Hobby courses in gardening, interior decorating and design, beauty skills and driving theory have all been linked to the new English and maths curricula for adults, on offer from Stockton Borough Council's adult education service.

Jocelyn McIntyre, Stockton council's principal adult education officer, said: "Many people would not come to a traditional maths or English course, but with a specific theme that interests them, they benefit two-fold."

TREE TALK: Nature lovers can learn about types of trees during a guided walk through Hardwick Dene on Saturday. Organised by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and the Tees Forest, the walk starts at Cornforth Close, Hardwick, Stockton, at 1pm. For details, contact Steve Ashton on (01642) 759900.

LIGHTS ALERT: Temporary traffic lights will continue for two more weeks on Broadway, Dormanstown, at the junction of Dewhirsts factory and Kirkleatham Lane. This is to allow for the completion of work to install new pedestrian islands.

TOY STORY: Yarm Primary School is to hold a toy sale on Thursday, from 6pm to 8pm. The sale will be held in the main hall and there is an entrance fee of 30p.

OPEN INVITATION: A further education open day will be held at Cleveland College of Art and Design, in Green Lane, Middlesbrough, on Saturday, from 10am to 2pm.

SHOW CANCELLED: A fashion show scheduled to take place at the Hill Street Centre, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday has been postponed until the spring.

WALK THIS WAY: Stockton singles walking group is inviting people to join its eight-mile walks over the next three weeks. The group meets at 10am every Sunday in Thornaby Asda car park. For more information, call Eric on (01642) 604548.

TRIPLE TROUBLE: Five people were hurt in a pile up on Teesside, yesterday. A spokesman for Cleveland Police said they all sustained minor injuries in a three-car collision on Dixon's Bank, Marton, Middlesbrough.

ART IDEAS: Paintings, ceramics, jewellery and unusual wicker baskets are for sale in a Christmas selling exhibition at Hartlepool Art Gallery from tomorrow until January 5. Entry is free.

ROADWORKS ALERT: Work to improve the A171 at Birk Brown, near Guisborough, means the closure of the westbound carriageway and a diversion for eastbound traffic through Boosbeck, Lingdale and Stanghow.