Four trees in a Quaker burial ground in Darlington are to be felled.

The borough council is expected to give consent for the felling of two sycamore trees, a semi-mature ash and a yew. An application has been made by the Friends Meeting House and will be considered on Wednesday.

TRIP FUNDS: Information Technology students from Bishop Auckland College have got off to a flying start as they raise money for a study trip to EuroDisney. The group held a DJ and all you can eat buffet and a sponsored leg waxing last month. During their trip to Disneyland Paris, students will be taking a close look at the computer systems used to control the complex rides.

BEER FESTIVAL: Darlington Campaign for Real Ale has announced details of its spring beer festival, which will take place at the Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, from March 27 to 29. It will feature 46 cask ales from small British breweries, plus cider and imported beers. Opening times will be 7pm to 11pm on Thursday, noon to 3pm and 6pm to 11.30pm on Friday, and 11.30am to 11.30pm on Saturday.

TOP GIRL: Thirty shoe boxes filled with toiletries, gifts and toys have been sent to orphans in Romania, thanks to the efforts of a Darlington schoolgirl. Sacha Buckley, head girl of Hurworth School, collected the items, as well as £2 per box to pay for their transport.

MINERALS COURSE: Rocks and minerals are the subject of an eight-week course starting in Darlington on January 22. For details contact the Darlington branch of the Workers' Educational Association on (01325) 357801.

SHOP FACELIFT: Darlington Borough Council has received a planning application to change the shopfront at 29 High Northgate, to install new windows and roller shutters.

THEATRE TRIP: Cockerton and Branksome Living Enterprise, in Darlington, has organised a trip for 40 children to Darlington Civic Theatre on January 10, to see the pantomime Snow White.

GIFT AMNESTY: A Christmas gift amnesty is being held at the Asda store in St Andrews Lane, Spennymoor. Unwanted gifts can be left at the store anonymously until January 14, when they will be donated to charities.

DANCE APPEAL: Bishop Auckland Youth Dance Group is looking for new members. The group meets at Bishop Town Hall on Wednesdays between 4.30pm and 6pm. Members should be between 13 and 18. For details call Kate Lauridsen on 0191-230 2681.

WATERFALL WALK: Darlington Ramblers' Association is inviting people to take part in an eight-mile walk around Ingleton and its waterfalls tomorrow. Anyone interested is asked to meet at the Park Place Health Centre at 9am.

WHIST DRIVE: Kirk Merrington Over-60s Club is holding a whist and domino drive in the village hall today, at 2pm.

BONSAI SOCIETY: The Darlington Bonsai Society meets at Walkington House, Vane Terrace, on Thursday, at 7.30pm.