AN application to change the use of the Take a Break Caf in Cockerton, Darlington, into a 30-machine amusement arcade, has been rejected by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee.

Officers had recommended approval of the scheme, which drew 67 letters of objection and a 1,000-signature petition.

Alan Fulton, of Count Cash, Middlesbrough, who made the application, called the decision "stupid" and said he was confident of winning permission on appeal.

SHOW DATE: The French Restoration comedy Tartuffe, by Moliere, will be performed by the NTC touring theatre group at Hamsterley Village Hall on Friday, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on (01388) 488584.

CHARITY EFFORTS: The Asda store in Spennymoor is holding a charity raffle of hampers in aid of Children In Need. Tickets will be drawn by MP Derek Foster on Friday, November 8, at 4pm.

PLAY DAY: Sure Start Wear Valley holds a toy library at the Auckland Youth and Community Centre, Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland, every Thursday, at 3.30pm.

CHURCH SALE: St Andrew's Church, Spennymoor, is holding a gift sale and bazaar in the town hall on Saturday, at 10.30am. All proceeds go to church funds.

TRUST MEETING: County Durham and Darlington Priority Services NHS Trust will hold a board meeting today at 9.30am, in the Clairmont Family Centre. It is open to the public.

ROCK NIGHTS: Rock tribute bands will provide entertainment at the Mill House Inn, North Terrace, Crook, at the weekend. On Saturday, Iron Maiden tribute band Blackout play from 9pm, followed by Bon Jovi tribute band One Jovi on Sunday, from 8.30pm.