Former Hartlepool Borough Council chief executive Brian Dinsdale, who left his post last month to take over the same role at Middlesbrough Borough Council, has recruited his former number two, Jan Richmond, to join him at Middlesbrough.

The assistant chief executive's decision to leave Hartlepool came less than a fortnight after Mr Dinsdale's departure. She joined the authority 11 years ago to help develop Hartlepool's transformation into a unitary authority before becoming head of corporate policy and assistant chief executive last year.

QUITTING HELP: People in the Stockton area who wish to stop smoking are to receive extra help. SureStart is offering parents, grandparents and parents-to-be the chance to join stop smoking sessions. For details, call Sandra Cooper on (01642) 615153.

ASTHMA AID: A display by Teesside Asthma Group will be on show in Redcar Library until Saturday. A member of the group will be available to answer questions on Friday.

KNOTTY CHALLENGE: On Sunday, from 1pm to 3pm, Countryside wardens at the Saltburn Valley Woodlands Centre will demonstrate how to tie knots. For details, call (01287) 622408.

HOMEOPATHY TALK: A free talk on homeopathy will be given by Dorothy Park at Brotton Library next Wednesday, from 1.30pm.

ROAD CLOSURE: Grove Road, in Skinningrove, is closed for 13 weeks for sewerage works.

COMMUNITY SKIP: There will be a skip in the Elm Tree Community Centre car park, in Stockton, today. For details of what rubbish can be left, call (01642) 391959.

Website lanched: A website highlighting the work done by the Stockton Liberal Democrat Party has just been launched. The website can be found at www.stocktonlibdems.org.uK