A GALA night of stand-up, part of Darlington Comedy Festival, will be held at the town’s Civic Theatre on Monday, July 1, from 7.30pm. Raising money for Butterwick Hospice, Darlington Association on Disability, St Teresa's Hospice and Daisy Chain, the Darlington Comedy Festival Gala will feature some of the best acts on the UK stand-up circuit. Names already confirmed to take part include Jason Cook from BBC's Hebburn and Show Me The Funny winner Patrick Monahan. Tickets are priced from £18 to £22.50. Visit hilaritybites.co.uk

MOVIE BOW: A film highlighting the cruelty of dog fighting is nearing completion and expected to be premiered in August. Director Mike Tweddle, from Stapleton, near Darlington, shot the movie Damaged Goods at locations across the region. The producers are running a fundraising campaign to raise £1,500 towards marketing costs for the film. Visit kickstarter.com/projects/1104525128/damaged-goods-full-length-uk-feature-film