FOUR SETS of three-seater, two-seater and single seater suites, valued at £2,500, were stolen from a furniture factory in Grindon Way, Newton Aycliffe, between 4.30pm on Wednesday and 8.30am on Thursday.

A Leyland Daf van, registration number R972 KAD, was stolen from the same site and later found abandoned in Millennium Way, Newton Aycliffe.

HELPING COLLEGE: Prince's Trust volunteers are raising money to redecorate the stage at King James I Community College, in Bishop Auckland, with a car boot sale on October 18. Anyone who has goods to sell or can make a donation, is asked to contact the team on (01388) 554211, or 0780 3355790. Volunteers are also planning a sponsored walk along a 12-mile stretch of Hadrian's Wall.

CHURCH REMEMBERS: St Andrew's Church, Sadberge, is holding a service to remember people who have died in the past year, on Sunday, November 3, at 6.30pm.

VIVA MEXICO: Bishop Auckland Operatic Society will stage its latest show in the Eden Theatre, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, on Monday. The week-long production, called Viva Mexico, runs until next Saturday.

PARISH SALE: There will be a table-top sale in the parish hall in Newgate, Barnard Castle, on October 26, between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Admission is free and refreshments will be available. To book a table, contact Liz Lamb, on (01833) 638970.

FRENCH CUISINE: Churches Together will serve French cuisine in Gainford Village Hall next Saturday evening. Tickets cost £6 and are available from the church. Proceeds from the event will go to Water Aid, which helps developing countries.

HARVEST SERVICE: St Andrew's Church, in Startforth, will hold a special family service for harvest, tomorrow, at 9.30am.

COFFEE MORNING: Abbeyfield House, in Galgate, Barnard Castle, will host an autumn coffee morning next Saturday, between 10.30am and 11.45am. The event will also include a raffle and cake stall.

SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: A meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council's scrutiny committee covering resource management, community safety and supporting people will be held on Tuesday, in the council offices, Green Lane, Spennymoor, from 10am.

ORGAN CONCERTS: Two organ concerts at the New Victoria Centre, Howden-le-Wear start at 7pm today and 2.30pm tomorrow. Catherine Drummond and Simon Pattison are console.

WATCH MEETING: A public meeting takes place at Skerne Park primary school, Darlington, on Saturday, October 26, at 1pm. The event was set up by local Neighbourhood Watch members and is aiming to tackle the problem of nuisance youths in the area. All residents are invited to attend.