AN evening of live rock music from six of the most popular bands from Teesdale, Darlington and Weardale is taking place on Thursday.

The Christmas Cracker event is being held in The Barn suite, the Jersey Farm Hotel, Barnard Castle, in County Durham. The event has been organised by the Teesdale Community Resources music project, bringing quality rock bands into the Teesdale area to play alongside homegrown bands. The line-up includes Fude, Unlearn, Astoma, Eponymous, No Fouling and The Vibe Surgeons. Tickets are £5 and can be booked on (0833) 690150. Doors open 7.30pm.

COMMUNITY MEETING: The Firthmoor Community Association is holding a general meeting on Tuesday, January 14. It will start at 6pm at the Firthmoor Community Centre in Darlington.

ROAD ACCIDENT: A woman had to be given oxygen after her car overturned on the Great Stainton to Great Burdon Road, near Darlington, yesterday afternoon. Fire crews from Darlington and Newton Aycliffe were called to the scene to release the woman after she became trapped in the car.

CHARITY CASH: An inter-house dance competition at Hurworth Comprehensive School, near Darlington, in which pupils were charged to take part, helped to raise £200 for cancer research.

CHURCH SERVICE: Eastbourne Methodist Church, in Yarm Road, Darlington, holds its nativity and Christingle services on Sunday, December 22. There will also be a carol service at 3pm.

EVENT CANCELLED: A performance by The Castle Players of ghost stories by candlelight has been cancelled. It was due to be held at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, on Sunday. Refunds are available from the tourist information centre in the town hall.

CHURCH DECORATIONS: Members of Sedgefield's St Edmund's Parish Church will be decorating the building for Christmas on Friday. Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the cost should contact the Rector, the Reverend Martin King, or members Joyce Lowe or Audrey Lofthouse.

MARKET MUSIC: A choir from Crook Primary School, in Croft Avenue, will sing carols and play handbells next to Crook Market Square, on Thursday, at 10.30am.

BULLSEYE UPDATE: Two people were arrested on Thursday accused of shop lifting offences in Bishop Auckland town centre under Durham Police Constabulary's Operation Bullseye, aimed at tackling festive crime. On Wednesday a woman was arrested in Coundon for possession of stolen goods, a man was also arrested in Barnard Castle for possession of cannabis.