An occupational therapist from Middlesbrough has received national recognition for her outstanding contribution to the profession.

Mary Booth, who is head of allied health professionals at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded a Fellowship of the College of Occupational Therapists. It is the highest honour that the college can bestow on one of its professional members.

Her work at the mental health trust, which runs Roseberry Park in Middlesbrough, includes taking a leading role in promoting social inclusion for people with mental health problems.

GREEN FINGERS: A gardening course is taking place at Stewart Park in Middlesbrough. The seven-week course will run every Tuesday from February 25 to April 1 at a cost of £30, with discounts on offer to those in receipt of some benefits. It will offer a step-by-step introduction allowing those taking part to increase their knowledge and enjoyment of gardening. Topics such as propagation, pruning, soil testing and working with hanging baskets and containers will be covered. For more information call the park on 01642-300202 or 01642-515643.

GAS REPAIRS: Emergency gas repair works are being carried out at a busy Middlesbrough junction at the weekend. Northern Gas Networks is due to start work at the Marton Road/Ladgate Lane Junction at 8pm on Friday to repair a gas escape. Lane closures will be in place on the southbound carriageway of Marton Road, just before the junction with Ladgate Lane. The left turn slip road onto Ladgate Lane eastbound will be closed and traffic will be diverted around the junction. The works are expected to continue until Sunday evening. Anyone who smells gas should ring the national gas emergency service, any time, day or night on 0800-111999.

FAMILY ARCHERY: A family archery session is to be held at Summerhill in Hartlepool on Saturday at the 100-acre country park’s visitor centre from 2pm to 4pm. The minimum age for taking part is 10, and advance booking is a must because places are limited. The session costs £10 for one adult and one child. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 01429-284584 to reserve a place.

ADULT CRAFTERS: Taster sessions for adults and children wanting to learn card and paper crafts are being held at Stewart Park in Middlesbrough. Adult-only sessions will be held at the park between 12.30pm-2.30pm on Wednesday, February 12 and Wednesday, February 26, each costing £7.50 including refreshments. The first event will involve learning to make and decorate cards while the second will focus on making memory albums, gift boxes and using stamps and embossing techniques. A further card and paper crafts session will be held for children on Sunday, March 2 from 10am-11.30am, at a cost of £7.50 including juice and biscuits.