A TEN-WEEK-OLD baby from Newton Aycliffe died of meningitis, an inquest at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

Lucy Austin, of Stocks Green Road, died in Bishop Auckland General Hospital on Saturday, August 31. It was initially believed she had suffered a cot-death but a post-mortem examination revealed she had meningitis. Darlington and South Durham Coroner Colin Penna recorded a verdict of natural causes.

DRUGS DEATHS: Two men died of drugs misuse, ruled Darlington and South Durham Coroner Colin Penna at their inquests in Bishop Auckland yesterday. Kevin Stephen Archer, 25, of Matfen Court, Sedgefield, died of cocaine toxicity at home on December 15 last year. George William Rae, 36, of no fixed abode, died in a house in Honister Place, Newton Aycliffe, after an overdose of heroin, morphine and valium, on January 9 this year.

CONCERT FUNDRAISER: The Rotary Club of Crook presents Arthur Kay and the AK Chorale, with soloist Alison Snell and pianist George Hetherington, in a Gershwin Night concert at Cockton Hill Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland. Tickets for the event, on Friday, October 18, are £4 from Crook Rotarians or call Tom Cramb on (01388) 526449. Proceeds will go to PolioPlus, Rotary's drive to stamp out polio disease.

LEEK SHOW: Joan Thompson won the best leek, matching pair and chocolate cake prizes at the show in the Sportsman Inn, Toft Hill. Barbara Watson won the intermediate leek, long leek and tray of vegetable classes. Rose Bell won the novelty vegetable category along with most points in show.

NIGHT FEVER: A 70s night will be held at The Beehive, Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, on Thursday, October 17, to raise cash for the Butterwick Hospice. Tickets cost £2 and are available from organisers Hays Travel's Bishop Auckland or Shildon branches, or the hospice, in Woodhouse Lane.

RESCUE RUN: Veterinary nurse Kelly Peareth will take part in the Great North Run this weekend to raise money for Spennymoor Cat Rescue. The 20-year-old, from Bishop Auckland, hopes to raise more than £800 for the centre. To make a donation call Margaret Harris on (01388) 818753.

HARVEST THANKS: An evening of harvest thanksgiving and music will be held at St Thomas's Church, Stanhope, tomorrow at 7pm. It will be followed by a faith supper.

BUGGY CLUB: New members are welcome to the Spennymoor District Mobility Club, known as the Buggy Club, for its meeting at Spennymoor Leisure Centre at 2pm next Friday.

CHARITY CARDS: Four Clocks Centre, in Bishop Auckland, will sell charity Christmas cards from October 14 to December 18, Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

DO LUNCH: St Mark's Church, Eldon, will serve lunches on Saturday next week, from noon to 2pm.