YOUNG footballers are benefiting from a £300 boost for kit and playing equipment.

Consett Junior Football Club is the first team in Derwentside to win a kit bag under the Barclaycard Free Kicks scheme. Club bosses were helped in their bid by the sports development staff at Derwentside District Council. The bag includes a full set of strips, goalkeeper's kit, corner flags, coaching bibs, training cones and balls, two match balls and water bottles. Other clubs interested in applying for equipment can contact Derwentside sports development on (01207) 218528.

JUST LIKE DAD: A Durham man is following in his father's footsteps as a driving instructor, thanks to backing from the Prince's Trust. Chris Beard, of Bowburn, has opened his own driving school, Durham Drivetime SOM. "The help and support I was offered from the Prince's Trust was unbelievable," he said. "I would not be where I am today without them." He hopes to emulate his father, Tommy, who has run a driving school for 25 years.

DOUBLE JOY: A Derwentside family held a double celebration recently to mark two new appointments. Local vet Jacqui Molyneux was invested as president of Consett Rotary Club, the same night as her mother, Dawn Robson, became head of Consett Inner Wheel.

GOOD CITIZENS: The Action Durham group is piloting a Young Citizens Award for 14 and 15-year-olds involved in volunteering. The accolade, which will be presented for young people completing 50-hours of voluntary work, may be adopted nationally if the County Durham scheme proves a success.

PIT PHOTOS: Old photographs portraying pit life in Cornsay, near Lanchester, are needed for use in a forthcoming book. Anyone who can help is asked to ring (01388) 730696.

PLANNING RULES: Tougher measures to stop unauthorised building work are being introduced. South Tyneside Council has agreed a new policy for enforcing building control to tackle unplanned works that could affect health and safety or welfare.

TALENT SHOW: Youngsters of all ages will compete in a talent show this weekend. Children are being invited to take part in Tommy's Talent Show at the Ampitheatre, on the seafront at South Shields, on Saturday, from 1.30pm. Admission is free. For further details, contact 0191-424 7985.

JUNGLE TRIP: A Durham teacher is to assist scientists on a trip to a tropical forest in Central America after winning an environmental award. Philip Sanderson will travel to Costa Rica to help research the role of insects in endangered forests. Mr Sanderson was handed the environmental grant from manufacturers 3M, which runs awards for teachers living or working near its sites.