Darlington Landlords Association is promoting a new code following an explosion in the buy-to-let sector, which is bringing a number of inexperienced landlords into the market place. The 19-point code provides guidance on quality service and the terms of tenancy agreements.

The association, formed in 1993, has helped new members to establish businesses and kept them in touch with their legal and civil obligations as landlords.

MOTORCYCLE STOLEN: A red Honda 125 motorcycle, registered NL02 RVK, was stolen from a rear yard in Thornton Street, Darlington, between 9.30pm and 11.30pm on Tuesday. Anyone with information is asked to call Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

BOOT SALE: Walworth Castle Hotel, near Darlington, is hosting a car boot sale on Sunday, June 9, from 10am to 3pm. Admission is free, but there is a charge of £5 per car for sellers. Proceeds go to the Butterwick Hospice. To book a pitch call (01325) 485470.

DRIVING THEORY: A free course to help learner drivers pass the theory test, will be held at Bennet House, Horsemarket, Darlington, starting Tuesday, June 11, from 10am to noon, running for nine weeks. For more details call (01325) 285126.

GARAGE BURGLED: The rear hatch door from a red Vauxhall Corsa was stolen when thieves broke into a garage in Skeeby Road, Darlington, between 7.30pm last Thursday and 2.30pm on Tuesday. Anyone with information is asked to call Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

CIRCULAR WALK: A ten-mile circular walk in Weardale sets off from the car park at the east end of St John's Chapel at 10.30am on Saturday. There is a charge of £2 for adults and £1 for children, the over-60s and the unwaged. Walkers are asked to take a packed lunch. For details call 0191-383 4144.

Hens TAKEn: Six brown hens and six black hens, a carry case for chickens, worth £20, and a rat trap, worth £15, were stolen from smallholding at Sand's Hall roundabout, near Sedgefield, between 8pm on Monday and 7am on Tuesday.

MARKET CLOSED: Darlington WI Market at the Friends' Meeting House, in Skinnergate, will be shut on Tuesday.

GARDENS OPEN: Barningham Park gardens are open on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. Admission is £2.50 for adults with children under 14 admitted free.

OPEN DAY: The Rosedale and Victoria Allotment Society, in Willington, will hold an open day on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Farmers' market: A farmers' market takes place in Barnard Castle market place from 10am on Saturday.