Needy children appeal starts: STAFF at Redcar and Cleveland Council are launching a collection for children who are the victims of war, poverty, famine, disease and natural disaster.

It is the sixth year of the shoebox collection with staff in council offices across the borough appealing for a variety of items in Operation Christmas Child. To find out how to contribute, call Sue Nicholson on (01642) 771104.

EMBROIDERERS' GUILD: Guisborough and District branch of the Embroiderers' Guild is displaying its handiwork at Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar. The exhibition will run until December 4. The branch plans weekend demonstrations of their talents as well as a stall selling Christmas items and their cookbook Embroiderers Can Cook, Too.