DARLINGTON is pulling out all the stops for an outdoor carol concert to remember. The town’s mayor Charles Johnson will host the event, in the Market Square, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, on Tuesday, December 17.

The event will feature festive entertainment, including Cockerton Silver Band, Sans Pareil Singers and a laser display that will light up the night sky.

During the event, the Number 16 Café will be open late so revellers can enjoy a hot drink while caroling.

Coun Johnson said: “This concert promises to be an exciting night for all the family. I hope to see the population of Darlington wrapped up warm and getting involved in this lovely Christmas tradition – with added lasers.”

This is a free event but there will be people collecting on the night. Any money raised on the night will go to the mayor’s charities, which will be decided when he reaches the end of his term in office.

CHURCH DATE: Holy Trinity Church in Darlington celebrates its 175th anniversary the weekend. On Saturday (December 7), from 10am to 3pm, the church will be open with a Christmas sales table and time for quiet prayer. Refreshments include tea, coffee and warm mince pies. On Sunday, the Richmond women's choir Musicality will sing seasonal songs and a medley of carols. The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6 at the door or contact 01325-485252.

SURGERY CHANGE: A surgery for Central Ward, which was advertised as being held on December 18, at Borough Road Nursery, has been cancelled. The next surgery will now be held at the same venue on January 8, from 5pm to 6pm.

COUNCIL MEETS: Hurworth Parish Council (HPC) meets at 7pm on Thursday (December 5), at Hurworth Grange Community Centre. Darlington Borough Council leader Bill Dixon is scheduled to make an appearance to discuss links between the borough and parish councils. Coun Dixon has been scheduled to attend numerous HPC meetings in recent months, but one or other party has always hitherto cancelled.

FESTIVE FUN: A Christmas shop and coffee morning, will be held at at St Andrew’s Church Hall, in Haughton on Saturday (December 7), from 10am to 1pm,. There will be lots of festive bargains available, including decorations, cards, toys and bric-a-brac. All proceeds to St Teresa’s Hospice. Donations of good quality items are also welcome on the day.

LIVE MUSIC: The New Yorkers will provide an evening of entertainment in a singing show group at St James Church Hall, at 7pm, on Friday (December 6). There will also be supper and a raffle. Tickets cost £8.