Youngsters aged between six and 16 can create a play in a week during the summer holidays from July 29 to August 2. With help from a theatre professional they will learn how to create their own plot and characters and stage their finished performance at the end of five days. They are being run by the hART Factory at Middlesbrough Baptist Church in Cambridge Road, Middlesbrough, from 10am to 3pm. Places are £65 per child for the full five days, with an early bird offer £55 for those booking by Monday, July 1. To book email info@hartfactory.co.uk or call 01642-740268 or 07807-079304.

AUTHOR MEETING: Young people age 11 and over will be able to meet local author, Niel Bushnell, at Central Library on York Road in Hartlepool on Tuesday, May 28, when he will be talking about his debut novel ‘Sorrowline’,from 4pm to 5pm. To book a place costing £2.50 per person or £6 for a family ticket call 01429-272905.

THORNTREE COUNCIL: Local residents are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of Thorntree Community Council in Middlesbrough on Thursday, May 30. The meeting is a chance for people to raise local issues and suggest improvements that can be made in the area. Local councillors and representatives from organisations including Cleveland Police will be on hand to answer questions, and there will be an opportunity for new members to join the community council. The meeting takes place at Thorntree Community Centre on Birkhall Road from 6pm.