Companies are being asked to tender to become Darlington Borough Council's main insurer.

There was controversy earlier this year when the local authority received a renewal quote from Zurich Municipal with the premium increased by £400,000. The council said it did not have time to tender for other quotes so accepted the inflated charges. It is now inviting new tenders to be submitted by February.

RATES APPEAL: The Carr-Gomm Society charity for the mentally and physically disabled has applied to Darlington Borough Council for rate exemption for its offices in East Raby Street.

ASSAULT CHARGES: Zac Simpson, 21, of Coleridge Gardens, Darlington, denied assault causing actual bodily harm and another offence of assault when he appeared before Darlington magistrates yesterday. The hearing was adjourned until January 21.

FESTIVE LIGHTS: Councillor David Newell, Mayor of Sedgefield borough, will join Father Christmas to switch on the Christmas tree lights outside the council offices in Spennymoor tomorrow, at 5.30pm.

QUIZ NIGHT: Bishop Auckland Town Hall will host the Civic Society's annual quiz tonight, at 7.30pm. Proceeds will go to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

CHARITY BOOST: The Asda store in Spennymoor has raised £2,600 for breast cancer charities and £2,700 for BBC Television's Children in Need Appeal.

COUNCIL MEETINGS: Ferryhill Town Council's civic amenities committee will be meeting in Ferryhill Town Hall tonight, at 7pm, followed by a meeting of the recreation committee.

CASE ADJOURNED: The case against Raymond John Wilson, 18, of Peabody Street, Darlington, who is accused of receiving a stolen Ford Escort, driving while disqualified, having no insurance and theft, was adjourned until December 17 by Darlington magistrates yesterday.

WOMAN ACCUSED: Anne Louse Abel, 31, of Lewes Road, Darlington, denied damaging a front door valued at £345 when she appeared before Darlington magistrates yesterday. The case was adjourned until January 21.

COLLEGE AWARDS: Bishop Auckland College is holding an awards ceremony tomorrow night to mark students' achievements.

LIBRARY GIFT: Bikers group the Moonshiners has given £300 to Spennymoor learning library.

THEFT DENIED: The case against Anthony Mark Yates, 18, of Jura Drive, Darlington, who denies stealing a bicycle, was adjourned to January 14 when he appeared before Darlington magistrates yesterday.

COUNCIL MEETS: Great Aycliffe Town Council meets tonight, in the council chamber, School Aycliffe Lane, Newton Aycliffe, at 7.15pm.