Bands prepare to do battle

Youngsters in Darlington are being invited to attend a battle of the bands event in aid of the charity CAFOD. Students at Carmel RC Technology College are organising the event at the school on March 21, at 6pm. Pupils from schools and colleges in Darlington have been invited to attend the event. Tickets cost £3.

CAR SNATCHED: A thief pretending to be a prospective purchaser drove off in 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, when the garage owner went to answer the telephone.

MEDICAL TALK: The Tees area group of the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease is holding a meeting in Darlington Memorial Hospital's lecture theatre on Saturday, March 16, at 2.30pm. Guest speaker will be Dr Mustapha Giaffer, consultant gastro-enterologist at Hull Royal Infirmary. For details call (01287) 632287.

PLAN DELAY: Darlington borough councillors have deferred a decision on plans to change the use of part of a sports field at Cleveland Motor Homes, Teesside International Airport, Middleton St George, near Darlington, to provide a storage compound for parking motor homes. Committee members want more information before deciding on the scheme.

CROQUET CALL: Auckland Croquet Club is offering to introduce children between eight and 14 to the sport at an open day on Sunday, at King James I Community Centre, Bishop Auckland, from 1.30pm to 4pm.

MUSICAL EVENT: Gainford Choral Society will be performing a concert featuring world music at St Mary's Church, in the village, on Sunday, at 8pm.

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