PLAYSCHEMES and out-of- school clubs in Hartlepool have come in for praise following a consultation exercise.

Hartlepool Borough Council operates a summer playscheme from five venues around the town, as well as several after-school and holiday clubs. The council's play team also gives support to the voluntary sector to help them run similar schemes. A report to Councillor Robbie Payne, the council's cabinet member with responsibility for lifelong learning and skills, said: "There is a high level of satisfaction, with the authority taking a lead in providing playschemes, out-of-school and holiday care and support to the voluntary sector. Consultation confirms staff are friendly, experienced and have built solid relationships with parents and children that has led to a confidence and trust in the provision."

LUNCHTIME CONCERTS: A series of lunchtime concerts will be held in the Parish Church, High Street, Stockton, from February 18 to April 8, to showcase the talent of young musicians in the Teesside area. Admission to the events, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, is free.

GAMES PITCH: Hartlepool Borough Council has received a planning application from the town's Lynnfield Primary School for permission to build a multi-use games area pitch and a 2m perimeter fence.

SMOKING CLINIC: The Asda store in Thornaby will be holding quit smoking clinics in its instore pharmacy between noon to 4pm, from today until Saturday. Customers will be able to receive help and advice on ways to give up the habit.

GROUND DEVELOPMENT: Work starts today on a £489,000 project at a Hartlepool sports ground. The scheme will transform the King George V Recreation Ground, in West View. It involves the creation of a new pavilion with changing and community rooms, a floodlit multi-use games area and a small skateboarding area.

TAKEAWAY BID: Stockton Borough Council has received a planning application to change the use of the post office in Bishopton Road, Stockton, into a hot food takeaway.

STAGE DATE: Centre Stage will perform Pinnochio at Egglescliffe Community Centre, Durham Lane, Eaglescliffe, from January 27 until February 1. Tickets, priced at £3.50 for adults (£3 for concessions), are available by calling (01642) 651268 or (01642) 782649.

BEE NIGHT: The next meeting of Cleveland Beekeepers will be held tonight at Lingfield Farm Countryside Centre, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough. Members are advised to arrive at 7.15pm.

DEFENCE SCHEME: An environmental scheme to build new sea defences at Seaton Carew gets under way today. Engineering firm Seymours has been preparing the site, which involves a 600-metre stretch of sea wall and promenade, near Newburn Bridge, since the turn of the year. Hartlepool Borough Council is behind the third and final phase of the Government grant-aided initiative.