A SERIES of events will mark the European Year of Disabled People in Darlington this year.

Darlington Association on Disability plans to hold activities throughout 2003, including a sponsored abseil and swim, a schools competition for and a photography exhibition. Darlington Borough Council is supporting the events and has agreed to adapt its own disability policy across the board in 2003.

Association chairman Gordon Pybus said: "This is very important as the authority has never had a disability policy before."

Volunteers are needed to help with events. Anyone interested should call Mr Pybus on (01325) 489999 or Garry West on (01325) 286802.