STATE BALLET: The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia will perform at Darlington Civic Theatre, from January 31 to February 3. Tickets are priced from £26 to £33, with discounts available. For more information and to book, call 01325-486555.

DRIBBLING LESSONS: Youngsters at High Bank Day Nursery, in Stapleton, near Darlington, have been receiving weekly football coaching from Carroll Sports Academies, which works across the UK and the US introducing the sport to children aged two and upwards. Nursery manager Jennifer Thompson said the sessions had proved popular with her young charges.

GOLF CHALLENGE: Residents at Middleton Hall Retirement Village, in Middleton St George, near Darlington, took on staff in a Ryder Cup-style golf challenge to mark the opening of a new putting course. Eight residents took on eight staff, with the residents prevailing by a narrow margin.