MOTORISTS faced traffic chaos last night after a scrap lorry overturned.

The driver of the tipper lorry, William George Dawson, of Spennymoor, was cut free from the vehicle after the accident on the A61 Harrogate to Ripon road, in North Yorkshire, at 1.35pm.

The road was blocked for several hours.

Mr Dawson was taken to Harrogate District Hospital, where his injuries were said to be not serious.

SCHOOL FRIENDS: A group called Friends of Copeland Road School, launched to raise funds for the school in West Auckland, will hold a children's fashion show next Thursday, from 7pm. Tickets are available from the school or at the door. To help call Pam Alderson on (01388) 832576.

JUMBLE SALE: Guides and Brownies at St Clare's Church, Newton Aycliffe, are holding a jumble sale next Tuesday, from 10am.

DANCE DATE: Witton Park Dancing Club is holding a supper dance at Witton Park Village Hall on Saturday, June 29, from 8pm to 11.30pm. Tickets are available on (01388) 662271, 665346 or 601400.

COUNCIL MEETS: Wear Valley District Council's overview and scrutiny committee meets today in the Civic Centre, Crook, at 2pm.

BRASS CONCERT: Spennymoor Brass Band is giving a concert at St Stephen's Church, Willington, next Wednesday, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Wilde's butchers, Mrs Middleton on (01388) 746713, or at the door.

CHURCH DISCO: Mount Pleasant Independent Methodist Church, Half Moon Lane, Spennymoor, holds a disco on the last Monday of the month from 6pm to 8pm. For details call (01388) 811943.

SUMMER FETE: Whitworth School, Spennymoor, is holding a fete on the school fields on Sunday, July 7, at 2pm.

CHAPEL MUSIC: Etherley Methodist Chapel will host a summer concert by the Priory Singers, with guest soloist Les Hodgson, on Saturday, June 22, at 7pm. Tickets are available at the door or from The Village Shop.

HORSE EVENT: The North East Standard Bred Club will hold a harness race meet at Witton Castle next Wednesday, at 6pm.

THEATRE EVENING: Little Women is being performed by the Sedgefield Players in Sedgefield Parish Hall, from June 27 to 29, at 7.30pm each night. Tickets are available on (01740) 620091.

PUBLIC MEETING: The National Health Service, Darlington Social Services and the Community Volunteers Service are holding a public event on Friday, June 28, at the town's Dolphin Centre, to raise awareness of public services. Health Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn will be at the all-day event.

PLAN BACKED: Plans for a garage, hall and utility room at 319 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, have been approved by councillors