The owners of Northgate Vehicle Hire, Allington Way, Darlington, have applied to the borough council for permission to build an extended office block.

RIDE CANCELLED: An off-road bike ride around Darlington planned for this Saturday has been cancelled due to illness. The ride was part of the annual cycling festival in Darlington. All other events will go ahead.

GREEN SPIRIT: Groups and firms in County Durham have until the end of the month to register for the Green Apple Environment Award. Call (01604) 810507 for details.

MINISTER VISIT: Health Minister Hazel Blears will open North West Durham Labour Party's summer fair on Saturday's in the Elite Hall, Crook, at 2pm. Government Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong will also be at the event.

RAMBLE DATE: Crook and Weardale Ramblers will be leading a walk around Crook, starting in the Market Place at 6.30pm next Wednesday. For details call Bob Pendlebury on (01388) 762520.

SPONSORED WALK: The Prince's Trust Volunteers group, at The Lightfoot Institute, Bishop Auckland, is holding a sponsored fancy dress walk from Durham to Bishop Auckland tomorrow. To offer sponsorship call (01388) 664221.

NEEDLEWORK DAY: A coffee morning and needlework exhibition is being held on Saturday at St Clare's Church, Newton Aycliffe, between 10am and 11.45am. Admission is free.

TABLE-TOP SALE: St Catherine's Community Centre, Market Place, Crook, is holding a table-top sale on Saturday, from 9.30pm to noon. To book tables call (01388) 766706.

GALA CONCERT: The Spennymoor Town Band and Junior Section will give a gala concert with Brett Baker, principal trombonist with the Black Dyke Band, in Spennymoor Town Hall, on Saturday, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the town hall on (01388) 815276, the secretary on (01388) 812814, or from any band member.

FLOWER TALK: Durham Wildlife Trust is holding a guided walk on Sunday, at 10.30am, led by Dr Margaret Bradshaw, on the theme of the Meadow Flora of Teesdale. Meet at Bowlees Visitor Centre, near Newbiggin, Teesdale, at 10am. For details call Doreen Collinson or Jean Wearmouth on (01833) 622292.

GUITAR CONCERT: Bishop Auckland Music Society presents a guitar concert by The Katona Twins on Friday, at 7.15pm, in the Throne Room, at Auckland Castle. Tickets are available from Top Sounds, Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, on (01388) 609444, or Peter Cooper, on (0191) 3868622.

GARDEN FETE: St Peter's Church, Byers Green, near Spennymoor, is holding a garden fete on Sunday, June 30, at 2.30pm. A strawberry scone tea is included in the 50p entrance fee and a Songs of Praise follows at 4pm.