School closer to college goal

A GUISBOROUGH school has taken a step closer to achieving its ambition of being awarded Sports College status.

Laurence Jackson School has completed the first stage of the application process and had a visit from school inspectors just before Christmas. The school will find out next month whether it has been successful, but if it does get the recognition to develop its sporting prowess, it says youngsters from across east Cleveland will be able to use its facilities.

CONCERT DATE: The Apollo Male Voice Choir will appear at St Paul's Church, Bishopton Road, Stockton, on Saturday, January 19. Doors open at 6.45pm, for a 7.30pm start. Tickets cost £5 and are available from any church member or by contacting (01642) 895868.

School reopens: Heating repairs at Pallister Park Primary School in Middlesbrough have been completed sooner than anticipated, and the school will reopen tomorrow.

MONSTER DAY: Hartlepool's Asda store is holding two events for children on Saturday to celebrate Disney's movie Monsters Inc, which will be released next month. A face painter will be in store and there will be a chance to win monster goodies. A Harry Potter coin swap event is also being held, between 10am and 4pm. For more information call the store, on (01429) 221380.

NEW BOOKMAKERS: The site of a former building society could be changed to a betting office in Queensway, Billingham. Chisholm Bookmakers limited has applied to Stockton Borough council for permission to change the use of the site.

ANNUAL MEETING: The Friends of Ward Jackson Park, Hartlepool, are holding their annual meeting in the park's new visitor centre on Wednesday, January 16. The meeting begins at 7pm and there is no need to book a place. For further information contact Peter Gowland, on (01429) 262641.

ROAD DELAYS: Roadworks by Northern Electric on the A66/A135 Yarm Road interchange will continue until Monday. The work includes lane closures during off peak hours, between 9.30am and 3.30pm weekdays.

EXTENSION APPROVED: Councillors have approved plans by Hartlepool Stage Society to build a toilet, rehearsal room and storage room at Osborne Hall, in the town's Osborne Road.

NEW PUB: Councillors in Hartlepool have agreed to plans by Birotex Limited to create a pub in the town's Avenue Road.

HEALTH CENTRE: Stockton Borough Council has received an application for permission to build a three-storey medical centre in Thornaby on the site of the existing health centre in Trenchard Avenue, Thornaby.