A Redcar playgroup has packed up its toys for the last time after 30 years. The group was set up in 1971 at Zetland Park Methodist Church but demand for playgroup places has fallen because of the rise in nursery education for younger children.

Many children have benefited from the group and in recognition of its achievements a child's chair from the playgroup will be placed in the church's children's corner and will be dedicated by the Reverend Malcolm Newman.

Christmas Services: St Peter's Church, Redcar, will be holding a number of services over the Christmas period. The first is a Nine Lessons and Carols service on Friday, at 7pm, followed by a Nativity and Blessing of the Crib, at 4pm on Christmas Eve, and Midnight Mass, starting at 11.30pm. On Christmas Day, Holy Communion takes place at 8am and the Sung Eucharist starts at 10am. There will also be services at three of Redcar's nursing homes - Inglewood on the Ings estate at 2.45pm on Wednesday, Shoreline in Park Avenue on Thursday at 3pm, and St David's, Redcar Lane, at 3pm on Friday.

English practice: A group of Italian students is brushing up its English skills as part of an exchange visit to east Cleveland.

The 21 youngsters from the island of Ischia - which featured in the film The Talented Mr Ripley - are returning an exchange visit made by students from Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough this year.

Money raised: People in east Cleveland have raised almost £8,000 for the Royal British Legion's annual poppy appeal. A total of £7,800 was raised through activities including a sponsored cycle ride, a tombola and raffle and a donation by Redcar busker Norman Evans MBE.

TRAFFIC DELAYS: Longer queues of traffic can be expected at the Cowpen Lane and Marsh House Avenue junction, in Stockton, for the next four weeks. Temporary traffic lights are in force while permanent signals are replaced, following damage in an accident.

Healthy steps: There will be a three-mile walk to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation, starting from the Lingfield Farm Countryside Centre, Middlesbrough, on January 20. For details call (01642) 515612, 515611 or 577325.

LANE CLOSURES: Work continues in Acklam Road and George Street, Stockton, this week, with lane closures. Major delays are expected at peak times and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

LIGHTS WARNING: The use of temporary traffic lights will continue in the Spital, Yarm, between 9.30am and 3.30pm, this week, while gas main replacement work is carried out