STOCKTON'S Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership is holding a pirate fun day on Friday as part of National Childminding Month.

The event will be held at Preston Park, from 10am to 2pm, and all parents and childminders are invited to attend. Both youngsters and childminders will be dressed as pirates and there will be a treasure trail, soft play and outdoor activities, such as balloon modelling, face-painting and a Punch and Judy show.

UNDERWATER JOGGING: An innovative water-based exercise class is on offer at the Rainbow Leisure Centre, Coulby Newham. Aqua-jogging involves bare foot jogging in deep water wearing a special aqua-jogging belt to keep participants upright with their heads above water. Classes take place on Wednesdays, from 8pm to 9pm, and cost £2.50 for Leisure Link Holders, and £3.20 for non-Leisure Link holders. For more information, or to book a session, contact (01642) 592800.

IT'S A LOTTERY: Bosses at Hartlepool and District Hospice have come up with the ideal present for somebody with everything - lottery membership. They are inviting people to buy a year's lottery membership as a gift, with a top prize of £2,000 up for grabs. Fiona Campbell, lottery manager, said: "Our lottery is £1 a week with all profits going directly to hospice patient care. The flexible Gift Certificates can be bought for the full year, at £52, half the year, or for a special number of weeks, such as 21 to celebrate a 21st birthday." For more details phone (01429) 288035 or call at the Hospice Lottery Office in Hutton Avenue, Hartlepool.

MASONIC INVITE: As part of national Freemasonry in the Community Week, Stockton Masonic Hall is holding an open day on Saturday, from 10am to 4pm. Everyone is invited to wander around the building, view an exhibition and find out what Freemasonry is all about. The Masonic Hall is in Wellington Street, near Wellington Square, in the town centre.

SUMMER FAIR: A summer craft fair will be held at Norton Green Community Centre, Norton, on Saturday, from 11am to 2pm. There will be a variety of crafts, including candles, painted glass and pictures. There will also be a refreshment and cake stall. All the proceeds go towards Martin House Children's Hospice, Wetherby.