BLIND and visually impaired people in Darlington can take advantage of a new scheme to help them enjoy the local countryside.

A programme of guided walks, organised by Darlington Borough Council, will each be centred on a specific theme such as wildlife, birds or flowers, and takes walkers around an area of natural beauty. The first walk, called Dinsdale Wood Wander, is a two-mile walk through the semi-ancient woodland, on Wednesday, at 1pm. For more details of the "VIPs In The Countryside" walks, contact (01325) 388643 or 346280.

CHURCH FESTIVAL: The Parish Church of St James the Great, Albert Hill, Darlington, holds a festival today, at 7.30pm. There will be Solemn Mass, procession and Benediction. Refreshments will be served in the church hall.

QUIZ NIGHT: The parish of All Saints' and Salutation, Blackwell, social committee is holding a quiz night on September 6, at its church in Darlington.

FLOWER FESTIVAL: St Matthew and St Luke's Church, in Brinkburn Road, Darlington, holds a flower festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21. Doors open on the Saturday between 10am and 5pm and from 10am until noon on the Sunday.

ALLOTMENTS VIEWING: Barmpton Lane Allotments, in Darlington, holds its open day tomorrow, from 11am to 4pm. Visitors are welcome to meet plot holders and sample produce.

FLOWER SHOW: Darlington Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society is holding a flower exhibition at St Cuthbert's Church Hall, on Bank Holiday Monday, August 25.

Market stall: St Andrew's Church, Sadberge, will have a stall at Darlington Market on Saturday, September 6.

COMPETITION WINNER: Stephen Naisbitt, ten, from Darlington, has received a set of Walt Disney classic films on DVD after winning a colouring competition at the Asda store, in Whinbush Way, Darlington.

GIVING BLOOD: A blood donor session is being held at the Capricorn Ballroom, Spennymoor Leisure Centre, next Friday, from 3pm to 6.45pm.

CHURCH LUNCHES: Lunches will be served served in St Mark's Church, Eldon, on Saturday, August 9, from noon to 2pm.

NAME SUGGESTED: The Newton Aycliffe area forum has suggested Maple Way as a name for development land south of Rembrandt Way on Aycliffe Industrial Estate.

WHIST DRIVE: St Michael's Church in Bishop Middleham is holding a rainbow whist and domino drive in the village hall at 2pm tomorrow. Admission is £1 including refreshments. There will also be a raffle. All proceeds in aid of church funds.