Middlesbrough's temporary open-air ice rink opens for Christmas in Victoria Gardens, the town square, today.

Singing its praises will be Abba tribute band Bjorn Again. British ice skating champion Gina Fullon is setting up a National Ice Skating Association learn to skate programme for the holidays, at the rink.

CAROL CONCERT: A carol concert is being held in Middlesbrough next month. The Friends of Linthorpe Cemetery will be holding the service at Linthorpe Cemetery Lodge, Burlam Road, Middlesbrough. There will be carols and music by the Salvation Army, followed by mince pies and mulled wine. The service starts at noon, on Sunday, December 8. For details, call (01642) 815663.

TRIBUTE CONCERT: Al Jolson impersonator Clive Baldwin performs at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre, on Saturday, December 7, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10, concessions are £8. To book, call (01429) 890000.

BREAST CANCER: East Cleveland Breast Cancer Support Group meets every Tuesday at 6.30pm, at Village Arts, Stable House, Loftus. The aim of the group is to bring together people who have had breast cancer or who are supporting a relative or friend suffering from breast cancer, for mutual support. The meeting will be informal and light refreshments will be provided. For details, call Pat Watson on 07909 906269.

MP'S SURGERIES: Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, will hold two surgeries today. The first will be between 4pm and 5pm at Easterside Library, and the second will be from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, at Langdon Centre Community Centre, at Coulby Newham.

CHARITY CRAFTS: An art and craft fair is being held in aid of Cancer Research UK on Sunday. It takes place in the Women's Institute Hall, Elwick, from 11am to 5pm. Entry is free.

FESTIVE FAIR: Butterwick Hospice holds a Christmas fair in Preston Park, Eaglescliffe, tomorrow, from 10am to 4pm.

HELPLINE THANKS: A line dance at Marske Leisure Centre on November 16 raised £200 for the Missing Persons Helpline.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: A Christmas fair is being held at Preston Primary School, Laurel Road, Eaglescliffe, next Friday, from 5pm to 7pm.