Thieves snatch motorbike

A RED and white off-road Honda CR80 motorbike was stolen from a garage in St Paul's Close, Spennymoor, overnight on Monday.

The doors of two sheds in Rock Road, Spennymoor, were also forced at about the same time, but nothing was taken.

Anyone with information should contact Sergeant Craig Dixon or Detective Constable Neil Hobson on (01325) 742716.

COUNCIL MEETING: A meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee will be held at the council offices, Green Lane, Spennymoor, on Friday, from 10am.

VALLEY WALK: A four-mile walk around the Gaunless Valley starts from the visitors' centre in Butterknowle on Saturday, at 11am. Booking is not required, but there is a charge of £2 for adults and £1 for children, pensioners and the unwaged. For details call 0191-383 4144.

BEER FESTIVAL: The Ship Inn, Middlestone Village, near Bishop Auckland, is hosting a beer festival from tomorrow until Monday. There will also be a charity auction on Saturday, at 8pm, to raise money for the Butterwick Hospice.

KARATE CLUB: Willington Parkside Shotokan Karate Club is holding a beginners' class at Willington Comprehensive School's Community Centre on Mondays, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. For details call Doug Glendenning on (01388) 745316 or 07780 652881.

VANS STOLEN: A white Ford Transit pick-up van with a black tipper, registration J894 XHL, was stolen from Hope Close, Trimdon Village, early on Monday. A white Vauxhall Nova van, registration H787 CTY, valued at £500, was stolen from Litchfield Road, West Cornforth, between 8.30pm on Saturday and 8am on Sunday.

WEIGHT LOSS: A school caretaker has set up a diet class after losing more than a stone. Julie Templeton, from Sedgefield, works at Hardwick Junior and Infant School and coaches the school netball team. She has set up a Slimming World class at the school, which starts tomorrow. For details call (01740) 622349.

CHARITY CASH: Fundraiser Alma Hedley raised £20 for the Stroke Association with a collection near her home in Gent Street, Bishop Auckland.

SPONSORED WALK: A sponsored walk for ME and Cancer Research takes place on Saturday, May 11. Walkers should meet at The Black Bull, Frosterley, at 10am. Sponsor forms are available from: Linda Nelson, 11 Hill End; Paul Nelson, 2 Wear View; or The Black Bull, all in Frosterley