DALE FESTIVAL: The first Weardale Festival begins on Monday and runs until the following Sunday.

Events include a children's show by Jack Drum Arts, in the Dale Centre, Stanhope, on Tuesday, at 2.30pm, a 19th Century English tea party at Horsley Hall, Eastgate, on Wednesday, at 3.30pm, and a watercolour painting class in St John's Chapel Town Hall on Thursday, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. An exhibition of christening robes and quilts will be held in St John's Chapel Church, on Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 4.30pm. Wedding dresses will be on display in Thornley Church from 11am to 4.30pm on Saturday, and 11am to 4pm on Sunday. Old mining pictures will be on show in the Dale Centre, Stanhope, from 11am to 4.30pm on both days.

DISCO FUN: A scare-a-crow for the show disco is being held in a marquee at St John's Chapel agricultural show from 8pm next Saturday. Entry is £3 at the door, children free.

NEW POST: Lisa Hughes has been appointed administrator at Weardale Community Partnership, in Martin Street, Stanhope. She can be contacted on (01388) 529500.

DONORS' LANDMARK: Carol Pattinson, of Daddry Shield, and Frank Walton, of Westgate, have been presented with certificates and badges for giving 50 pints blood.