Plan rejected by council - A proposed development of flats and houses has been unanimously rejected. The plan to build a terrace of cottages and a block of 14 flats on the former Dick Lawson garden machinery site at High Consicliffe, near Darlington, was rejected by Darlington Borough Council's planning applications sub-committee.

SPONSOR a panda: A Darlington firm has joined a project to sponsor a panda. The town's branch of UK engineering consultancy firm, Halcrow, has joined other branches in an attempt to transform a panda park in China. The sponsored panda is called He Le and was born in 1999. She had her first baby in August 2004.

CIRCULAR WALK: A ten-mile circular walk around Gordale Scar will take place on Sunday. The walk, organised by the Ramblers Association, involves some difficult terrain, but this can be avoided. People who want to take part are asked to meet Richard Stephenson at the Park Place health centre, at 8.30am. Call (01325) 365217 for more information.

GARDEN PARTY: A garden party takes place at All Saints' and Salutation Church in Ravensdale Road on Saturday, June 25, between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. There will be music by Hummersknott School steel band, morris dancing, Punch and Judy and a variety of stalls. Admission is 50p for adults and 20p for under-16s.

LICENCE GRANTED: A licence to sell alcohol at a fundraising event in High Coniscliffe School has been granted. Alison Stewart, a governor at the school, was granted the licence to sell wines and beers at the event in the village hall, on July 9, from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Proceeds will go towards school funds.

All that jazz: The Karen Sharp Quintet, a blues and jazz group, are playing at Darlington Arts Centre tonight at 8pm. Tickets cost £9 or £7 for concessions. To check availability, contact the box office on (01325) 486555.

GET TOGETHER: The next meeting of Growing Older Living in Darlington will be on Thursday, June 23, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, in the Wesley Court Community Centre. For more information, contact (01325) 346269.

CAR BOOT SALE: The Baden-Powell scout group is holding a car boot sale tomorrow in Heighington village sports field, from 3pm to 6pm.

Overseas aid: A coffee morning held by St Cuthbert's Church Mothers' Union raised £202.70 for the union's overseas work.

Give blood: A blood donor session will be held at St Cuthbert's Church Centre, Market Place, Darlington, on Tuesday, from 2pm to 7pm.