Greenfield Community and Arts Centre, in Newton Aycliffe, is starting a course called Get Crafty with your Kids, which will provide an opportunity for parents or carers to work on creative projects with their children.

The ten-week course will take place from 6pm to 8pm each Monday, costing £20 for adults and £10 for under-16s. To join or for more information, call (01325) 307147 or 379048.

COMPUTER COURSES: A range of computer courses are available at Greenfield Community and Arts Centre, Newton Aycliffe for all levels from beginners to Clait Level 2. Free computer drop-in sessions will be held daily from 9.30am to 11.30am. For details call (01325) 307147 or 379048.

DANCE CLUB: The youth dance club at Greenfield Community and Arts Centre, Newton Aycliffe, has restarted after a summer break. The sessions are held each Thursday from 5.30pm to 7.15pm and are open to young people of all abilities at a cost of £1 per session. For details call (01325) 307147 or 379048.

KIND DONATIONS: The local branch of the MS Society held a collection in Bishop Auckland last Saturday and raised £470.43. The charity thanks helpers, donors and staff of the Four Clocks Project for their help.

MP SURGERY: Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster will hold a surgery at the Shildon Centre, Main Street, next Friday, from 5pm.

CHARITY EVENT: The Darlington and district branch of the Cats Protection League is holding an autumn fair tomorrow at St Cuthberts Church Centre, Market Place, Darlington, between 10am and 12.30pm. There will be various stalls and admission is free to the fundraising event.

GIPSEY SITE: People living near a proposed gipsy site are being asked for their opinion on the development. Jim Mounsey wants to house six caravans on his land at Blackwell Moor Farm, in Snipe Lane, near Stressholme Golf Course, Darlington. Darlington Borough Council refused the application but Mr Mounsey has appealed to the Secretary of State who is asking for people's opinions of the situation. Mr Mounsey has the backing of the Gipsy Council in his appeal.

CARE HOME: Permission is set to be granted for a 74-bed care home to be built at Whinbush Way, in Darlington. Councillors have been recommended to give the go-ahead to the St Martin's Care plans when they meet next week.

DAMCE SCHOOLl: A dance school could open in Ridsdale Street, Darlington, if planning permission is granted. Julian Taylor has applied to turn a shop in the street into a dance school.

CHILDREN'S HELP: The parents of children with dyslexia are invited to a demonstration of a new aid to help them learn multiplication tables. The multi-sensory table packs will be on display at Morrison's business training centre in Morton Park, Darlington on Wednesday, from 7pm until 8.45pm. For details call (01325) 387700.