CHURCH leaders have welcomed the opening of a refurbished community centre after a lengthy fundraising campaign.

About £150,000 has been spent revamping the Willow Road centre, in Darlington, to provide an information technology suite and other improved community facilities. Completion of the scheme has taken four years. The project was launched by Darlington College of Technology and Darlington Partnership, together with the local church.

SALE DATE: A jumble sale will be held in Holy Family Church hall, Darlington, on Saturday, November 23, at 12.30pm, in aid of Animals in Need. Admission is 10p.

COUNCIL MEETING: The parish of All Saints and Salutation, in Blackwell, Darlington, will hold a community outreach committee meeting on Wednesday, at 42 Carmel Road South, at 7.30pm.

CHILDREN'S FAIR: A children's Christmas fair is being held in St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Market Place, Darlington, from 10am until 3pm on Saturday, November 23. Admission is 30p for adults. Children get in free. Proceeds go to Cruse Bereavement Care.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: Cakes, preserves, toiletries and bric-a-brac will be on sale at a Christmas fair in Heighington, near Darlington, on Saturday, November 23. The event is at the village hall from 2pm.

HISTORY QUIZ: George Flynn, of Darlington Historic Society, will host a local history quiz on December 18, at 7.30pm, at Walkington House, Vane Terrace.

CHRISTMAS FAIR: A Christmas fair featuring stalls, cakes and coffee will take place on Saturday, November 23, at Northland Methodist Church, North Road, Darlington, from 10.30am to 1pm.

CHARITY SALE: The Family Help charity is holding an autumn sale on Saturday, November 23, from 10am to 2pm, in St Augustine's parish centre, Larchfield Street, Darlington. The event includes a bric-a-brac sale, and stalls selling toys and clothes. Proceeds go to the Darlington Women's Refuge.

MONEY RAISED: A spooky concert has raised £525 for Children In Need. The Ghost Fest was organised by Darlington Carmel College pupils Saskia van Vlijmen and Sera Waring. Six local bands took part, including headliners Pocket Size.

PLAYER NEEDED: A bagpipe player is needed for a wedding in Darlington. Call Deborah Simpson on 07904 368370 for details.

CHARITY TRIP: A day trip to Glasgow to raise money for the Cancer Research Fund takes place on Tuesday, December 10, with pick-ups from Darlington, Staindrop, Barnard Castle and Bowes. For details, call (01833) 650638.

CHRISTMAS MARKET: The Friends of Senior Citizens charity has organised a trip to Lincoln Christmas Market on Saturday, December 7, with pick-ups at Fishburn, Sedgefield, Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Heighington and Darlington. To book a place, call (01325) 313924.