DARLINGTON residents will have the chance to take a step back in time when they take part in one of a series of interactive sessions to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

The free sessions have been created and will be hosted by the Time Bandits, a historical interpretation and re-enactment society.

They will take place on Saturday (February 22), from 10am to noon at The Bridge, in Yarm Road; from 1pm to 4pm at Crown Street Library and from 4.45pm to 6.45pm in Central Hall in the Dolphin Centre.

DROPPED OUT: Lord Michael Bates has dropped out of a speaking engagement at the inaugural mayor’s lecture, on March 6, at Central Hall. Sir John Hall, the former Newcastle United chairman, will still speak. Mayor Charles Johnson said a replacement speaker for Lord Bates would be confirmed shortly. Tickets for the event cost £4 and are available by calling 01325-388406.

OPEN DAY: Age UK Darlington will be hosting an Open Day on February 25, at its Bradbury House premises, in Beaumont Street West. Boxing champion Stuart Hall will be there from 10am, and there will be a singer at 3.15pm, as well as a tea dance.

LIVE MUSIC: Singer Jane McDonald will perform at Darlington Civic Theatre, at 7.30pm, on Friday, May 2. Ticket prices start at £27.50. To book, call 01325-486555 or visit darlingtoncivic.co.uk

KNITTING YARNS: Open days celebrating the former Patons and Baldwins wool factory will be held at Darlington Library, in Crown Street, on February 25 to 27. Visitors will be able to browse through a range of material from the library’s Patons and Baldwins collection, including photographs, plans and staff magazines. There will also be the chance to contribute to a memories folder.

SEWING CLUB: The next meeting of the Darlington Embroiderers’ Guild will be on March 1, at Elm Ridge Methodist Church, in Carmel Road South. A talk entitled Textile Inspirations in Pottery will be given by Polly and Gary Uttley. The meeting will begin at 2pm and visitors are welcome for a small charge.