AMATEUR photographers are being invited to capture the regeneration of their community on film.

About £45m of Single Regeneration Budget money is being spent on run-down areas in County Durham for environmental, educational and community-based projects. A photography competition is being held to highlight the work. The winning pictures will be published on the programme's website and in a calendar next year. For application packs visit www.iricd.co.uk or call Durham County Council's regeneration team on 0191-383 3162.

FUNDRAISER: Regulars at the Fighting Cocks pub, in Middleton St George, held an auction and 1960s-themed night to raise money for the Make A Child Smile charity. The auction included a dinner party cooked and served at the winner's home by pub landlord and landlady Ian and Sue Kemble.

SPECS APPEAL: Darlington Residents' Panel is asking people to donate unwanted spectacles for distribution to charities in India. They can be handed in at the Council for Voluntary Services building, in Church Row.

SCHOOL EXTENSION: Councillors are expected to approve plans for an extra classroom at Hurworth Comprehensive School, near Darlington, on Wednesday.

CEMETERY WORK: Darlington Borough Council is seeking permission to improve disabled access at the crematorium, west chapel and office at the town's West Cemetery.

GIVE BLOOD: Blood donor sessions will be held at St Cuthbert's Church Centre, Darlington, tomorrow, from 2pm to 7pm, and at Harrowgate Hill Methodist Church Hall on Thursday, from 3pm to 7pm.

NOTICE BOARD: Great Aycliffe Town Council is to set up a notice board in Newton Aycliffe town centre at a cost of £2,000.

ALLOTMENT ROLE: Stephen Jones has been appointed allotment representative for the Finchale Road site, Newton Aycliffe.

CHARITY BOOST: The Brown Trout pub in Sunnybrow has raised more than £2,000 for charity. Sunnybrow Community Chapel and 4th Willington Scouts shared the money.

COUNCIL MEETING: A meeting of Great Aycliffe Town Council will be held in the council offices, Newton Aycliffe, on Wednesday, at 7.15pm.

BUS SHELTER: A bus shelter is to be built In Woodham Way, next to Kings Drive, Newton Aycliffe.

AUCTION THANKS: Teesdale branch of the Childrens Society has thanked staff at Addisons, Bonhoms and Simon Brainbridge who supported a valuation evening in Barnard Castle that raised £460.