MOTORISTS will be able to find out what they can do to protect the environment at an event in Hartlepool.

A dual-fuel car, which can be powered by either liquid petroleum gas or petrol, will be on display in the town's Church Square, outside the Municipal Buildings, on Friday, from 10am to 2pm. Organised by Hartlepool Borough Council, the event aims to inform people about cleaner alternatives to petrol and diesel.

SKATE FUN: Free skate sessions are on offer for people aged eight to 16 next week. Sessions will be held from noon to 3pm. On Monday, the session will be at West Redcar School tennis courts; on Tuesday, at Trunk Road Recreation Ground, Dormanstown; Wednesday at Roseberry Square Youth Centre, Redcar; Thursday at the tennis courts in Locke Park, Redcar; and on Friday at Green Gates School, Redcar. To take part, call (01642) 444311

SAFETY COURSE: Stockton Borough Council is offering a course in how to stay safe at work. Health and Safety at Work, a foundation level qualification, will be held at Portrack Community Centre, Stockton, on Thursday, February 27, and Thursday, March 13, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. To join the course, call (01642) 605683.

ORGANIC PLANS: Sure Start East Cleveland has organised a clear-up of an overgrown allotment in Liverton Mines this weekend. Volunteers will transform the site into an organic allotment, which will be used for growing fruit and vegetables for the community.

FRIENDS MORNING: The Friends of Ropner Park will hold a coffee morning today, from 10am until noon at All Saints Church, Hartburn, Stockton. Admission is 60p.

ACTIVITY WEEK: A fun-packed programme of activities will be on offer for children during half-term at the Hill Street shopping centre, in Middlesbrough. There will be face painting sessions on Monday and Thursday, a balloon modelling and magic show on Tuesday and Friday and an appearance by a super hero mouse on Wednesday. The programme will finish on Saturday, when Chuckles the Clown will put on a performance. All the events are free and run from 11am to 2pm.