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Sedgefield post office or at the door.

BOOT SALE: A car boot sale will be held at the Methodist Church car park, Lydia Street, Willington, on Saturday, May 25, at 10am, in aid of the Willington Youth Project. Places cost £5. To book call (01388) 746608.

BAND DATE: Former Rolling Stones member Bill Wyman and his band, which includes Georgie Fame, Beverley Skeete and Henry Spinetti, will be performing at Darlington's Civic Theatre on Thursday, May 30. For tickets call (01325) 486555.