NEW LIBRARY: Barnard Castle's new library will open at The Witham on Friday, January 10, at 10am. In addition, Durham County Council's new customer access point will also open at The Witham, in Horsemarket, on the same day. The current customer point, at Teesdale House, Galgate, will close on Wednesday, January 8.

SOCIAL NIGHT: See in the new year at Hamsterley Social Club, where vocalist Dixon J Scott will provide the entertainment on December 31. Tickets are £6 and those going along are asked to take a plate for a shared buffet. For details and tickets, call 01388-488366.

BUS PASS MARATHON: More than £1,000 has been raised by Gainford couple Neil and Kathy Russell, who went by bus from the village to both coasts. In all, they travelled on 13 buses as they headed to Workington in the west and Saltburn in the east. Money raised will go towards improvements at Gainford village hall.

ANNUAL MEETING: Gainford History Society will hold its annual meeting in the village hall on Monday, January 6, starting at 7pm. The first meeting of the new year takes place at week later when the guest will be local archaeologist Richard Fraser. Admission is £2 and includes tea, coffee and biscuits.