POLICE are investigating the shooting of a six-month old puppy in front of two children.

Sisters Caitlin Brown, 12, and Danielle, ten, have been devastated by the death of their pet Martha. The girls, who live on Crook's Watergate Estate, were walking Martha with friends. Crook police confirmed they were investigating the incident, which occurred on Sunday afternoon.

CHURCH THEFT: An antique cast-iron boot scraper used by Prime Minister Tony Blair has been stolen from the Church of St Mary Magdelene, Trimdon Village. The 12in scraper, which stands on a base, was taken between March 10 and 18. Anyone with information is asked to call PC Charlie Huxley on (01325) 314401, quoting reference AK626503.

VOLUNTEERS PLEA: Age Concern Durham County is seeking up to six new members for its board of trustees. Potential recruits must be able to spare five hours a month, live in County Durham, and preferably possess leadership skills and knowledge of information technology, management or health and social care. For details call Allen Dobson on (01388) 763131.

ACCESS ADVICE: Business can learn about the disabled access requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, which come into force next year, at a free briefing tomorrow, organised by Darlington College of Technology in Catterick. For details call Joanne Brooks on (01748) 876700.

ORGANIST WANTED: An organist is wanted for Trimdon Station Methodist Church, which has been without musical support since the death of David Garrood between Christmas and New Year. For details call (01429) 882130.

CASH BONUS: A horse trials event has raised £4,000 for St Teresa's Hospice. The Witton Castle Charity Horse Trials took place near Bishop Auckland on September 28 and 29. The next trials event is on Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30. A further event is also planned for September.

PLAY GROUP: Play and Praise is taking place at All Saints Church, Ravensdale Road, Darlington, tomorrow, at 10.30am.

PIE AND PEAS: Middleton St George Women's Institute is holding a pie and peas supper today, at 7.30pm, in the WI hall.

HERITAGE TALK: Historian George Flynn is giving a talk on Visits to British Heritage Railways at a meeting of the Friends of Darlington Railway Museum today, at 2.15pm, at the museum.

COFFEE TIME: Frosterley Women's Institute will hold a coffee morning in Frosterley Village Hall on Saturday, from 10am to noon. Proceeds will go to Weardale Community Hospital.