Burglar dumps haul in park

A BURGLAR fled a Darlington house when the owners were alerted by noise. Two people were in the house when the man walked in through an unlocked patio door, in Abbey Road. Cash and bank cards, which had been stolen from the house, were later found in the town's South Park. The burglary happened at about 10.50pm on Saturday. Anybody who has any information is urged to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

GARAGE FIRE: Fire crews battled to control a garage blaze spreading to a nearby house. The fire, which involved an acetylene cylinder, broke out at a garage at Whessoe Holme, Burtree Lane, in Darlington, at 8.30pm on Sunday. It was started by an electrical shortage in one of the cars in the three-bay garage. The fire was contained and did not spread to the house.

BOY RESCUED: A teenager had to be rescued by firefighters after a boy got stuck up a tree on Sunday afternoon. The 15-year-old was climbing trees on the Faverdale Industrial Estate, in Darlington, with friends when he got stuck 20ft up.

Gardening club: Hurworth Grange gardening club meets on Thursday, March 21.A talk by Jack Clegram will be about vintage horticultural tools. The event starts at 7.30pm at Hurworth Grange. Admission for visitors is £1.50.

CHARITY EVENT: A charity event will take place at Cleveland Bridge Social Club, Neasham Road, Darlington, on Saturday, March 23. Entertainment will be provided by the Joe Cotton Duo and also includes a hot buffet. Tickets cost £6. Further details are available on (01325) 460990.

PLAN APPROVED: An application by Nigel Massey to convert a warehouse in Weir Street into a residential home has been approved by Darlington Borough Council.

WI MEETING: Darlington Women's Institute will hold its next meeting at the Friends' Meeting House, Skinnergate, on March 25, at 1.30pm. Elizabeth Cooper will give a talk about Darlington Operatic Society.

ART EXHIBITION: The Studio Group is holding an exhibition of members paintings, which will open at the Arts Centre, Darlington, on March 23 at 7pm.

ORGAN CONCERT: Ivories Organ and Keyboard Club presents Andrew Nix in concert playing electronic organ on March 21 at 7.30pm in Darlington Simpson Rolling Mills Club, Longfield Road. Admission is £4 for members and £5 non-members. For more details call (01325) 460506.

TROLLEY DASH: St Teresa's Hospice is holding a raffle to win a three-minute trolley dash around Asda, in Whinbush Way. Tickets are on sale this month at the hospice.

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS: Three-way traffic lights will operate on A167 Grange Road junction on Parkside, Darlington, until tomorrow, while repairs are carried out.