A GRADE II-listed church in Darlington is to be extended. Haughton Methodist Church has sold Archway House, the former Methodist meeting place next to the church, to raise the money to build an extra meeting room and lavatories.

The Haughton congregation have been boosting the ranks of Harrowgate Hill Methodist Church while the work is carried out. The new building is scheduled to opened on Sunday, October 5.

FAIR DATE: The popular Crows Fair will be in Darlington's South Park until Bank Holiday Monday. Six generations of the Crow family have visited the town since 1868. The fair features a carousel from 1880.

HEALTH TALKS: Darlington Primary Care Trust Board will meet at the Arts Centre on Thursday, September 11, at 7pm.

WARD MEETING: A meeting of Darlington's Central Ward community partnership will be held on Tuesday, September 2, at 7.15pm, in St James The Great Church Hall, Albert Hill.

SUMMER FUN: Plans for a summer fair at Mainsforth Sports Complex, Ferryhill, have been finalised. This year's event will be held on Sunday, August 31, from 10am to 5pm.

ACCESSIBILITY DAY: A free exhibition offering advice for elderly or physically disabled people, or those with sensory impairments, will be held at Oates Garage, Willington, today, from 11am to 3pm. The event has been organised by the Wear Valley Disability Access Forum. Call (01388) 763994 for details.

DAY TRIP: A coach trip to Northallerton and Thirsk, including Sion House, has been organised by the Friends of Senior Citizens charity on Friday, August 29. The coach leaves at 9am, with pick-ups at Ferryhill, Chilton, Shildon, Newton Aycliffe, Heighington and Cockerton, Darlington. To book call (01325) 313924.

POOL PARTY: Stanhope open-air swimming pool, in Weardale, will hold a party on Friday, August 29, to celebrate its 30th anniversary. There will be free swimming from 3pm to 6pm, then the pool will close for a party and barbecue.

FREE COURSE: A taster course in family history is being held at Stanhope Community Centre, tomorrow, at 2pm. The session is free. Contact Billy Hunt or Catherine Reed on (01388) 526939 for details.

BLOOD DONORS: Staff from the National Blood Service will be at Teesdale Sports Centre Strathmore Road, Barnard Castle, on Thursday, August 28, for a donor session between 2pm and 7pm. Call 0845 7711711 or visit www.blood.co.uk. for details.

SAFETY FIRST: Toft Hill Community Centre, Toft Hill, near Bishop Auckland, will host a community safety event on Friday, August 29, from 4pm to 7pm.