Bishop Auckland's new £67m hospital is inviting members of staff, their families and patients and visitors to the switch on of its Christmas tree lights.

Students from King James I Community College, Bishop Auckland and Cockton Hill Junior School will sing carols, while Newton Aycliffe Pipe Band serenades the crowd. Trust chairman Angela Ballatti will host the event and League of Friends' chairman, Dorothy Taylor, will switch on the lights. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday at 6.30pm.

SHOPPING TRIP: The Spennymoor and District Mobility Club has organised a Christmas shopping trip to the MetroCentre on Tuesday.

COMMUNITY TALK: The next meeting of the Burnt Houses, Esperley and Cockfield Partnership is on Tuesday, in Cockfield Community Centre, at 7pm.

PENSIONERS' PARTY: Forty pupils at Longfield Comprehensive School, Darlington, are inviting pensioners to a Christmas party at the school on Wednesday, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

CONCERT DATE: A carol concert featuring Cockerton Prize Silver Band and a choir from Alderman Leach Primary School, Darlington, takes place at Cockerton Methodist Church on Wednesday, at 7.30pm.

HEALTH MEETING: The next board meeting of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust will be held on Thursday, at 2pm in the Board Room, Sedgefield PCT Offices, Green Lane, Spennymoor. The public can participate.

DONOR DATE: A blood donor session will be held at King James I College, South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, on Thursday, from 3pm to 7pm.

FUNDRAISING SALE: Red Hall Youth Club in Darlington is holding a sale to fund a children's Christmas party. The event takes place at Red Hall Community Centre on Wednesday, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. To book stalls, call (01325) 388858.

WALKING CLUB: The Etherley walking group's next event is on Wednesday, leaving the cricket club at 10.30am for Witton Castle.

ADVENT FAIR: St Francis' Church, Newton Aycliffe, is holding an advent fair on Saturday, December 14, from 11am to 1pm.

NATIVITY PLAY: Youngsters from St Andrew's Church Sunday School will perform their nativity play at the church, in South Church, near Bishop Auckland, on Sunday, December 15, at 9.30am. All parents are welcome to attend.

CAROL CONCERT: Crook and Weardale Choral Singers will perform carols at Dawson Street Church, Crook, on Saturday December 14, at 7pm.

silent auction: There will be a silent auction, refreshments and a bring and buy stall in Middleton in Teesdale village hall tonight, at 7pm, in aid of St Mary's Church. Middleton Male Voice Choir will be performing. Tickets are £1 for adults and 50p for children.