BLUES NIGHT: Double bass playing jazz singer Kel Elliott will lead a quartet of musicians for performances at Bowes and Gilmonby Parish Hall, on Wednesday, March 26, and Newbiggin-in-Teesdale Village Hall the following night. Both shows start at 7.30pm. For further details, contact 01833-628357 for the Bowes show and 01833-640807 for the Newbiggin gig.

PUBLIC MEETING: The organisers of this summer's Etape Pennines cycle race through County Durham's upper dales, are holding a public meeting at Eggleston Village Hall on Tuesday, March 25, starting at 6.30pm.

CLEAN UP: As part of this year's Litter Free Durham campaign, Etherley Parish Council is organising a clean up event in the village on Saturday, May 10, from 9am to 11am. This year's Litter Free Durham campaign runs from April 7 to May 11.

VILLAGE FETE: This year's Toft Hill and Etherley village fete will take place on Saturday, July 5. Having set the date, organisers are now working on a number of attractions.

LENT LUNCHES: Churches Together in Barnard Castle and Startforth will hold Lent lunches at the Parish Hall, Newgate, Barnard Castle, on Fridays March 28, April 4 and April 11, noon to 1.30pm. Soup and roll along with cheese and biscuits are available for a suggested minimum donation of £3.

QUIZ NIGHT: The Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, based at St Osmund's Catholic Church, Gainford, will host a quiz night in the village hall following mass at 7pm on Friday, March 28. There will be supper, a bar and grand raffle available.

DRIVERS WANTED: More volunteers are being sought to drive the mini bus operated by Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (Utass). They are needed to transport youngsters from around upper Teesdale to the Thursday night youth club at the Utass building in Middleton-in-Teesdale.