AUTHOR Gervase Phinn will give a lecture at Hartlepool Historic Quay, on Wednesday, July 17, at 7pm. A former teacher and schools inspector, Mr Phinn is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer as well as a visiting professor of education at the University of Teesside.

The event has been organised by Hartlepool Borough Council as part of the Excellence in Cities initiative. Admission is free, but places must be booked by calling Pam McLaughlin on (01429) 284121.

WILDLIFE WALK: An eight- mile walk to Eston Nab from the Guisborough Forest and Walkway visitor centre, via the disused railway lines, takes place next Wednesday. The walk will be led by Bill Ashton-Wickett, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust's nature reserves project officer. The event is free but participants must take a packed lunch, stout footwear and book their places on (01287) 631132.

FUNDS BOOST: The outgoing chairman of Skelton and Brotton parish council, Doreen Rudland, has raised more than £870 for charity during her year in office. Next month she will hand over cheques to the East Cleveland Hospital in Brotton and the North Skelton Day Centre. The money was raised by a Christmas concert and a ceilidh.

PUB EXTENSION: Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee will meet tomorrow to discuss plans to build a single-storey extension and create a beer garden at The Eagle pub, in Eaglescliffe.

SALE PLAN: Councillors are being asked to approve plans for a market and car boot sale on the former British Gas site in Thornaby on Fridays from 5.30pm to 9pm. Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee will meet tomorrow to discuss the plans.

LEAVERS' CONCERT: The Mayor of Stockton, councillor Jean O'Donnell will attend the leavers' concert at Egglescliffe School, Eaglescliffe, tonight. She will make presentations to a number of leavers from the band, choir and orchestras.

GUILD COLLECTION: A collection for Redcar Lifeboats, carried out at the town's racecourse last Saturday, raised £598. The money was collected by Redcar Ladies Lifeboat Guild, which wishes to thank the racecourse management and staff.