Cash tonic

for hospice

HARTLEPOOL and District Hospice has been awarded a £20,000 grant towards the construction of purpose-built accommodation and facilities. In association with Help The Hospices, the Rank Foundation held a funding awards programme in which grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 were handed to independent voluntary hospices for capital projects. Liz Allison, trusts fundraiser at the hospice, said: "This is a significant step forward for the appeal, which is gaining momentum as we near the target."

SHOW TIME: The best of the musicals will be in the spotlight at the Fellowship Hall, in West Street, Yarm, on Saturday as part of a charity concert. The programme includes songs from the 1920s to present-day music. Entertainment will be by vocalist Eileen Davey and organist Andrew Nix. Proceeds go to the Fellowship Hall Charitable Trust. Tickets, which include a buffet supper and glass of wine, cost £7.50, and are available on (01642) 786340 or (01642) 888786.

PLAY AREA: Schoolchildren are putting the finishing touches to a new play area. Pupils from Harewood Junior School, in Thornaby, have been designing flower beds next to the area at Littleboy Park. The children will visit the site today to plant shrubs and plants, according to their designs.

LENTEN LUNCH: A Lenten lunch is being held at St Thomas's Church, Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough tomorrow at 1pm. Baked potatoes are on offer, with an Easter egg tombola. All proceeds go to church funds.

TRAFFIC DISRUPTION: Minor traffic disruption is expected in Westgate, Guisborough, while cobbles are relaid in the parking areas. Work is due to be completed by July.

HEAD MASSAGE: Free courses including aromatherapy and Indian head massage will held during an activity day in Hemlington Initiative Centre, Cass House Road, Middlesbrough, tomorrow, from 10am to 3pm.

NEW CROSSING: Temporary traffic lights will be in place at Windsor Road, Woodrow Avenue and Marske Road, Saltburn, until next Tuesday, while a pelican crossing is built.

Fun day: The Asda store in Thornaby is holding a fun day on Saturday, from 10am to 4pm. There will be face painting, a disco, Punch and Judy and a magician on hand to entertain shoppers.