A house in Darlington was severely damaged by a fire at the weekend. Firefighters were called to the house in Norton Crescent, at about 10.45am, on Saturday. They wore breathing apparatus while fighting the fire, which left the first floor of the house badly damaged. No one was injured.

lightning fright: Three dogs were taken to Darlington police station after they were found frightened by the thunder and lightning yesterday. One of the pets was discovered on the A66 near Croft. Anyone with information about who the pitbull terrier, Yorkshire terrier and border terrier belong to should contact Darlington police on (01325) 742140.

CARS STOLEN: Two cars were stolen from Darlington at the weekend. Between 3.30pm, on Saturday, and 9.20am, yesterday, a Citroen AX, registration J58 HFT, was stolen from Hargreaves Terrace. Between 8.30pm on Saturday and 10am yesterday, a maroon Ford Escort, registration M322 RFV, was taken from Beaconsfield Street. Anyone with information is asked to contact Darlington police, on (01325) 467681.

UNITED SERVICE: There will be no Sunday service at St Andrew's Church, Sadberge, on June 9. Instead there will be a united service held at St Laurence's Church, Middleton St George, at 10am.

Inquest verdict: A retired engineer and crane driver died of a lung disorder at his home in Darlington, an inquest heard on Friday. The hearing at Darlington Police Station was told by Dr Ursula Earl, consultant pathologist at Darlington Memorial Hospital, that John Joseph Metcalfe, 82, of Harris Street, who died on May 30, last year, had suffered a rare natural disorder of the lungs. He also had heart disease. South West Durham and Darlington coroner Kenneth Howe recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.

Floral tour: A flower festival based on The Royal Tours is to take place at All Saints Church, Ravensdale Road, Darlington, from this Friday, to next Monday, from 10am until 6.30pm. Admission costs £1 and proceeds will go to Save our Sight Appeal and other local charities.

celebration time: An inter-generational celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee will take place at a Darlington residential home. The 11-hour event has been organised for Darlington Manor, in Falmer Road, on Monday, June 3, from noon. Entry costs £1, or £5 to include lunch at 1pm. It will include a summer fair, live music and lighting of an official beacon fire.

CAR RECOVERED: A stolen Vauxhall Nova had to be lifted out a beck at the bottom of Newfoundland Street, in Darlington, yesterday morning. Police called a rescue vehicle to assist in the recovery.