Advocacy in Darlington will be opening its doors next Thursday for World Mental Health Day.

The day starts at 10am and representatives of all the agencies who work from Pease House in the Horsemarket in Darlington will be available to talk about their work. The agencies include Durham Counselling Service, Darlington Direct Payments Service. Darlington Association on Disability, Mencap, Anchor Staying Put and the Darlington Carers Group.

LISTENERS WANTED: St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington is looking for volunteers who are patient and good listeners to help people who are coming to terms with a death of a loved one. To volunteer, call Chris Masson on (01325) 254321 between 10am and 1pm.

BAG SNATCH: A 64-year-old woman had her handbag snatched by a mugger in the King William Street area of Darlington, on Tuesday, at about 9pm. The thief was white, in his 20s, with short dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing. Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01325) 467681.

PHONE STOLEN: A woman had her mobile phone stolen while she shopped in the Aldi store, in Yarm Road, Darlington. The incident occurred between 4.30pm and 5pm on Wednesday. The 47-year-old victim was jostled in the store by a man, in his early 20s, with short dark hair, and a similar-aged woman, who had short fair hair. Anyone with information is urged to call police on (01325) 467681.

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

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 (01388) 526449.

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 from organiser Hays Travel at the Bishop Auckland or Shildon branches or the hospice, in Woodhouse Lane.

BABY DEATH: 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. Darlington and South Durham coroner Colin Penna recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.