A TEES Valley MP has challenged the area’s housing associations to promote the Right to Buy.

James Wharton, Conservative MP for Stockton South, said council and housing association tenants have been able to receive discounts of up to £75,000 since April last year.

Mr Wharton said that the number of people buying their own council house has doubled but more could be done.

He said: “Our local authorities and housing associations should singing from the roof tops about the new opportunity.”

GYPSY MEETING: Hartlepool council has rearranged a meeting about potential gypsy pitches in the town. A meeting was due to be held at Hartlepool Rovers Rugby Club, West View Road on Tuesday, May 28 but has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. It will now be held at the same place on Thursday, June 6 from 4pm to 7pm. The consultation exercise follows the formal examination earlier this year of Hartlepool’s proposed new Local Plan by a Government planning inspector.

FESTIVAL TIME: The Grove Hill area of Middlesbrough will hold its fifth outdoor festival on Wednesday, May 29 at the Acklam Iron and Steelworks club on Park Road South. There is free entry to the event, which starts at midday. Last year’s event attracted more than 1,000 people. To find out more, contact Abdul Sattar on 01642-278 444.

COASTAL WALK: There is a chance for people to enjoy the sights of the coast near Hartlepool on a seven-mile guided walk on Wednesday, May 29. The walk from 10am to 2pm will follow a circular route from Hart Village near Hartlepool to the sea cliffs and along to Blackhall Rocks and the nature reserve and then back to Hart through Nesbitt Dene. The event is free but places must be booked in advance by calling 01429-523419. Please bring a packed lunch.

CHARITY CASH: Saltburn people gave £1,725 to Christian Aid last week, mainly through a house-to-house collection. Local organiser the Rev Chris Eddy called the response "magificent." It compared with £1,758 last year.

BLOOD DONORS: People can donate blood at Linthorpe Community Centre on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, on Monday, June 3 from 1.15pm to 3.15pm and 4pm to 6.15pm.