STUDENTS coming to Darlington from out of town could soon receive extra cash towards their travel costs.

Government legislation came into effect in January, meaning that, from September, extra grants will be paid to those who travel into Darlington to attend college. Darlington Borough Council has responded by setting up a further education transport partnership, involving officials from colleges and bus companies. The size of the grants will be determined by the distance travelled and the annual income of the student's family.

CHURCH VISIT: A party of Friends of Sedgefield St Edmund's Church visited Carlisle Cathedral this week. They were shown round by one of their members, Judith Edgoose, a qualified tour guide who completed her initial training in Cumbria.

HALL CONCERT: Spennymoor Town Band and Youth Band is hosting a concert at Spennymoor Town Hall, next Saturday, at 7.30pm. Doors open at 6.45pm. Tickets are £3, available from the Town Hall, Spennymoor, on (01388) 815276.

MEDITATION TALK: A talk on Buddhist meditation teachings will be held every Thursday until July 24, at Darlington Arts Centre, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. There is a suggested donation of £4 per class. To attend, call (01325) 365265.

FESTIVAL DATE: Holy Trinity Church, Darlington, holds its patronal festival service on Sunday, June 15, at 6.30pm. The Reverend David Bryan will be the preacher.

PARTY TIME: Elm Ridge Methodist Church, Darlington, holds its annual garden party today, starting at 2pm. Admission is 50p for adults, 25p for children, and free for the under-fives.

FETE DATE: Sadberge Church holds a summer fete on Saturday, June 21, from 2.30pm. The Richmond Castle Clog Dancers will be among the entertainers.

SALE CANCELLED: A table-top sale due to be held today at Howden-le-Wear Community Centre has been cancelled. The next one will be on Saturday, July 5.

FUN DAY: A family fun day is being held at Evenwood and Ramshaw Community Centre on Sunday, June 15, from 10am to 3pm.

STORE THANKS: Customers of Asda, in Whinbush Way, Darlington, raised £948 for the National Children's Home at a fun day on May 26.

COFFEE BREAK: A WI coffee morning and sale takes place in Piercebridge Village Hall on Wednesday, from 10am to noon.

COUNCIL MEETING: The next meeting of Dene Valley Parish Council is on Monday, at 7pm, at Eldon Lane Primary School.

COFFEE MORNING: Cockton Hill Bible Society is hosting a coffee morning next Saturday, from 10am to noon.