CHARITY THANKS: The organisers of a Darlington Youth Brass Band concert in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care would like to thank all those who attended and donated on the evening. The event, held at Grange Road Baptist Church, raised £724.45 for the charity. Isobel Wilkinson, a Marie Curie volunteer, said: “I would like to thank all the kind and generous people who attended. The enthusiasm and talent of the young people under the leadership of their musical director, Stephen Boyd, was greatly appreciated and enjoyed.”

CHURCH SERVICES: Northgate United Reformed Church will begin its Christmas celebrations with a service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 16, at 10.45am. The church will also host a Nativity Service on Sunday, December 23, led by the Junior Church at 10.45am. On Christmas Eve at 6.30pm the church will welcome guests for Carols by Candlelight led by the church orchestra and followed by mince pies in the hall. At 11.30pm on Christmas Eve there will be a quiet, contemplative service, followed by a service at 10.30am on Christmas morning.