Students from Darlington College of Technology are joining the National Union of Students' first charity day.

Next Friday, the students will hold a variety of madcap events to raise money for ActionAid's fight against Aids in Africa.

The students are also encouraging people to support an Internet petition calling for an increase in overseas aid. To sign the petition visit www.actionzone.cc or www.nusonline.co.uk

SCHOOL ACCOLADE: Abbey Junior School, Darlington, has had its Investors in People award renewed. The school first received the award in March 1999.

CASH SPLASH: Workers at Darlington's Asda store raised £200 for Macmillan Cancer by taking part in a Swimathon at the Dolphin Centre. Customers and colleagues raised £275 for St Teresa's Hospice by taking part in a flag day.

HIGH FLIER: RAF Wing Commander John Harrison, from Neasham, Darlington, has completed a master of philosophy degree in international relations at Cambridge University. The 41-year-old, who joined the RAF in 1981, will graduate on May 11.

TRAFFIC DELAYS: There will be traffic restrictions in operation in Victoria Road and Clifton Road, Darlington, until Tuesday, for road maintenance work.

PLANTS STOLEN: Fifty plants and shrubs, valued at £150, were stolen from bedding trenches at the Travellers Green Nursery, Chilton, between 8.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am on Wednesday.

FABRIC WANTED: The Friends of the Youth Dance Club at Greenfield Community and Arts Centre, Newton Aycliffe, need lightweight fabric to make costumes for a performance in May and June. Gifts of material can be delivered to the centre between 9am and 9pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm on Fridays.

STEP IN LINE: Canadian band Barachois will play at St John's Chapel Town Hall on Friday, May 10, at 7.30pm. There will also be a free step dancing workshop at 5pm. To book or obtain tickets telephone (01388) 537265.

MODELS NEEDED: Help the Aged is appealing for model aircraft, Meccano, Scalextric, and model railway enthusiasts to provide displays at a country fair in Whitworth Hall Country Park Estate, Spennymoor, on July 13 and 14. For details call (01325) 313924.

ARTISTS WANTED: Greenfield Community and Arts Centre, Newton Aycliffe, is looking for artists to contribute to an open gallery exhibition from May 29 to June 12. Artists can show up to four pieces and work can be sold, with a ten per cent commission. For details call Jo-Anne Mason on (01325) 307147.

MOTORBIKE THEFT: A red Honda motorcycle, registration K996 0JR, valued at £800, was stolen from a factory compound at Aycliffe Engineering, Beaumont Way, Newton Aycliffe, between 8.20pm and 10pm on Wednesday.