THEFT WARNING: Police have warned Darlington motorists not to leave valuables in their vehicle after a woman’s handbag was stolen while she bought a parking ticket in Feethams.

Officers have sent out 180 letters to drivers who left items on full view in the car, telling them to be more careful.

PACT MEETINGS: The Central (Albert Hill) partners and communities together meeting (Pact) takes place on Monday, September 17, in the YMCA, in Middleton Street, Darlington, from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.

Faverdale Pact meeting will take place the next day in West Park Academy, Alderman Leach Drive, Faverdale, Darlington, between 6pm and 7pm.

BOWLS DAY: Darlington Indoor Bowls Club will hold a free open day on Saturday to get new players interested in the sport.

For more information, call 01325-485414.

MAYOR’S BALL: Tickets are still available for the Mayor's Charity Ball, in The Dolphin Centre, on Friday, October 19.

The Italian Job night includes a five-course meal, and starts at 6.45pm.

Tickets are £50, and all funds raised will go to St Teresa’s Hospice and The Great North Air Ambulance.

For more information, contact Hazel Watson on 01325-387732 or 07967-822186.

PLAY AREA: Time is running out for people to get a £30,000 boost for a Darlington play area.

Bushel Hill play area, in Mowden, has been nominated as a finalist in a Flora-sponsored competition, with volunteers wanting to add new monkey bars and large snakes and ladders.

Voting closes on Thursday, September 20, and to vote, visit flora.com/playground

NEW COURSES: Places remain for adult and family learning courses across Darlington during the autumn.

The classes include card crafts, family history, computer skills, foreign languages, cookery, and painting, and enrolment takes place at Cockerton Library on Tuesday, September 18, from 2.30pm until 3.30pm.