A supermarket has been given permission to build houses and a care home at its former site.

WM Morrisons has submitted an outline planning application to build a residential development and home in Darlington.

The retailer sold the lease of its store in Neasham Road, in the town, to Matalan last June, but now wants to build the development south of the shop, at the former Tinsley Works factory. Morrisons has also submitted a separate application to Darlington Borough council to build four food shops on part of the car park. At a planning meeting on Wednesday, councillors agreed to grant outline planning permission for the care home and houses.

CHARITY EVENT: A ceilidh in aid of Darlington Samaritans takes place at the Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace, tomorrow, from 7.30pm to 11pm. Tickets cost £4.50 and are available on (01325) 488679.

COMPUTER LESSONS: Darlington and District Dyslexia support group is running a computer course on Tuesday for students with spelling, reading or writing difficulties. The event takes place at Morrison's business training centre at Morton Park, from 7pm to 8.45pm. Admission is free.

SUMMER MUSIC: An evening of summer music is being held at St James the Great Church, Albert Hill, Darlington, next Friday, at 7.30pm. Entertainment includes music from the King's Bar Quintet. Tickets cost £5 and are available on (01325) 465980.

ORCHID COUNT: An orchid count takes place at The Whinnies nature reserve, Middleton St George, tomorrow, at 10.30am.The event is being run by the borough council's countryside team and local volunteers. Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact Sarah Storey on (01325) 388637.

CLUB TIMES: Spennymoor and District Mobility Club meets today at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, from 1pm to 4pm. The club will now meet an hour earlier so that members can enjoy carpet bowls, using new equipment.

QUACKY RACES: A duck race will be held in Staindrop on Sunday to raise money for the village's Christmas lights fund. There are two heats, starting at 6pm, with the first six competing in the final for a cash prize. Ducks can be bought before the race for £1.

TEAMS NEEDED: Nigel Douthwaite, Wear Valley community sports club development officer, and Tom Kelly, who formed St Mary's Junior Football Club in 1986, are planning to establish football leagues in south Durham. Managers of youth football teams who are interested in joining a league are asked to contact (01388) 765555 or (01388) 605745.

SALE DATE: A car boot sale will be held at Toft Hill and Etherley Community Centre field, tomorrow, from 10am to 4pm, to raise funds for Etherley Methodist Church. To book a space for a car, £5, or van, £7, call (01388) 832279.