THREE buskers have raised £636 for visually impaired people by entertaining shoppers for two days on the streets of Barnard Castle.

Betty Walton played her accordion, while her friends Ian and Michael sang. They gave the cash to the County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially-Sighted, whose volunteer co-ordinator, Sue Hayles, said, "We are really grateful for this wonderful effort by the trio."

FAMILY HISTORY: Sedgefield Family History Group holds its next meeting in Ceddesfeld Hall, Rectory Row, on Monday, at 7.45pm when a talk, My Victorian Family, will be given by Beatrice Wilson. On Monday, October 20, the subject of clandestine marriages will be discussed by Norman Welch.

CRICKET DATE: Hunwick Cricket Club, near Crook, will host the RS Pratt competition final, between Evenwood and Lands, on Sunday, from 2pm.

GIVE BLOOD: A session for blood donors is being held at King James 1 College, South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, from 3pm to 7pm, on Thursday.

CHARITY DAY: Willington Luncheon Club will hold a fundraising afternoon at Rosedale Community Centre, on Tuesday, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Attractions include a cake stall, tombola and bingo.

DANCE DATE: A ballroom sequence dance will take place at Spennymoor Town Hall next Friday, at 8pm. For details, call (01388) 817914.

FLOWER CLUB: Ferryhill, Sedgefield and District Flower Club will hold a demonstration called My Dreams Through Flowers on Tuesday, at 7.30pm in the Sedgefield Parish Hall, by Carol Grieves of Brompton.

DOG WALK: Dog lovers are asked to join a sponsored dog walk on Saturday, September 28, at 2pm. The event will take place on the Bishop Auckland to Brandon walkway. People are asked to assemble on Willington Green, in the High Street, at 1.30pm. Sponsor forms are available from Groomwell Dog Parlour, Willington or by calling (01388) 746763 or 774496.

PARISH COUNCIL: Eldon Parish Council holds its next meeting in St Mark's Church, Eldon, on Monday, September 29. Everone is welcome.

CONCERT: Crook and Weardale Choral Society will host a concert at Willington Methodist Church, on October 7, at 7.30pm.

HEALING NIGHT: Northumbrian Centre of Prayer for Christian Healing visits West Auckland Methodist Church for a healing service on Friday, October 3, at 7.30pm.

CHURCH FESTIVAL: St Michael's Church, Heighington, is holding a patronal festival and gift day on Sunday, September 28.