AIR cadet Richard Malkin exchanged training in the skies for a week on the ocean when he joined a cross channel course.

The corporal from the 2505 (Bishop Auckland) Squadron joined a Marine Training Society Ship sailing from Kent to Boulogne. The squadron's press officer, John Yelland, said Richard had learned many skills and made friends. He said: "He has high hopes that a similar challenge will come along in the near future."

ATTEMPTED ARSON: A beer bottle filled with an accelerant was lit and thrown at the rear window of a house in Reeth Place, Newton Aycliffe, smashing the pane and scorching the frame, at about 9pm on Thursday.

SHED THEFT: A shed, valued at £400, was stolen from a farm at Butterwick Lane, Sedgefield, after thieves unscrewed it from a fence and the ground, between 8pm and 11pm on Thursday.

ART EXHIBITION: The Barnard Castle and Teesdale Art Society will hold its autumn exhibition at the Witham Hall, in Barnard Castle, from Thursday until October 30, each day between 10.30am and 4pm.

COUNTRY MUSIC: Middleton-in-Teesdale Workingmen's Club will host an evening of country music by Dave Read at 8.30pm tonight. Tickets are £3.50, available at the door

BAND CONCERT: Fishburn Band will perform at a concert at Mickleton Village Hall tomorrow, at 7.30pm. There will be a licensed bar. Tickets cost £5, from Mickleton Service Station, on (01833) 640331, or at the door.

TALENT TOURNAMENT: The annual Teesdale Music, Speech and Drama Tournament takes place today from 9am, at Teesdale School, in Barnard Castle. Entry is £1 for adults and 50p for children, and visitors are welcome. Refreshments are available and programmes cost £1 at the door.

FASHION SHOW: Barnard Castle Workingmen's Club hosts a fashion show organised by the Teesdale committee of Cancer Research UK on October 31. Tickets cost £3. For details contact Ian Douglas on (01833) 650638.

CHARITY SALE: There will be a table-top sale in aid of the charity the Friends of Senior Citizens at the Witham Hall, in Barnard Castle, on Wednesday, between 10am and 1pm. To book a table call (01325) 313924.

NEW CENTRE: Clifton Centre community association in Darlington is in line to be given £490 by Darlington Borough Council to buy a tea trolley, chairs, cash register, book shelves, kettle and a toaster. The centre will open next month and will provide a base for residents for recreation, learning and volunteer work.

NEW GARDEN: The Prince's Trust Volunteer Programme has been recommended to receive £250 by Darlington Borough Council's cabinet, for a sensory garden in the grounds of St Matthew's and St Luke's Church.

SINGING GROUP: The Richardson Singers of Darlington are in line to be given £200 by Darlington Borough Council, to buy new sheet music for the group.