The grand final of the Square Mile Project 2002 will be held in the Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, on Wednesday, July 17.

The initiative, co-ordinated by Durham Agency Against Crime, involves teenagers in environmental, crime prevention or social awareness projects in a square mile around their homes, schools or youth clubs. There are 14 teams through to the final, out of an original entry of 98, and the winners will win an all-expenses paid trip to South Africa.

BRIGHT LIGHTS: The 1980s musical Fame will be staged by Spennymoor Youth Theatre later this year. Auditions for the show are being held at Tudhoe Grange Comprehensive School's lower site, in Durham Road, on Sunday, July 7, from 9am to 5pm. The show will be performed in Spennymoor Leisure Centre in October. Contact Ann, on (01325) 316917, or Christine, on (01388) 818136, for more information.

FREEWHEELERS TRIP: The Darlington Freewheelers will cycle around Croft, Neasham, Middleton St George, Sadberge and Whinney Hill next Tuesday. The ride starts from Darlington Market Place at 7pm. For more information call (01388) 710467.

BOX COLLECTORS: The Marie Curie Cancer Care fundraisers in Darlington and County Durham are looking for volunteer box collectors to collect tins in the area, and to help with new sites for fundraising. Phone Carol on 0191-382 3311 for more details.

NEW ROOM: Whinfield Junior School in Darlington has applied for planning permission to construct a portable classroom, complete with ramps, at its site in Augusta Close, Darlington.

Tourist trail: Cyclists are invited to take part in a tourist trail on July 7, as part of Darlington Cycling Festival. Cyclists should meet at the Dolphin Centre between 8.30am and 9.30am. The ride costs £4 or £5.50 to get a T-shirt, and £2 for just a certificate.

SEDGEFIELD SINGERS: The Sedgefield Lyric Singers, supported by Fishburn Band, are holding their summer concert, Jubilate, at Sedgefield Parish Hall on Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the door and are priced at £4, with concessions at £3.

BAPTIST GOSPEL: Ronnie Lane leads a celebration of gospel music at Wolsingham Baptist Church on Saturday from 7pm. Coffee and biscuits are served at the close and all are welcome.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS: Three-way traffic lights will be in place on the West Auckland Road junction on Willow Road, Darlington, on Sunday while Northumbrian Water carries out repairs.

FORUM DATE: Sedgefield Borough Council's area forum for Ferryhill, Chilton, Windlestone, Bishop Middleham and West Cornforth, will be held this evening at Ferryhill Town Hall from 6.30pm.

COUNCIL MEETING: A full meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council takes place at the council offices, Green Lane, Spennymoor, tomorrow at 11am.