MOTORISTS are being warned to hide their valuables after a spate of car break-ins in Darlington.

In the past week there have been 18 thefts from cars all over the town, at various times of day and night. Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer Jacqui Snowball said: "It seems to be an ongoing problem but the latest figure is particularly high. It is opportunist thieves who are breaking into side windows and taking whatever they can get. But it is such an avoidable crime." She urged people to take their valuables with them or put them where they cannot be seen.

PLAYGROUP REUNION: People with memories of the Elim Pentecostal Church playgroup in Darlington are being asked to help mark its 30th anniversary. A weekend of celebrations is being held at the church in Bowman Street, in June, to mark the occasion. Anyone with newspaper clippings, photographs or memorabilia is asked to contribute to a display planned for the weekend. Call (01325) 287806 for more details.

FUNDRAISING EFFORT: Staff and customers at Asda in Darlington raised £1,193 for Comic Relief. The winners of the red nose colouring competition were Amy Coles, nine, and Joseph Passman, four, both from Darlington, and Jessica Crompton, five, from Hurworth.

CHARITY CONCERT: Darlington and District MS Society is holding a charity concert tonight at St Augustine's Parish Centre in Larchfield Street. Jazz and blues band The Vast Majorities will be performing from 7pm. There will also be an auction, including theatre tickets and signed football memorabilia. Tickets cost £5 at the door. All proceeds will go to the society.

STABLE BLOCK: A couple living in Hurworth Moor, near Darlington, have applied for planning permission to build a single-storey extension to their house and a detached stable block. Darlington Borough Council's planning committee will consider the application at a later date.

OPEN DAY: An open day is being held in the Samaritans offices at 13 Woodland Road, Darlington, on Saturday, March 29, from 10am to 6pm. For details, call (01325) 488679.

GUIDES SALE: Gainford Guides need jumble, books and toys for a sale in the Scout Hut, Gainford, on Saturday, at 2.30pm. For details, call (01325) 730372.

LISTED BUILDING: Planning permission is being sought to carry out alterations to a listed house in Skinnergate, Darlington.

NATURE GROUP: The Whinnies nature reserve steering group will meet on Thursday, at 6.30pm, at the Fighting Cocks pub, Middleton St George, near Darlington.