Anglers urged to return catch

ANGLERS are being urged to return any fish they catch in the River Skerne at Darlington in an attempt to safeguard future stocks.

The Environment Agency's plea follows concern about the numbers of trout being taken from the river. On one occasion, 17 trout were taken by a single angler in a day, and such incidents are depleting the agency's efforts to replenish the river. Fisheries officer Richard Holmes said: "Anglers are reminded they can only remove fish with the permission of the fishery owner, but we would ask that anglers and fishery owners restrict their take to just two in order to give the fishery a chance to recover."

CRAFTY EVERGREENS: Members of the Evergreens activities club for the over 50s, in Bishop Auckland, will join textile artist and papermaker Anne Johnson at Groundwork West Durham's base in the Market Place tomorrow. The workshop starts at 10.30am and those attending are asked to meet at Bishop Auckland Town Hall. Next week's sessions are back in the Town Hall. For details contact organiser Sue Abel on (01388) 528635.

DIABETES MEETING: Dr Stewart Smellie, from Bishop Auckland General Hospital, is guest speaker at tomorrow's meeting of the Bishop Auckland Branch of Diabetes UK, which starts at 7.30pm in the Lady Eden Hospital.

MP'S SURGERIES: North-West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong has constituency surgeries on Saturday morning in the Willington Resource Centre, with Councillor Brian Myers, at 9.30am, and at North House, in Crook, from 11am.

WILDLIFE TALK: Eddie Bell, Durham liaison officer, will give a talk in St Cuthbert's Hall, Darlington, tomorrow at 7.30pm. Tickets for the fundraising evening, held for the Sadberge branch of the National Canine Defence League, are priced £5. Call (01325) 333114 for more details.

MEETING CANCELLED: As a mark of respect for the funeral of the Queen Mother, U3A South Durham has cancelled today's monthly meeting. Other events will go ahead as planned. Details are in the April newsletter. For more information call Sandy on (01325) 384496.

COMPUTER TRAINING: Wear Valley Disability Access Forum and Bishop Auckland College are offering computer training to people with disabilities. For more information contact Anne Cowie on (01388) 763994.

CHEQUE PRESENTATION: The Freemasons of County Lodge have presented a cheque for £650 to Darlington Memorial Hospital's appeal to buy digital retinal camera equipment. The appeal hopes to raise £60,000.

FAMILY DANCE: Crook Cricket Club has a family disco on Saturday from 8pm until 10.30pm. Admission costs 50p.

OPEN DAY: Heighington Village Hall Association is holding an open day on April 27 between 10am and noon.