FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze in a terraced house in Pensbury Street, Darlington, yesterday.

The fire, in a back room on the ground floor of the house, caused only slight damage and no one was injured.

CHURCH EVENT: A service of thanksgiving will be held at Bondgate Methodist Church, Darlington, on Saturday, at 7.30pm, to mark the church's 164th anniversary. The speaker will be Alistair Sharpe, and Elm Ridge Methodist Church choir will sing.

JU-JITSU CLASS: A class in ju-jitsu self-defence will be held at the Larchfield Street Sports Centre, Darlington, today, at 7pm. For details call (01287) 635318.

TEA DANCE: Darlington Arts Centre is hosting a tea dance today, from 1.30pm to 4pm. For details call (01325) 483271.

WI MARKET: The Women's Institute is holding a market at the Friends' Meeting House, Skinnergate, Darlington, between 10am and 11.30am tomorrow.

TENNIS COACHING: Tennis coaching sessions for children aged 12 and under in Darlington begin on Friday at the Eastbourne Sports Complex. For an application form and details, call (01325) 243188.

ANNUAL MEETING: Darlington branch of the MS Society holds its annual meeting at St Augustine's Parish Centre, Larchfield Street, Darlington, on Wednesday, at 7pm.

BAAFACED ROBBERY: A 10st ornamental sheep has been stolen from a farm near Tow Law. The 3ft sand-filled pot was lifted from a wall in the farmyard overnight last Thursday. Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01388) 762011.

SPRING SONG: Bishop Auckland Opera Chorus will be performing on Saturday, May 4, at the town hall. Tickets costing £6, or £5 for concessions, are available from Allee Longstaff on 0191- 378-0707, or Sophie Hassall on (01388) 834359.

FORUM ONLINE: Wear Valley Disability Access Forum has launched a website through The Northern Echo's Communigate scheme. Visit www.communigate.co.uk/ne/wvdaf for details of all activities, including a Disability Awareness Day at St Thomas Church Hall, Front Street, Stanhope, on Tuesday, April 30, from 11am to 3pm.

TOP TROMBONE: Brett Baker, principal trombonist with the Black Dyke Mills Band, is performing with Spennymoor Town Band and its junior section in Spennymoor Town Hall on Saturday, June 15. For ticket details call (01388) 815276, or contact any band member. The band is seeking cornet and trombone player. Call secretary Hugh Stephenson on (01388) 812814.

HEART CARE: A coronary support group exercise class is being held at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, from 8pm to 9pm, today. For details call (01325) 377530.

TRAILER THEFTS: Police are warning owners of trailers and other farm vehicles to step up security after two blue Ifor Williams trailers were stolen from farms in Wolsingham and Tow Law.