MEMBERS of a Cleveland council agreed yesterday that they should not lose their free cups of tea.

A proposal to scrap the catering service, which costs Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council taxpayers £67,770 a year in subsidy, was rejected by the executive committee. That means councillors will still receive a free cup of tea or coffee during meetings, as well as free sandwiches during particularly long discussions. It also means the cafes, restaurants and trolley services at Eston Town Hall, Redcar and Cleveland House, Kirkleatham Hall Museum, Redcar Library and Margrove Heritage Centre will survive. The executive committee had also considered tendering the service to private contractors, but that was rejected.

FLEA MARKET: A flea market and collectors fair will be held by the Saltburn Community and Arts Association on Saturday, at Saltburn Community Centre Hall, between 10am and 4pm. Money raised will go to the Saltburn Community and Arts Centre. Admission is free.

SPOOKY STORIES: Flatts Lane Country Park, in Normanby, hosts an evening of spooky storytelling tonight. For details, call (01642) 459629.

DRIVE THROUGH: Plans to build a drive-through restaurant in the Portrack Lane area of Stockton look likely to be given the go-ahead. Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee will meet on Friday to discuss the application from Burger King.

AGE CONCERN: Age Concern Teesside will hold a surgery at Redcar Day Centre, Grosmont Close, on Monday. For details, call (01642) 654222.