HISTORIC NOVELS: Author David Williams will give a talk about historic novels as one of the final events of the Darlington Literary Festival, at Cafe Create, in Parkgate, Darlington, at 7pm, on Friday, May 31. Mr Williams is best known for his novel Mr Stephenson’s Regret, about railway pioneer George Stephenson. The free event is also part of the Darlington Arts Festival.

ART SHOW: Artist Collette Lau will hold an exhibition of her work, called Country Living, at Had2Buy art shop and gallery, in Bondgate, Darlington, with an opening event on Sunday, June 2, between 11am and noon. The exhibition is on display until June 30. For more details visit stablesart.com