COUNCILLORS will decide next week whether to approve plans for four new shops on the site of a former supermarket.

WM Morrisons wants to build the units on land in Neasham Road, Darlington, close to where it had a supermarket. Darlington Borough Council has received four objections to the proposal and two letters of support. Officers will recommend that the plan be approved at a meeting on Wednesday. Councillors have already granted outline planning permission for Morrisons to build a care home and houses on part of the land.

CHURCH CONCERT: Cockerton Brass Band will be joined by ladies' choral ensemble, the Richardson Singers, for a concert on Saturday, September 27. Prinicipal cornet with the Scottish Co-op band, Jimmy Hayes, will also be performing at the concert in St Cuthbert's Church, at 7.30pm. Cockerton Band spokesman John Steel said: "This concert offers local folk the chance to enjoy the very best of what Darlington has to offer in terms of musical talent." Tickets cost £5, or concessions £4, and are available on (01325) 482901.

TRACTOR FIRE: A tractor and two portable buildings were damaged in a fire at a field in Heighington just after 6.30am yesterday. Crews from Newton Aycliffe extinguished the blaze.

INQUEST VERDICT: Paul Chadwick, born Paul David Lovett and also known as Peter Matthews, 32, died at his home in Chester Crescent, West Cornforth, after taking a cocktail of drugs. Mr Chadwick died on July 7 last year of an overdose of cocaine, heroin and temazepam. Coroner Colin Penna, sitting at Bishop Auckland Magistrate's Court, recorded the cause of death as non-dependent use of drugs.

OPEN DAY: An open day is being held by Churches Together in Weardale at Heatherycleugh, Cowshill, on Sunday, September 27, from 2pm. Tea will be served at 4pm, followed by a harvest service and sale at 5.30pm.

FUNGI TREK: The Forestry Commission will hold a series of treks through North-East woodland to discover the range of fungi that grows in the region. The first is at Hamsterley Forest, on September 28, from 2.30pm, which includes a barbecue (bring your own food). To book a place call (01388) 488312.

CHURCH MUSIC: The Crook and Weardale Choral Singers will be performing at Willington Methodist Church on Tuesday, October 7; at St Cuthbert's RC Church, Crook, on Tuesday, October 14; and at Ushaw College on Sunday, November 9. All events will start at 7.30pm.

CHARITY QUIZ: The Mayor of Sedgefield, Councillor Linda Maddison, will be holding a charity quiz on October 24 in Ceddesfeld Hall, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on (01740) 621273. Proceeds will go to Alzheimer's research and village pensioners.