Householders in Hartlepool have been praised for doing their bit for recycling.

More than 400 Christmas trees were put out for Hartlepool Borough Council's recycling scheme during the first two days of a kerbside collection initiative.

Collections began on January 6 for ten days. Last year, 1,200 trees were gathered and recycled. They were shredded, before being spread on parks and gardens across the town.

BIRD EVENT: Saltburn Valley Woodlands Centre is offering people the chance to make a bird feeder for the gardens on Sunday, January 26, from 1pm to 4pm. There will be a charge of £1 or £3, depending on the size of the feeder. For details contact the centre, on (01287) 622408.

MUSIC PROGRAMME: Langbaurgh Organ Society has published details of this year's concert programme at James Finegan Municipal Hall, Eston. It includes performances by Arnold Loxam, on March 30, Kevin Morgan, on April 27, and Doreen Chadwick, on May 25. Admission at the door is £2.50 (concessions £1.50). Concerts start at 2.30pm.

BOOK-KEEPING COURSE: Stockton Borough Council's adult education service is offering a free course in basic book-keeping. The course, tomorrow, at The Willows, in Portrack, Stockton. A free creche will be provided. For details, call (01642) 393575.

THEATRE DATE: The Alan Ayckbourn comedy Round and Round The Garden will be staged at Middlesbrough Little Theatre between Monday, January 27, and Saturday, February 1. Performances start and 7.30pm and tickets cost £6 (£5 concessions), or two seats for £5 on a Monday. Call (01642) 815181 for details.

PLAY BADMINTON: A women's badminton group is looking for new members. The group plays between 10am and noon at Marske Leisure Centre. Call (01642) 472617 or (01287) 634873 for more information.

TAP DANCING: A tap dancing course starts tomorrow at Redcar Adult Learning Centre, in Corporation Road. The class takes place between 1pm and 2.30pm To book a place, call (01642) 490409.

GET FIT: Teesside Red Cross is asking people to take part in a sponsored aerobathon at Fitness First, Stockton, on Sunday, February 16. For a registration pack contact (01642) 606570.