ONE of the largest community celebrations in the Tees Valley is calling on people to take part.

Stockton Community Carnvial, which will take place on Saturday, August 3, is part of Stockton International Riverside Festival.

Each year the carnival, in Stockton Town Centre, has a specific theme and this year’s is Stories of the World.

Anyone who would like to take part in the carnival or the family workshops can telephone 01642-527696 or email lyndsey.stephenson@stockton.gov.uk. For more information visit www.sirf.co.uk

GOOGLE HELP: Teesside University is to help teachers develop the next generation of computer scientists thanks to a grant from Google. The university has been awarded approximately £4,500 to host an event to help secondary school teachers deliver vital computing skills to their pupils. The award was given as part of Google’s Computer Science for High School initiative.

POTHOLE PURGE: Work has begun repairing about 2,500 potholes across Middlesbrough following the long winter. The work will be carried out in six areas, covering the whole of the town over a four-week period, following a detailed assessment by highways inspectors which identified the extent of the problem. People with concerns about potholes can call the council on 01642-726001.

CARER SUPPORT: A major consultation exercise has been carried out in the Stockton area to find out how best to help people who care for a loved one. Many carers, who are often young people, said they wanted help to fulfill school, college or work obligations. Stockton council expect a new strategy and new services to be in place by October following the consultation. To find out more log on to www.stockton.gov.uk/carersconsultation or email Elaine.lamb@stockton.gov.uk or call 01642-528460.

CABINET MEETING: Hartlepool Council’s Cabinet will meet for the final time tomorrow, Wednesday, May 1, ahead of major changes to the way the authority is run. The meeting will take place at 10am in the Civic Centre and will be chaired by directly-elected Mayor Stuart Drummond whose office will cease to exist from Monday.

DOGS BANNED: Dog owners have been reminded that the seasonal ban excluding their pets from some Hartlepool beaches comes into force this week. The ban covers a stretch of Seaton Carew beach between the Norton Hotel and the coach park, and the Fish Sands and the Block Sands on the Headland (including the lower promenade and the paddling pool). It runs from May 1 until September 30. The measure aims to ensure that the town’s most popular beaches remain clean during the main holiday season. Dog owners caught flouting the ban will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) fine of £80.