A RIVERSIDE stroll taking place in Middlesbrough next week marks the start of a series of fortnightly healthy walks in the town.

The Healthy Stepping project, organised by Tees and North-East Yorkshire NHS Trust and other agencies, is aimed at encouraging people to make new friends and get some exercise. Each walk will last about an hour and walkers will receive free refreshments. The first walk begins at 1.45pm on Monday at the Macmillan Learning Centre in Stockton Road. For more information call Sue Barnard on (01642) 515612.

CHARITY APPEAL: Runners taking part in this year's Great North Run are being asked to raise funds for Butterwick Children's Hospice in Stockton. Anyone interested can get a sponsorship form by calling (01642) 624231.

COUNTRY CONCERT: Country music singer Anne Breen is in concert at Marton Hotel and Country Club, Middlesbrough, on Sunday, September 15. The performance, in aid of Teesside Hospice Care Foundation, also features the Teesside Fettlers and Norman Evans. Tickets cost £8 on (01642) 355866.

LAPTOP LOAN: Children who attended recent summer schools at Caldicotes and Abingdon Primary schools in Middlesbrough have been able to polish their computer skills at home. Youngsters were invited to lend laptops they had been using for the rest of the summer holidays as part of a Primary Link Project. Families could then practise on the laptops and attend Easy PC sessions at Thorntree and Abingdon libraries. Mike Carr, from the Primary Link Project, said: "It's a fantastic opportunity and the families involved have been totally enthusiastic."

CLASSIC WALK: Keen walkers are invited to sign up for the 19th Cleveland Classic Walk, which will take place on Saturday, September 28. There are two routes - 35 miles or 24 miles - both beginning at Ingleby Greenhow and finishing at Danby Dale. The event, to raise funds for the Camphill Village Trust, starts at 8am and entry is £8.50, which includes a meal. Entry forms are available from Nevisport, 100 Newport Road, Middlesbrough or by sending an SAE to 10 Hawkstone, Middlesbrough TS8 9XJ.

FENCE PLAN: An application for 2.4m high security playground fencing at St Clare's RC Primary School, Trimdon Avenue, Acklam, Middlesbrough, has been received by Middlesbrough Council.