FIREFIGHTERS were called to a small fire in the loft space of a tattoo parlour in Geneva Road, Darlington, on Friday evening. Crews from Darlington and Bishop Auckland attended and no one was hurt. Crews were also called to a shed fire in Greenbank Road in the early hours of Saturday morning. This was extinguished using hose reels, said a spokeswoman for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.

ON STAGE: Young and old packed the lounge at Care UK’s Ventress Hall care home in Darlington to boo, cheer and sing their way through the home's annual pantomime. Each year a pantomime is performed at the home, in Trinity Road to make, sure that none of the residents miss out on the full Christmas experience. Home manager Judy Wray said: “Many of our residents love the theatre and we organise trips to see shows, but for some the journey is no longer possible so this is one of the ways we make sure no one misses out."

ANNUAL LUNCH: Dozens of volunteers from Age UK Darlington enjoyed their annual Christmas lunch, at the charity's Bradbury House headquarters, in Beaumont Street, on Thursday (December 19). This year's lunch was donated by Martin and Judith Drysden, of Murton Moor Farm, near Murton, County Durham. Age UK Darlington's chief executive Gillian Peel said: "We are really grateful to Mr and Mrs Drysden for donating four turkeys for the Christmas lunch, our volunteers work very hard and it is lovely to reward them with this annual get-together."

FUNDS BOOST: Four Darlington causes have received a funding boost from the Lloyds Bank community fund, following a public vote. More than 2,500 votes were cast in Darlington, with the local branches of the Family Help and Breathe Easy charities each awarded £3,000. First Stop Darlington will receive £300, as will Darlington RA junior football club.

SIGN UP: Heighington AFC Boys Under 13s, which plays its matches in the Russell Foster 11-a-side Sunday League, is seeking to bolster its team, and is looking for experienced players who want to become part of a friendly, and ever-expanding village club with great facilities and prospects. For more information, call Jim Barr, on 07899-862-079.

MARKET OFF: High winds led to the cancellation of Darlington’s outdoor market on Saturday (December 21). Darlington Borough Council’s markets team is to review the latest weather forecasts before making a decision on whether the market planned for Christmas Eve will go ahead.

FESTIVE WORSHIP: Christmas Day services will be held at St Andrew’s Church, in Haughton, at the earlier than usual times of 8am and 10am. All are welcome.