Grassroots

On show is an example of a Branly radio message receiver that was used by British POWs in Germany during the Second World War.

"The British prisoners of war could tune in to BBC radio broadcasts and often knew more about what was happening in the war than the Germans," said Mr Carroll.

Also on display are a selection of QSL cards - sent by Radio hams at the turn of the century to acknowledge that a message had been received - from countries as far afield as Russia, Venezuela, Spain and Iceland.

Mr Carroll said: "The practice still exists today, and the one I have from Iceland is very interesting as there are only one or two operators on the island."

The exhibition will continue at Crook library until just after Easter.

BMX SUCCESS: Ben Hemmon, 16, from Crook, proved his skill on a BMX bike when he finished sixth in a BMX tournament at Telford, in Shropshire.

Thirty eight riders from Britain, Europe and the US entered the competition.

"We were judged on our ability and style, with the best 12 going into the final," said Ben, who has been riding for three years and has gained two sponsors, Fox Wilson and Etnies.

ACCESSIBLE WALKS: The Wear Valley Disability Access Forum. in Crook, has obtained a grant of £4,000 from the County Durham Foundation to update and reproduce advice on popular walks for wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility and parents with buggies.

The forum is also looking for eight people with mobility problems who would like to develop information technology skills.

For details, call Anne Cowie on (01388) 763994; fax (01388) 766347; Minicom (01388) 761513, or call at the office at the Business Centre, Crook, between 10am and 3pm, on Mondays or Wednesdays.

cricket challenge: North Bitchburn Cricket Club Second XI is looking to play friendlies on Sunday afternoons. Interested teams should call Peter Davidson on (01388) 458475.

PARTNERSHIP DATE: The Crook and Community Partnership meets tomorrow at 7pm in St Catherine's Community Association Centre, Market Place, Crook