An illustrated lecture about HMS Trincomalee will be held in the Cleveland Scientific Institute, Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, at 7.30pm on Tuesday.

HMS Trincomalee, at Hartlepool Historic Quay, is the oldest warship afloat in the UK, and its 11-year restoration recently won the Trincomalee Trust the International Maritime Heritage Award from the World Ship Trust. The lecture will be in two parts, with the historical life and times of the ship described by the trust's chairman, Colonel Michael Stewart, and then a review of the restoration project and the trust's future plans by Bryn Hughes, the general manager. The lecture is free.

PLAY SESSIONS: Early Learning Centre Stores around the North-East have launched Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends play sessions. Every Tuesday, until April 7, youngsters will be able to play-test Early Learning Centre's range of Thomas toys. There will also be the opportunity to enter a competition to win a Thomas playtable and track. The sessions are held from 9.30am to 11am in Early Learning Centre shops in Durham, Newcastle, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

TOP SCOOP: An ice cream maker from North Yorkshire was the only one to scoop an Asda World Class Manufacturer award. Richmond Foods' Really Creamy label was judged the most innovative Asda brand product in the frozen food category. New flavours have been added to the range recently.

MAYOR'S SNUB: A mayor has turned down an invitation from the Queen in favour of a pint in his local. Ian Hinson was asked to attend a Royal garden party to celebrate the golden jubilee. But the 62-year-old mayor, of Amble, Northumberland, said: "I am much more likely to be down at my local pub."

STUDY OPPORTUNITY: School leavers with one or two A-levels are being offered the chance to earn £10,000 a year as they study to become horticultural industry managers with the Horticultural Academy. For more details, ring Ken Turner, of the Horticultural Trades Association, on (01892) 783 645, or Phil Mulligan, of Pershore College, on (01386) 551132.

TRADE FAIR: Young people from throughout Europe converged on Gateshead's MetroCentre yesterday for the Young Enterprise European Trade Fair. It involved more than 20 countries, and products including jewellery, candles, textiles and computer creations were on sale.

CLASSIC CONCERT: One of the UK's top entertainers, Joe Longthorne, will bring his show blending classic hit songs, and impressions of stars such as Shirley Bassey, to the Sunderland Empire Theatre, on April 9, at 8pm. For more details, ring the box office on 0191-514 2517.

MATHS CHALLENGE: East Durham and Houghall Community College will hold its annual East Durham Maths Challenge at the Burnhope Way Theatre, tomorrow. From 9.30am to 12.30pm, youngsters will be set mathematical problems, and the overall winners will be presented with prizes.

MILK AWARD: Schools throughout the region have a week to enter a competition which recognises classroom milk monitors. For more information, contact 0800 3897157