Car snatched from garage

A thief stole a grey Vauxhall Corsa Merit, registration R711 HNV, from the Gregg Little Testing Centre, Leaside, Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate, between 4.30pm and 5pm on Monday.

The man pretended to be a prospective purchaser, but drove away in the car when the garage owner went to answer the telephone.

CROQUET CALL: Auckland Croquet Club is offering to introduce young people to the sport at an open day on Sunday, at King James I Community Centre, Bishop Auckland. Children aged between eight and 14 are being invited to an indoor session from 1.30pm to 4pm.

TYRES SLASHED: All four tyres on a blue Volvo 440 and a maroon Hyundai Accent were punctured by vandals, causing £400 damage to each car, at The Gables, Sedgefield, at 4.55am yesterday.

CHURCH SERVICE: The Anglican St John's Church and the Methodist church in Ingleton will unite for a family and christening service in the Methodist Church at 10am on Sunday.

MUSICAL EVENT: Gainford Choral Society will perform an evening of world music at St Mary's Church, on Sunday, at 8pm.

CHARITY LUNCH: Churches Together is holding a charity lunch for Christian Aid at the parish hall, Barnard Castle, between noon and 1.30pm today.

JUMBLE SALE: A jumble sale at Middleton Village Hall tomorrow, at 2pm, will raise funds for St Mary's Church, Middleton-in-Teesdale.

ANNUAL MEETING: The following officials were re-elected at Sedgefield Village Twinning Association's annual meeting: Chairman, Councillor Keith Wells; vice-chairman, Derrick Lofthouse; secretary Sheila Pinder; treasurer Nancy Wells. Plans were discussed for an exchange visit to Germany later in the year. Anyone interested in taking part should contact one of the officials