A RETIRED probation officer is the new chairman of Middlesbrough Council.

Father of five, Councillor Peter Porley was yesterday sworn in as Chairman of the council - a post which was previously known as Speaker of the Council. During his year in office, the 62-year-old Park End ward councillor will work to raise funds for the treatment of prostate cancer at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough. His deputy is Councillor Javed Ismail.

MAY FAIR: All Saints' Church May Fair will be held at the church in Dormanstown, tomorrow, between 11am and 2pm. There will be a bouncy castle and various stalls. Admission is 30p for adults and 10p for children.

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT: Marske and New Marske Pensioners' and Friends' Group will present an Afternoon of Entertainment featuring Janie St John, on Tuesday, at the Cheshire Home, in Marske, from 2pm to 4pm. Admission is £1 and includes refreshments.

FAMILY DAY: A family activity day will take place at the Tom Leonard Mining Museum, Skinningrove, on Friday, May 30. Visitors will have the opportunity to combine a tour of the museum with a guided walk along Miners' Way. Tea will be served at 8.30am and the walk starts at 9am. Other activities include quoit throwing and crafts for children. For details of booking, contact (01287) 642877.

CHURCH CONCERT: A musical evening will be presented by the Middleton Festival Choir at the United Reformed Church in Station Road, Redcar, on Friday, June 6 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £3, and £2.50 concessions, and are available from Redcar libraries. All proceeds will go to the Redcar Town Clock appeal.

BINGO CALL: Redcar and Ladies' Lifeboat Guild will hold an afternoon tea and prize bingo at Coatham Lodge, Coatham Road, Redcar, on Thursday, at 2pm. Tickets cost £1 and are available from Redcar Library, in Coatham Road.