MEMBERS of King's Church, Darlington are supporting the work of Christians Against Poverty in Newton Aycliffe, a national charity seeking to release people from debt and poverty through counselling, practical services and financial education.

The group recently won the Charity of the Year Award. Anyone in financial difficulties needing help is invited to call Susan Sadler on (01325) 316420.

VILLAGE STORY: About 600 photographs and relics have been gathered for a two-day exhibition to show how life has changed over 200 years in Woodland, near Barnard Castle. The display will be open in the village hall on Saturday and Sunday, from 1pm to 5pm. It is being organised by the Gaunless Valley History Trust. A six mile guided walk will start from the village hall at 10.30am on Saturday.

ART SHOW: An art exhibition based around the ancestral home of folk legend Bobby Shafto opens next week. Whitworth Hall: An Artist's Impression, is a collection of work by Spennymoor-born Fiona Horner, who lives in Bishop Auckland. The exhibition, at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, runs from next Tuesday to Sunday, September 13.

CHARITY AID: The Asda store in Spennymoor will be holding a fundraising day on Saturday, in aid of the Pam Aston Flight For Life appeal. Asda's Bishop Auckland store is staging a family fun day on Sunday, from 10am until 4pm. Proceeds will go to local charities.

CHURCH DATE: St James the Great Church, Albert Hill, Darlington, will be holding a wine and cheese evening on Friday, at 7pm, in the church hall.

PANTOMIME AUDITIONS: Auditions for Ferryhill Operatic Society's December pantomime, Dick Whittington, will be held at Mainsforth Community Centre, Ferryhill Station, on Saturday, at 10am.

TEA TREAT: A tea and scones afternoon is being held on Sunday at Dunn House Farm, Staindrop, near Barnard Castle, from 2pm to 5pm, to raise funds for the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research.

COUNTRY WALK: An eight-mile walk in Lunedale and Teesdale will begin at Grassholme Reservoir car park, near Mickleton, at 11am tomorrow. For details call 0191-383 4144.

BASKETBALL COACHING: Free basketball coaching is on offer at Sedgefield Community College every day this week until Friday, from 10am to noon.

CIRCUS SKILLS: A circus skills workshop will be held at Ferryhill Leisure Centre on Thursday, from 1.30pm to 3pm, as part of Sedgefield Borough Council's Splash Active programme. Anyone interested must pre-book by calling (01388) 816166.