MASS LOBBY: A group of Christian Aid supporters from Crook will be joining campaigners from the North-East at a mass lobby of Parliament as part of the Trade Justice Movement on Wednesday.

The campaigners, who are calling for fairer international trade rules, have arranged to meet North-West Durham MP, Hilary Armstrong, to discuss how trade rules are limiting poor people's access to food, water and jobs.

They will be asking for new rules which will help to reduce poverty and protect the environment.

"June 2002 is a pivotal moment for the world's poor," said Belinda Burke, from Crook, a member of the Wear Valley Justice and Peace Movement.

"We are going to the mass lobby to ask Hilary Armstrong to take action in the run-up to two major international summits, in Spain on June 21 to 22, and the summit of G8 leaders in Canada on June 27 to 28, where Tony Blair will have a unique opportunity to rewrite the rules."

The group will carry messages of support from others who cannot attend.

They will also be carrying a giant banana to symbolise support for small producers in the Windward Isles, who are struggling to protect their livelihoods in the face of competition from American multi-national companies.

For details contact Belinda Burke on (01388) 762620.

RETIRING SECRETARY: David Neil, secretary of the Crook Community Partnership, is retiring for health reasons.

Mr Neil joined the partnership seven years ago just after it was formed and has been secretary for three years.

He will continue to serve as secretary until the partnership's meeting on Thursday, September 5.

The partnership office at 67 Hope Street, Crook, will be open only on Tuesday and Friday mornings until the end of August. However, it will be open on other days for essential business.

CARNIVAL QUEEN: The Crook Town Carnival Queen and her attendants for this year's event will be chosen at a disco being held at Crook Cricket Club on Friday, June 28, at 7pm.

Entrance for the disco, which includes a raffle and tombola, is free