THE Queen of Hearts will be joined by the Mad Hatter and white rabbit to serve free cups of tea in Darlington this Friday.

The trio will be at the Pease monument between 10.30am and 3.30pm as part of the WRVS’ Big Brew Break charity campaign.

There will be an information stall and free samples from the Mad Hatter Tea Company which is supporting the charity.

CYCLE: A Darlington recruitment worker with a heart condition who is cycling to France this month is giving a final call for donations.

Anthony Garbutt, 31, of Yarm, suffers from an irregular heartbeat but plans to cycle from Darlington to Amiens in a fortnight, leaving on May 17, to raise money for the BHF.

To support Mr Garbutt, visit tour-de-euro.co.uk.

CELEBRATIONS: Two days of Victorian-themed celebrations will take place in Darlington from June 7 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Covered Market Hall.

Attractions will include a traditional fairground, Victorian food carts; craft workshops and period entertainment.

Market traders will also dress in Victorian attire for the two-day celebration.