RESIDENTS of Teesdale can voice their concerns over environmental issues in the area at a meeting to create a new Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) group.

The meeting, to be held at 7pm tonight, at Witham Hall, in Barnard Castle, will include a discussion on the proposed waste transfer station at Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle. Jan Arger, a member of the CPRE who lives in the area, said: "This is good news for the residents of Teesdale. The CPRE has a long history of protecting the countryside from inappropriate development."

BAND DATE: A champion Darlington brass band is holding a marquee concert this weekend. Cockerton Band, which won the area championships this year, is in rehearsals for its summer programme, which begins on Sunday with the concert at Mowden Park Rugby Club, in Yiewsley Drive, Darlington. The band will be supported by Spennymoor Youth Band. Tickets are £4, £2 for concessions, available on (01325) 482901.

HEART HELP: Heart disease nurses working for Sedgefield Primary Care Trust have forged links with the Chinese community. Following consultations, sessions will start this month based on the cultural and physical needs of the group to help reduce the risks of developing heart problems.

MINING HISTORY: Durham County Council's Durham Miner Project is running a free six-week course for people interested in researching local mining history. It will be held at Shildon Library, starting on Tuesday, June 17. To take part, call 0191-383 4478.

HALL UNVEILING: The newly refurbished Copley Village Hall will be unveiled on Saturday, June 21. It has been transformed with a £50,000 National Lottery grant. The opening night will feature entertainment from Tony Washington and singer Carrie Steele.

ACTION GROUP: Woodhouse Close Residents' Action Group will hold a public meeting on Thursday, in Proudfoot Drive Community Hall, Bishop Auckland, at 7pm.

CLUB OUTING: Heighington over-50s and 60s club is organising a coach trip to Skipton, North Yorkshire, on Wednesday, June 18, at 10am. To book a place, call (01325) 318459.

CABINET MEETING: The first meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council's new-look cabinet will be held on Thursday, in the council offices in Spennymoor, at 10am.

NEW MEMBER: Jamie Swainston, who is planning to start a pipe band in Chilton, has been elected to join Chilton West Residents' Association.

COMMUNITY DATE: The next meeting of Crook Community Partnership is on Thursday, at 7pm, at 79 Hope Street.

GIVE BLOOD: A blood donor session will be held in Barnard Castle parish hall, Newgate, on Friday, June 13, from 3pm to 7pm