ACTORS WANTED: The Nunthorpe Players are holding auditions for their summer production “A Matter of Life and Death”, which has been adapted by Bill Colombi from the film by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Anyone interested should come along to St Mary’s Church Hall, Morton Carr Lane, Nunthorpe, TS7 0JU for the read-through at 7.30pm on Sunday, March 17. Actors who wish to be involved should contact Mr Colombi on 01287-636232.

LAW OPENINGS: Aspiring lawyers from schools across Teesside are being invited to a law careers evening at Yarm School with leading firms. The school will play host to legal professionals for all students who are interested in pursuing a career in law. The evening will take place next Thursday, March 21 from 7pm to 9pm with the first part of the event including details of law courses available to students.

WELFARE CHANGES: Stockton Borough Council is holding a series of advice sessions starting Monday, March 18 in Stockton Central Library to help its residents understand how the Government’s Welfare Reform Act could affect them. The borough-wide sessions which run until Thursday, March 28, will be an opportunity for people to get advice on issues such as the changes in council tax benefit, housing benefit, disability living allowance and the new household benefit limit. The 14 library sessions are being held around the borough’s libraries and will run at various times of day. To find out more visit www.stockton.gov.uk/benefitchanges

BUSINESS HELP: Financial support is to be offered by Hartlepool Council to new businesses that bring vacant town centre shops back into use. A total of £25,000 is being set aside to help eligible businesses cover rent, rates and other costs. The money will be targeted at vacant premises in Church Square, Church Street, York Road (between Lowthian Road and Lister Street) and Middleton Grange Shopping Centre. For further information call the council on 01429-266522.