Delegates from five member countries of the Network of Europe Oriented Schools met at Carmel Technology College, in Darlington, for an annual teachers' conference. Officials from Poland, Germany, Finland, Italy and France took part in workshops.

DRIVING FINE: Ian Snow, 18, of Acacia Gardens, Crook, has been fined by South Durham magistrates after admitting taking his step-brother's car without permission and driving without insurance. He was fined £200 for taking the vehicle, £150 for driving without insurance, and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £55 costs.

BLOOD DONORS: A blood donations session is being held at King James I Community College, Bishop Auckland, next Thursday, from 3pm to 7pm.

WHIST DRIVE: A whist drive will be held on Saturday, May 24, in Helmington Row Village Hall, Crook, at 2pm.

SHOP ANNIVERSARY: Dene Valley One Stop Shop celebrates its first anniversary with a fun day on Saturday, June 21, between 11am and 4pm.

CHARITY BOOST: Staff from the Asda store in Spennymoor raised £610 at Merrington Lane Club for the Catherine Readshaw Fund.

COUNCIL MEETING: The next meeting of Stanhope Parish Council is on Wednesday, June 4, in the board room in Stanhope Town Hall, at 7pm.

CHEESE AND WINE: St James' Church in Coundon's Under The Roof Appeal is holding a cheese and wine evening on Tuesday, May 27, from 6pm onwards, at the church. Admission is £2.

CIVIC SOCIETY: Bishop Auckland Civic Society is holding an open meeting at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, on Tuesday, May 27, at 7.30pm.

DRIVING BAN: Michael Evers, 28, of Linden Court, Spennymoor, was disqualified from driving for 18 months for driving other than in accordance with his licence, without insurance and without an MoT. He was also fined £220 plus £50 costs by South Durham magistrates.

KIDS' EVENTS: Darlington's Crown Street Library is holding a series of children's events throughout half-term. For details call (01325) 349610.

KIDS' WALK: Cherry Tree Children's Nursery, in Sedgefield, is backing the Forester's Big Toddle, in aid of the Barnardo's charity next month. About 25 children will walk around the village on June 13.

CONCERT DATE: The Spennymoor Town Band and Youth Band are giving a concert at Spennymoor Town Hall on Saturday, June 14, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on (01388) 815276.