AN inquest was opened yesterday into the death of a 29-year-old Newton Aycliffe man found dead at his home last week.

Christopher Oliver, of Biscop Crescent, was single and had worked for Bishop Auckland dehumidifier company Ebac for nine years until last May, his father, Terence, told the hearing at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court. Consultant pathologist Dr Clive Bloxham asked for time for forensic tests. Darlington and South Durham coroner Colin Penna adjourned the hearing.

GAMES CLUB: New members are welcome at Bishop Auckland Bridge Club, which meets at Bishop Auckland Town Hall every Thursday at 6.45pm, play starts at 7pm. For details call David Latner on (01388) 488643 or secretary Alison Young on (01388) 768412.

DAY TRIP: Four seats remain on a three-day trip to London taking in Windsor Castle, Hampton Court and Buckingham Palace. Staying at the Tower Thistle Hotel, the August 16-18 trip costs £125 per person with all proceeds to the Teesdale Cancer Research UK Committee. To book call Mr Douglas on (01833) 650638 or Burrells Coaches on (01833) 621302.

BOWLS TOURNAMENT: The Darlington and District Outdoor Bowling Association will hold its annual Barningham Jack tournament on August 4. The event will be held at Hunden's Park Bowling Green, and will start at 11am. Entrance fee is £6 per team. For further details call (01325) 265196.

ROTARY EXHIBITION: The Rotary Club of Crook is hosting an exhibition at Crook Library, throughout August. The event, which is officially opened on August 1, looks at how Rotary Clubs work.

PARTNERSHIP MEETING: Dene Valley Community Partnership meets on Thursday at 1.30pm in the One Stop Shop in the High Street, Eldon Lane.

PIE SUPPER: St Herbert's and St John's Church, in Darlington, will hold a pie and peas supper event at Rosemary Court, on August 1. The event will begin at 6.30pm and there will also be bingo, a raffle and tombola.

CHARITY SALE: Princes Trust volunteers will hold a car boot sale at The Lightfoot Institute, Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, on Friday, from 9am to 4pm. Donations welcome. For details call (01388) 664211.

ART ATTACK: A cartoon workshop will be held for eight to 12-year-olds at Crook library on Monday, from 10am to 11.30am. To book a ticket, priced £1, call (01388) 766504.

CHURCH TEA: A church in Piercebridge is serving tea and cakes every Saturday until August 17. The tea room, in St Mary's Church hall will be open from 10.30am to 5pm. All proceeds go to church funds.

FRUIT FAIR: Wolsingham Baptist Church, in the Market Place, is holding a Strawberry Fair on Saturday, from 2pm.