THE multimillion pound Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council leisure centre, called Heart, has beaten its target for investing into the local economy.

The £31m centre is due to open in the spring and £28m of the spending has been spent within 20 miles of Redcar, according to a council spokesman.

It was part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and, once completed, it will create and safeguard 260 jobs in day-to-day operation.

About 60 firms have been contracted to work on the development and several have taken on extra staff, including Shanco Construction, which has offices in Durham and Leeds.

FULL COUNCIL: Several controversial issues are due to be discussed at Stockton Borough Council’s Full Council meeting to be held at 7pm on Wednesday, January 29. Potential sites for extra gypsy accommodation, the buying of properties for children’s homes before change of use planning permission has been secured and the political make-up of the council’s planning committee will all be debated.

DUATHON CALL: First-time athletes across the Stockton area are being invited to try a programme of run-cycle-run duathlon sessions, Led by British triathlon coaches, Stockton Borough Council’s Try a Duathlon programme is aimed at beginners who would like to have a go at the running and cycling event and involves training sessions at Northfield Sportsdrome, Billingham. The next session, costing £5, will take place on Saturday, February 8. Contact Vicky Fawcett on vicky.fawcett@stockton.gov.uk or 01642-524816.

CRAFT FAIR: Three dates have been announced for Guisborough craft fair held at the Parish Hall from 10am to 3pm. The next three dates are February 8, March 8 and April 12 and entry is free. Email annsandford2@gmail.com to reserve a table.

HARRY POTTER: An interactive experience for young Harry Potter fans will be held at The Arc in Stockton on Saturday, February 1. Called Hunt for the Horcruxes the day for 12 to 16-year-olds will feature a screening of the final Harry Potter film, The Deathly Hallows part 2, in eerie surroundings crammed full of bizarre characters. There will also be competitions, Harry Potter-related refreshments and the young people are invited to wear costumes. The event starts at 5pm with the film screening at 6pm and tickets cost £4. Call 01642-525199 to book or log on to arconline.co.uk

STOCKTON CALLING: The fifth Stockton Calling festival will feature local group Young Rebel Set who have been receiving national acclaim. This year the Endeavour ship, a replica of Captain Cook’s ship, will be used as a venue, as well as The Arc, Sun Inn, the Vault, Storytellers, The Green Room and Georgian Theatre. The event will take place on Saturday , April 19. Tickets for the event are on sale now and are £15 in advance. The last three years have sold out. Book online at www.stocktoncalling.co.uk, 01642 525199/01642 674115 or buy them in person at ARC or Green Dragon Studios.