AN east Cleveland centre celebrated the launch of a new pre-school playgroup and website yesterday.

Leapfrogs, which opened its doors at the beginning of September after the closure of the Loftus playgroup, will meet every morning in the Sure Start Centre, Duncan Place, Loftus, and already has a waiting list for children aged two to five. The new website, which includes a page of fun activities, was designed by postgraduate student Amal Jamaa, from Teesside University, and can be viewed at www.surestartec.org.uk

FREE COURSES: There will be an open day at Skelton Civic Centre on Tuesday, October 14, to promote a series of free courses for residents. They will include an introduction to computers, site safety passport, forklift truck training, car maintenance for women, a basic first aid certificate, basic food hygiene certificate and family history. The open day, which is being hosted by Skelton Single Regeneration Budget, will be split into two sessions between 1.30pm and 2.30pm, and then from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. For details, call (01287) 654057.

BOWLS DAY: Redcar Borough Park Bowling Club is holding an open day from noon until 5pm on Thursday, October 9. Members will be on hand to assist and arrange coaching for beginners and experienced players. The club has a four rink indoor bowling facility, off Redcar Lane. For more details, call (01642) 476446.

HARVEST DAY: Saltburn Methodist Church holds its annual harvest thanksgiving next Saturday and Sunday. The church will be open for the viewing of flower displays on Saturday, between 10am and 4pm, and Sunday, from 2pm to 4pm. On Saturday, coffee, lunches and teas will be served and there will be organ music throughout the day. Sunday services are at 10.45am and 6pm.

DIABETES TALK: The South Cleveland Branch of Diabetes UK will host a talk at 7pm on Tuesday, October 7, at James Cook University Hospital. Alan Crosskill will give a speech entitled A Bell on my Bumper - Tales of an Ambulance Man, in lecture room 7 of the Education Centre. Visitors are asked to go to reception for directions.

LOTTERY AWARD: Thornaby Community School, Thornaby, has received a grant of £5,000 from the National Lottery's Awards for All programme. The grant will allow development of rugby for girls and boys using qualified coaches.

CURTAIN CALL: Nunthorpe Players are inviting applicants for auditions for their Pantomime Cinderella, to be staged in January. The auditions are being held at Nunthorpe Methodist Church, Connaught Road, on Sunday, October 5, between 2pm and 5pm, with a read through of the script on, Wednesday at the same venue, at 7.30pm.