PEOPLE on probation could soon be helping to dig allotments in Middleton St George.

The parish council has been approached by the Probation Service suggesting offenders who need to work in the community could spend time at the allotments. Discussions are to be held to devise a scheme where offenders would work on vacant allotments to make them more appealing to prospective tenants.

WAREHOUSE PLANS: Plans for four warehouse units on land adjacent to Arriva Buildings, in Morton Road, Darlington, have been submitted to the borough council.

CLUB ROLE: Darlington's 700 Club, which supports homeless people in the town, is looking for a secretary. For more information, telephone (01325) 266888.

HALL EVENT: Redworth Women's Institute, near Darlington, is inviting people to a pie and pease pudding night on Friday, at 7pm, in the village hall. Tickets costing £2.50 are available on (01325) 316761.

RENOVATION PLAN: Listed building planning consent for renovations at a house in The Front, Middleton One Row, will not be opposed by Middleton St George Parish Council. Darlington Borough Council will have the final decision on the proposal.

CARNIVAL APPEAL: Crook Carnival Committee is appealing for marshals to help with running the event on July 5. Anyone who would like to help can contact (01388) 763324 or (01388) 762484.

FAMILY DATE: The official opening of the wheelchair and family walk organised by Wolsingham Wayfarers will take place at the recreation field on Monday, at 2.30pm. The annual meeting of the Wolsingham Wayfarers takes place at the Mill Race pub on Tuesday, May 6, at 7.30pm.

SCHOOL PLACES: Rookhope Primary School has places available for pre-school children, aged from two-and-half for the summer term. Full details are available from Jane Howstan on (01388) 517268.

FLATS OPPOSED: Plans for 18 apartments in Middleton St George are being opposed by parish council members, who feel the height and design of the apartments would not be in keeping with the rest of the village.

SOCIETY TALK: Dr Angus Winchester will give an illustrated talk on common rights and land in the North Pennines at the next meeting of the Weardale Society, in the Methodist Schoolroom, Stanhope, on Thursday, at 7.30pm.

BAND AID: A car boot sale in aid of Stanhope Silver Band is being held at the Weardale Inn, Ireshopeburn, on Monday, at 10am.