PLANS to use a paddock at Blackwell Moor Farm, Snipe Lane, Hurworth Moor, near Darlington, to house five gipsy caravans, one amenity block and associated works have been opposed by Hurworth Parish Council.

Members of the council are opposed to the scheme on the grounds that there is unsuitable access to the plot and to the A66 trunk road.

BUILDING BLAZE: Two derelict buildings in Blythe Avenue, St Helen Auckland, were badly damaged by fire on Tuesday.

SUMMER FETE: St John's Church, Lynesack, is holding a summer fete at Butterknowle School on Saturday, June 21, at 2.15pm.

COACH TOUR: The Friends of Senior Citizens charity has organised a coach tour to Ambleside, Coniston, Brentwood and Hawkshead on Saturday, June 21, from 9am, with pick-ups at Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Ferryhill, Heighington, Faverdale and Cockerton. To book a place contact Peter Beaty on (01325) 313924.

FLOWER CLUB: Ferryhill and Sedgefield and District Flower Club will be given a demonstration by Kathleen Marlor, from Crawcrook, at their meeting next Tuesday, at 7.30pm in Sedgefield Parish Hall.

OPEN DAY: Hamsterley Primary School and The Connect Project are hosting an open day in the school and village hall, on July 4, at 1pm.

CHURCH FAIR: Auckland St Peter's Church, in Princes Street, Bishop Auckland, is holding a summer fair on Saturday, at 2.30pm.

BLOOD DONORS: A session for blood donors is being held at the parish hall, Newgate, Barnard Castle, tomorrow, from 3pm to 7pm.

FASHION SHOW: Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum is holding a spring fashion show in the town hall, on Wednesday, at 7pm.

CASH AWARDS: £200 grants from Darlington Borough Council's community leisure chest have been paid to Amnesty International, St Teresa's Hospice, the Harriers Athletic Club, Koryo tae kwondo, Darlington Volunteer Bureau and the 5th Darlington Scout Group.

COUNCIL MEETS: A meeting of Darlington Borough Council takes place on Tuesday, at 6.30pm, in the town hall.

WHIST DRIVE: Helmington Row Village Hall is hosting a whist drive on Saturday, at 2pm.

FUNDRAISING FETE: Options Disability Initiative is holding a summer fete on Saturday, June 28, at the Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe, from 11am.

SHOW TIME: Sedgefield Players will present Strike Up The Banns, by Olwen Wymark, in Sedgefield Parish Hall from Thursday, June 26, to Saturday, June 28, at 7.30pm each night. Tickets are available from Selections or on (01740) 620091.