A sponsored eight-mile walk to raise money for Darlington's Giving Tree appeal has been organised by the town's Citizen of the Year.

Michael Nicholson, who received the award for his voluntary work, is leading the walk, from Darlington to Middleton St George, on Sunday. The appeal aims to provide local deprived families with toys and hampers for Christmas. Anyone interested in taking part or sponsoring the walkers can call Mr Nicholson on (01325) 241027.

CLUB REFIT: Work on a £70,000 refurbishment at Riley's Snooker Club, in Darlington, begins today. The club will be open during the work, which finishes on December 20.

CHARITY APPEAL: Pets at Home, in Darlington's Retail Park, welcomed guests Carol Goodman and her dog Anton, from Darlington, in the store on Saturday to collect funds for Dogs for the Disabled.

MINISTER VISITS: Arts Minister Baroness Blackstone toured Darlington Arts Centre on Friday. She had requested to see the facility and be introduced to staff.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS: A flower demonstration will take place at the Community Church Hall, Kirk Merrington, on Friday, to raise funds for the Dystonia charity and the village's St John's Church.

FESTIVE CONCERT: Bishop Auckland Music Society presents a concert by the Durham Singers in Bishop Auckland Castle on Friday, at 7.15pm. Tickets are available at the door, from Top Sounds, Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, on (01388) 609444, or from Peter Cooper on 0191-386 8622.

POPPY APPEAL: The annual Poppy Appeal in Crook raised £1,413 for the Royal British Legion.

PARTNERSHIP MEETS: The next meeting of the Crook Community Partnership is on Thursday, at 7pm, in St Catherine's Community Centre, Market Place, Crook.

PARISH COUNCIL: Etherley Parish Council will hold a meeting at Toft Hill and Etherley Community Centre tomorrow, from 6.45pm.

DENTAL CARE: Sure Start Wear Valley's Smile for Life group, a dental care club for pre-school children, holds meetings at Woodhouse Close Church, Bishop Auckland, every Thursday, from 9.30am. For details call (01388) 665665.

DANCE DATE: Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, will hold a tea dance tomorrow, from 1.30pm.

CHURCH FAIR: Trinity Methodist Church, Spennymoor, will hold a Christmas fair on Saturday, from 10am.

PARTNERS MEET: Wear Valley Local Strategic Partnership holds its sixth meeting next Monday, in the Civic Centre, Crook.

DANCE DATE: A dance to the music of the George Rowell Orchestra will be held at Butterknowle Village Hall, Teesdale, on Saturday. Tickets are available on (01388) 718858.