Youth get say in town future

MEMBERS of Darlington's Youth Parliament could be given a greater say in the future of the town centre.

Councillors on the Darlington Town Centre Forum have agreed to ask a representative of the parliament to attend meetings to put forward views on how the town centre could be improved for young people.

Members of the youth parliament recently visited London to discuss changes to the education system.

They met Minister for Young People and Learning Ivan Lewis, to give their views on a Government Green Paper which proposes changing the range of subjects and options available to students over 14.

Mr Lewis invited members from nine youth parliaments in the UK to discuss the proposals, which include encouraging more people to stay in learning to the age of 19 and beyond, and ensuring schools teach religious education, careers, sex education and PE.

WORK LESSONS: Pupils researching their future careers interviewed workers at the Orange telecommunications company in Darlington. A group of 14 and 15-year-olds from Carmel Technology College visited the centre to find out about the jobs available at the centre and the skills needed for them.

BRIGADE VISIT: Firefighters and police visited the Just Learning Nursery, in Newton Lane, Darlington, to teach children about the work of the emergency services.

STREET PARTY: Derwent Court, Spennymoor, which provides sheltered accommodation for the elderly, is holding its golden jubilee party tomorrow, from 4pm to 7pm.

SOCIAL EVENING: The Durham branch of the Royal Air Forces Association will be holding a golden jubilee social evening in Newton Aycliffe RAFA Club, on Thursday, June 13, at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £2 are available from RAFA branches or at the door.

GUITAR CONCERT: Bishop Auckland Music Society presents a guitar concert by The Katona Twins, from Hungary, on Friday, June 14, at 7.15pm, in Auckland Castle. Tickets are available from Top Sounds, Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, on (01388) 609444, or Peter Cooper on 0191-386 8622.

FLORAL WALK: Durham Wildlife Trust is holding a guided walk with the theme Meadow Flora of Teesdale, on Sunday, June 16, at 10.30am, led by Dr Margaret Bradshaw. Meet at Bowlees Visitor Centre, near Newbiggin, Teesdale, at 10am. For details call Doreen Collinson or Jean Wearmouth on (01833) 622292.

FUN DAY: Shildon Town Council is holding a family fun day in the Civic Hall car park on Saturday, from 10.30am to 4pm.

GALA CONCERT: The Spennymoor Town Band and Junior Section present a gala concert, featuring guest trombonist Brett Baker, from the Black Dyke Band, in Spennymoor Town Hall, on Saturday, June 15, at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £4 are available on (01388) 815276 or (01388) 812814, or from any band member.