Students from Bishop Auckland College are showing off their skills at a two-week display in the Discovery Centre, in the Market Place.

Exhibitors are all taking craft courses including patchwork, interior design, soft furnishing, ceramics, painting and drawing, flower arranging and tailoring. The exhibition is open from 11am to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free.

INSTITUTE SHOW: Friends of Killhope are hosting a mineralogical exhibition at the Ireshopeburn Institute this weekend. The exhibition is open from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday and from 10.30am to 4pm on Sunday. Admission is £1 for adults and children free. The Heartbeat bus will be available to take visitors from the lead mine centre at Killhope to Ireshopeburn.

DANCE DATE: The Elite Hall, Crook, will host a 50/50 dance on Saturday September 20, 8pm to 11.15pm. Tickets are £5 including supper, proceeds to go towards St Catherine's Community Association. For tickets call Nora Crooks on (01388) 765110 or Margaret Bell on (01388) 602320.

FLORAL SHOW: Denise Spooner, who won a bronze medal at the Chelsea Flower Show, will give a floral demonstration in Startforth village school, on Friday, September 12, at 7.30pm. The event is in aid of Startforth Parish Church. Tickets, costing £3.50, are available from Richardsons Florists in Barnard Castle, or by telephoning (01833) 631236.

DANCE DATE: A 50/50 dance with the Terry Dane Band takes place on Saturday, in Butterknowle Village Hall, at 8pm. For tickets call (01388) 718153.

GENERATOR GONE: Police are trying to trace a Kawasaki generator worth £250 which was stolen from Leekworth Farm at Middleton in Teesdale.

GARDEN OPEN: John McBain's Westholme gardens at Winston, near Barnard Castle, will be open on Sunday, September 14, from 2pm to 6pm. Teas will be served to raise money to maintain the village's millennium field and steps.

NEARLY NEW: St Paul's Church, at Spennymoor, has a nearly new sale on Tuesday September 9 at 7pm in the church hall. Admission costs 10p.

PARTNERSHIP MEETS: Crook Community Partnership meets tomorrow in its office in Hope Street.

OPEN DAY: Hunwick Community Association is holding an open day at the school next Wednesday, from 3pm to 8pm, to offer people the chance to sign up for courses.

CHARITY DATE: Willington Luncheon Club is holding a fundraising afternoon on Tuesday, September 16, from 1.30 to 3.30pm. Attractions include a cake stall, tombola, bingo and refreshments