THE Friends of pupil referral unit Rise Carr College will host a Christmas fair next Saturday (December 14), from 10am to noon, in the college, formerly Phoenix Centre, in Eldon Street.

Local retailers have provided raffle prizes.

Children will have a chance to have their photo taken with Rudolph and there will be games, activities and crafts.

Admission is free and all are welcome.

RUGBY NIGHT: A fundraiser in aid of premature babies’ charity Bliss was held at Darlington Rugby Club on Saturday (December 7) evening. Dozens of people attended and were entertained by local band Playback.

BIG MATCH: Table football world champions Matthew Warr and Callum Oakes will entertain customers at Age UK Darlington, on Tuesday (December 10), as part of an open day to celebrate World Football Day. Registered care manager Sue White said: “Customers are really excited about seeing their skills. We are also grateful to Councillor Martin Landers who has managed to locate us a table for the day.” The open day starts at 10.30am and all are welcome.

QUIZ NIGHT: Cockerton East Community Partnership (CP) is holding its Christmas quiz on Tuesday (December 10), at 6.30pm, at Tempest Anderson House, in Brinkburn Road. A ‘bring and share’ buffet will be enjoyed. Branksome and Cockerton West CP will be having its Christmas meeting at 6pm on December 17, at Windsor Court, in Newton Lane.

CHURCH SERVICES: Christmas services at Cockerton Methodist Church will include a Christingle service on Christmas Eve, at 4pm, and a Communion service at 11.15pm. There will be family worship on Christmas Day at 11am. The normal Sunday services will take place at 10.30am and 6pm over the festive period.

GET CRAFTY: A thrifty Christmas fair will be held at Lingfield Point, in Darlington, from 10.30am, on Tuesday (December 10). There will be free mince pies and a collection of toys and non-perishable food items, which will be distributed to needy families.

TENNIS DENE: A Christmas fair will be held in the Tennis Dene on Sunday, December 15, from 1pm to 4pm. It will include a carol service, starting at 2pm, as well as a lantern workshop and will conclude with a lantern walk. Participants will be able to light up the night with the lanterns they’ve made. There will be many Christmas delights to buy including mulled wine, hot chocolate, crepes, cakes and gifts.

MUSIC PROJECT: Although silence is the norm in libraries, music is the theme for the December display at Centre for Local Studies in Darlington’s Crown Street library. Visitors to the Centre can find out more about the talented Hoggett family who once owned a music shop in the town. Several generations of Hoggetts contributed to the town’s musical scene by leading bands and orchestras, playing church organs and teaching and composing music.