A SCHOOLBOY has helped raise £708.14 for St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham City. Taylor Farrington, 11, from Chester-le-Street, raised £354.07 for the cause during Lent by donating pocket money, selling homemade scones and doing odd jobs. His total was matched by Indigo Software, where his mother Jacky Farrington works, and Taylor presented the money to the hospice last week.

LUNCHTIME CONCERT: The Gala Theatre Durham’s lunchtime concert series continues on Friday (April 25) with James Birkett and Bradley Johnston performing from 1pm. The concert will feature music by some of the most influential jazz musicians of the last 100 years. Tickets are £4. To book, call 03000-266-600 or visit galadurham.co.uk

CAFE PLAN: Durham County Council is being asked to grant planning permission for an extension to the cafe at Homer Hill Farm, Pittington Road, Rainton Gate, near Durham. Further details can be found online at durham.gov.uk

LOCAL HISTORY: Keith Parker will give a talk titled Coal Mining in the Oakenshaw area at the next meeting of Shincliffe History Society on Monday (April 28) at 7pm in the church hall. Entry is free for members, £3 for non-members.

THREE HOMES: Alan Davison has applied for consent to build three homes at The Red Oak site, Lowland Road, Brandon, near Durham. For more information, go to durham.gov.uk/planning

ART GROUP: New members are welcome at an art group which meets in Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, Bowburn, on Tuesdays from 10am to noon. The cost is £3 per person per session, including tuition and materials. All are welcome.