Children and staff from Firthmoor Primary School, Darlington, have been visiting the local Sikh Gurdwara Sahib (temple).

The visit was arranged by the Akal Federation, which represents the Sikh community, as part of a cultural awareness programme.

Parminder Singh, a member of the federation's executive committee, said: "Our community awareness presentations have received a very positive response from the community."

The Akal Federation is now arranging a day trip to visit the Newcastle Gurdwara Sahib on April 13.

KITCHEN FIRE: Firefighters were called to a kitchen blaze at a house in Ruby Street, Harrowgate Hill, Darlington, yesterday afternoon. No one was hurt.

CHARITY RUN: Nikki Ainsley, 14, of Atley Hill, near Darlington, has raised £100 for Comic Relief by completing a run around her community.

MODEL SEARCH: Trimmers hairdressing and barbers shop in Bishop Auckland is offering free restyling to male and female models who take part in a haircutting demonstration at the salon next Monday. For details call (01388) 602001.

COMMITTEE MEETS: The Middleton St George Community Association committee will meet next Wednesday, at 7pm, in the community centre.

WILDLIFE TALK: Sedgefield Wildlife Group will hear an illustrated talk on An English Woman's View of Australian Wildlife, by Jill Kettlewell, in Sedgefield Parish Hall, next Thursday, at 7.45pm. For details call (01740) 620811.

CHURCH DATE: Bishop David Jenkins is giving a lecture on Belief in God in the 21st Century on Wednesday, March 26, at 7.30pm, at All Saints' Church, Ravensdale Road, Darlington. Tickets are available on (01325) 469891.

CHARITY WALK: Darlington Lions Club stages its annual charity walk on Sunday, May 4. For details call Geoff Heeley on (01325) 488321.

TENNIS COACHING: Junior tennis coaching courses for youngsters aged nine to 11 are being held in Spennymoor's Jubilee Park every Friday, between 4pm and 5pm, and at the same times on Monday, at Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre. Anyone wishing to take part needs to pre-register by contacting Gary Cooper on (01325) 300800.

SPECIAL OFFER: Ray Gale Chemists, in Bishop Auckland's Newgate Centre, has joined The Northern Echo's Shopping for the Future Campaign by offering ten per cent off certain items. Other businesses in the town are also offering discounts to shoppers on Thursdays.