SNEAK thieves have struck at two homes in the North Road area of Darlington.

A house in Saltersgate Road was raided between 5.20pm on Monday and 1pm on Tuesday, and a handbag containing cash and documents were stolen. Between 1pm and 3pm on Wednesday, thieves burgled a house in North Road, and stole cash and perfume. Anyone with information can call police on (01325) 742108 or 742155, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

YOUTHS SOUGHT: Two youths were seen acting suspiciously around the time that thieves broke into a house in Roseberry Street, Darlington. Nothing was taken in the raid, which happened between 11am and 5pm on Wednesday. The youths, aged about 17, were wearing T-shirts and tracksuit bottoms.

CHARITY BOOST: Five men raised almost £900 for Macmillan Cancer Relief after completing the Lyke Wake Walk. Derek Hall, Gordon Chambers, Chris Chambers, Peter Walton and Steve Shepherdson completed the 42-mile walk in 15 hrs 25 min.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Lynn Heslop, from the Darlington Community Mental Health Team, will speak on employment opportunities at a Mental Health Action Network meeting on Thursday, September 19, at Reflections, Woodland Road, Darlington, from 2pm to 4pm.

SAINTLY LEARNING: The Darlington branch of the Workers' Educational Association is running a ten-week course called Saints - Ancient and Modern, in Bennet House, Horsemarket, starting on Tuesday, September 24, from 7.15pm to 9.15pm. For details, telephone (01325) 357801.

GARAGE SCHEME: An application to build a double garage and rebuild a party wall at 3 Southend Avenue, Darlington has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

CHURCH AUCTION: A wine and cheese evening with an auction will take place at St James the Great Church, Darlington, next Friday, at 8pm. Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for children. Guests are asked to bring something to auction for church funds.

WI MARKET: Darlington Women's Institute Market will close on Tuesday, August 27. It will reopen on Tuesday, September 3, from 10am to 11.30am at the Friends' Meeting House, Skinnergate.

HOME EXTENSION: Plans for a single-storey extension at 71 Starmer Crescent, Darlington, have been received by Darlington Borough Council.

NETBALL LEAGUE: The Spectrum Leisure Complex, in Willington, is hoping to start an indoor netball league to run on Wednesday evenings during the winter months. The cost will be £13 a week for a 40-minute game.

CREAM TEAS: Cream teas will be served at Wolsingham Baptist Church on Saturday, August 24, from 2pm until 4pm.