A barbecue is being held at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, for present and former patients tomorrow - Spinal Cord injuries Awareness Day.

Every year, between 30 and 50 people throughout the North receive a spinal cord injury, many as a result of car accidents, sport injuries or falls at home. A £6m centre at the hospital, which provides a service for them, is almost a year old.

ORGAN CONCERT: Marches, songs from the shows, light classics and pop tunes are in the programme when organist Doreen Chadwick takes her seat at the keyboard of the Wurlitzer organ at the James Finegan Municipal Hall, Eston, on May 25. Doors open at 2pm for the recital half an hour later. Admission by programme at the door and concessions are available.

FLYING HIGH: Shoppers are invited to take part in a balloon race at the Hill Street Centre, Middlesbrough, on May 26. The balloon which travels furthest will earn the shopper involved £500 of vouchers and there will be a prize for the finder.

HOSPICE NOSTALGIA: Teesside Hospice, Middlesbrough, is organising a History of the Hospice display at the town's Cleveland Shopping Centre in June, as part of its 21st anniversary celebrations. The hospice wants to hear from anyone who has any pictures or information which could be used. To help, call (01642) 355866.

MICE AND MEN: Advice on trapping small mammals for wildlife surveys is included in a course at Stockton's Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre. The centre, by the HMS Endeavour replica, will host a short course giving a brief overview of animal identification and how to set Longworth traps for surveys. A visit to Portrack Marsh nature reserve will follow. The course begins at 1pm on Friday with a minibus leaving Teesside University at 12.40pm. Booking for this free course is essential. Call Jonathan Pounder of Tees valley Wildlife Trust on (01642) 759900.