TWO men were taken to hospital following a disturbance in a village pub at the weekend.

A 37-year-old man has been charged with assault and a public order offence after an incident at the King's Head, in Cockfield, near Barnard Castle, on Saturday night. He has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

One of the men treated in hospital had a suspected broken jaw while the other had a fractured wrist.

Anyone who saw the incident is asked to call Sergeant Grant McTaggart or Detective Sergeant Ian Sturrock on 0845 6060365.

ADVICE BUS: The Age Concern advice and information bus is at Scarth Hall, Staindrop, today, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Tomorrow, it parks outside Cockfield Community Centre, from 10am to noon, at Woodland Village Hall from 1.30pm to 2.30pm and Hamsterley Village Hall between 2.30pm and 3.30pm. On Thursday, it visits Wolsingham Market Place from 10am to noon and Frosterley Village Hall from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

GARDEN PARTY: St Andrew's Church, in Spennymoor, will hold a garden party on Saturday, from 10.30am, in the church grounds. Stalls include cakes, bric-a-brac, toiletries, nearly new, books and a tombola and there are refreshments and competitions. Admission costs 20p.

VILLAGE FAIR: Witton-le-Wear, near Bishop Auckland, will hold a village fair, with a 60th anniversary of VE Day theme, on Sunday, from 2pm.

PILATES CLASSES: A pilates exercise class will start next Tuesday, 2pm to 3pm, at Ferryhill Leisure Centre. Sessions are £2, call (01740) 654121 for details.

OPERA TREAT: A few tickets are still available for Northern Opera's production of La Traviata, starring Michael Bracegirdle, at the village hall at Mickleton, near Barnard Castle, on Saturday. Tickets are £10 from John Wise on (01833) 637227.

CHURCH BARBECUE: A barbecue is being held under the name A bit of a do in the vicarage garden at Gainford, near Barnard Castle, on Friday, July 8, from 7pm. Tickets at £5 (children £1.50) are available from church wardens. Proceeds will go to the parish churches in Gainford and Winston.

ORCHID HINTS: Tom Houghton will give a talk about growing orchids to garden club members in the village hall at Gainford, near Barnard Castle, tonight at 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome.

SURGERY CHANGE: A former doctors' surgery is to be converted into three houses in Church View, High Etherley, near Barnard Castle, if planning consent is given by Teesdale District Council.