A CHARITY race held in Darlington's South Park in July raised more then £40,000 for Cancer Research UK.

But organisers of the Race for Life event say almost 70 per cent of participants have not sent in sponsorship money.

Organiser Janet Cooper said: "The amount from the Darlington race, £40,102, is brilliant, but this is still only 33 per cent of participants."

Sponsorship can be paid at www.raceforlife.org, by calling 08705 134 314, or by sending a cheque to Race for Life, PO Box 50, Crawley, RH10 9WA.

SCHOOL REUNION: A reunion for former pupils of Durham Road Secondary Modern School, Spennymoor, who turned 60 in 2002 or last year, will be held on Saturday. Spennymoor Town Hall will host the reunion disco, which has a school colours dress code, from 7.30pm. For tickets call (01388) 814871, 817849 or 605676.

HELPING OUT: A table-top sale to raise funds for repairs to Escomb Community Hall, near Bishop Auckland, will be held on Saturday, at 2pm. For details call (01388) 601888 or 605263.

VANDALS STRIKE: Plants were uprooted and toys scattered by vandals at a children's playground next to St Mary's School, Birch Road, Barnard Castle, at the weekend.

YOUTH CHOIR: The Sedgefield Lyrics Youth Choir will be giving an informal concert on Sunday at Ceddesfeld Hall from 8pm. Tickets are available at the door.

WOOD TALK: Alan Suddes, a wood carver, will give a demonstration in Westholme Gardens, Winston, near Barnard Castle, when they are open to the public on Sunday, from 2pm to 6pm. Teas will be served to raise money for Winston millennium green.

STABLE BLAZE: Firefighters were called to tackle a hay blaze in a stable in Whessoe Road, Darlington, at 7.30pm yesterday. Two hose reels were used to fight the fire, which involved two tons of hay in the wooden stable at a cottage.

DRIVERS WANTED: Sure Start Darlington is looking for volunteer mini-bus drivers to take parents and young children on excursions. The charity, which aims to enhance the social and emotional development of youngsters, works in the Branksome, Skerne Park and North Road areas. For details telephone (01325) 254663.

COFFEE MORNING: The Darlington Careers Support Project is hosting a coffee morning at Pease House, next to the Tourist Information Centre in the Market Square, on Saturday, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. For details call (01325) 489999.

JUMBLE DATE: A jumble sale will be held at Roxby Court, Roxby Moor Avenue, Darlington, on Saturday, at noon.