Pupils join in Chinese party

PUPILS at a Newton Aycliffe school have had a rare opportunity to participate in the Chinese celebrations to mark the advent of the year of the horse.

More than 20 year ten GCSE dance pupils from Greenfield Community and Arts College took part in the scheme, organised by Sedgefield Borough Council's arts development department.

Performers travelled from China to take part in the event, which included an exhibition and performance at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.

The event gave students the opportunity to find out about arts and industry from China's Hunan province.

BLOOD DONORS: A blood donor session is being held at Newton Aycliffe Methodist Church Hall, Neville Parade, on Wednesday, March 20, from 3pm to 7pm.

PARISH MEETING: Dene Valley Parish Council holds its next meeting at Eldon Lane School, Coronation village, on Monday, at 7pm.

CHILDREN'S SHOW: The children's play Funnybones, which tells the story of skeletons who live in a cellar, will be performed at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Monday, March 25, at 3pm. The show is suitable for children aged five to 11. Tickets cost £5, or £4 for concessions.

SHOP THEFT: Thieves used a sledgehammer to smash through the door of the Etam store, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, and grabbed clothing from the rails. Police urged anyone who was in the area at about 1am yesterday to contact Detective Constable Tracey Austin on (01388) 603566.

COUNCILLOR'S SURGERY: Councillor Derek Jago, who represents Escomb on Wear Valley District Council, is holding the first of a series of monthly surgeries on Monday, at 7pm, in the Saxon Inn. Telephone (01388) 458358 to book an appointment.

PARKING EXTENDED: The parking area at Boyne View, Trimdon Village, has been extended by six bays at a cost of £6,000, under Sedgefield Borough Council's tidy estates and community involvement initiative.

CARERS' GROUP: The Trimdon Carers' Group will be launched with an open afternoon at Trimdon House, Trimdon Village, on Tuesday, April 2, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. For details contact (01325) 313123.

ARTS FESTIVAL: The speech and drama section of the Darlington Festival for Performing Arts is being held this weekend. Adults and children will be taking part in more than 60 classes, including mime, acting, Bible reading and Shakespeare, at Heathfield Primary School, from 4pm tomorrow, and at Eastbourne Comprehensive School from 9.30am on Saturday