PLACES are still available for children wishing to take part in lantern-making sessions in Sedgefield's Ceddesfeld Hall on Saturday, at 10am.

People taking part must bring a jam jar. The finished products will be paraded before the start of the village's fireworks display in the grounds of Ceddesfeld Hall at 6.30pm.

BUSINESS ADVICE: A free workshop to help people set up their own business will be held at the Montalbo Village Hall, Gainford, from 2pm to 3pm, today.

FANCY DRESS: Stainton Grove Community Centre, near Barnard Castle, will hold an under-16s fancy dress disco and family night from 6.30pm today. Prizes will be on offer for the best Halloween costumes and hand-made lanterns. All proceeds will be in aid of community association funds. For details call (01833) 631906 or (07720) 855458.

FARMING PLAY: The Blaize Theatre Company will perform New Life at the Witham Hall, Barnard Castle, on November 13, at 7.30pm. The play is based on life in a rural community after the foot-and-mouth crisis. For ticket details call (01833) 631107.

CHURCH CONCERT: Carol Andrew singers will perform at St James the Great Church, Melsonby, on Saturday, November 9, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the door or by telephoning (01325) 718711.

PLANNING MEETING: The next meeting of Wear Valley District Council's development control committee is tomorrow, at 6pm, in the Crook Civic Centre.

AUTUMN FAIR: Etherley Methodist Church is holding an autumn fair on Saturday, at 2.30pm.

DISCO DATE: Happy Times Children's Club and Junior Neighbourhood Watch are holding a Halloween fancy dress disco in the Southerne Club, Newton Aycliffe, tomorrow, from 7pm to 10pm. Children must be accompanied by parents.

DENTAL ADVICE: Sure Start Wear Valley holds Smile For Life sessions about dental hygiene for youngsters at Woodhouse Close Church, every Thursday from 9.30am.

CHARITY EVENT: Morrisons supermarket, Bob Hardisty Drive, Bishop Auckland, is running a fundraising tombola on Friday, in aid of the town's Butterwick Hospice.