ANYONE interested in Middlesbrough's Stewart Park is invited to join a meeting at 1pm, on Thursday, in the park's Captain Cook Birthplace Museum.

Stewart Park Consultative Group meets three or four times a year and provides a forum for people to consider current and future use of the park. Anyone interested in attending is asked to call (01642) 515600.

ROAD CLOSURE: The Christmas lights switch-on in Stockton will involve the closure of the A1035 Riverside Road, between the Princess of Wales Bridge and the Castlegate Centre car park, from 3pm to 6pm, on Sunday. Part of Stockton High Street will also be closed, from 4pm to 6pm.

ENERGY ADVICE: The Environment Centre, Stockton, is offering people advice on how to reduce fuel bills and increase personal safety. The centre will hold open days on Wednesday and Thursday, from 10.30am to 4pm. For more details, call (01642) 391186.

DRINK UP: A coffee morning will be held by the Stockton branch of Soroptimists International in aid of Trauma International, in Yarm Methodist Church hall, next Saturday, from 10am to noon. Admission is 50p.

SPECIAL EMPLOYEE: Liz Montgomery, 59, is the 1,000th person to be employed by the Asda store, in Hartlepool. She began work earlier this month and, on Friday, will be presented with flowers and wine to mark her special appointment.

JUMBLE SALE: Guisborough Parish Church will be holding a jumble sale in Sunnyfield House, Westgate, Guisborough, next Saturday, between 10am and noon. Admission is free and profits will be given to the lighting appeal.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Saltburn's Christmas tree lights switch-on will be on Saturday, at 5pm. There will be carols around the tree, which is in Albion Terrace, from 4.45pm. Santa will arrive at 5.05pm.

NEW HOUSES: Stockton Borough Council has received a planning application from Charles Church North-East to build 86 houses on the former Quarry Farm, in Ingleby Barwick. A decision is expected to be reached within two months.

CRAFT FAIR: On Thursday, at the Allensway Centre, Thornaby, a Christmas craft fair will be held. Admission to the event, being held between 5pm and 8.30pm, is free.

RESIDENTS MEET: The Low Grange Residents' Association, Billingham, will be holding an open meeting on Friday, at 7pm, in Low Grange Community Centre. Anyone who wishes to attend should turn up on the night.

COFFEE MORNING: New Marske Methodist Church will be holding a coffee morning next Saturday, from 10am to noon.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: A Christmas fair will be held at St John's Church, Durham Road, Stockton, on Saturday, at 10am.