PARTNERSHIP MEET: The next meeting of the Crook Community Partnership is on Thursday, at 7pm, in the partnership office, 79 Hope Street. Christine Budd, action plan manager, will be present.

Partnership secretary David Neil said: "Ms Budd is working from our partnership office and will be seeking the partnership's views on possible renewal projects."

Other items on the agenda include a police report and a report on this year's Christmas lighting.

SPECIAL MEETING: Crook Town Cricket Club are holding an important meeting at their clubhouse on Wednesday, January 15, at 7.30pm, and are asking for members and other interested people to make every effort to attend.

The treasurer will present last year's financial statement for consideration by members.

It is hoped there will be sufficient attendance and interest to provide an opportunity for a general discussion on issues affecting the club and its future prospects as a successful and important organisation in the community.

RESIDENTS MEET: Residents in Howden-le-Wear are being invited to attend the Neighbourhood Watch open meeting at 7pm tonight, in the community centre, in Hargill Road.

At the last meeting, on November 4, only 12 residents attended and this meeting offers members an opportunity to hand in their raffle tickets, which have been sold to help raise money for the primary school's outdoor play and wildlife area.

CHARITY MONEY: A coffee morning and raffle which were held in Crook Library over the Christmas period raised £242.69 for the Butterwick Hospice in Bishop Auckland.