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.

GALA DAY: Hurworth Community Association is asking villagers to help make Sunday's annual gala day at Hurworth Grange Community Centre a success by running a stall, baking cakes or giving gifts for raffle or tombola prizes. For details call (01325) 720840.

RECYCLING TARGET: Darlington Borough Council is on course to meet Government recycling targets. Councils are being urged to have 18 per cent of household waste recycled by 2005-2006. The authority has introduced a kerbside recycling scheme and is achieving a 12.1 per cent recycling rate.

SMART TEAM: Children at Croft CE Primary School have new sports kit for when they compete in tournaments, thanks to gifts from HSBC Bank and 3Q Sports.

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.

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.