MAN CHARGED: A 21-year-old man has been charged with theft after a mountain bike was stolen from a garage at a property in the Faverdale area of the town.

The GT Avalanche bicycle was taken after the owners left a garage door open.

HAMPER THEFT: Police are appealing for information after thieves smashed a window at Quicksilver Amusements, in Crown Street, Darlington, to steal a festive hamper containing bottles of alcohol.

The theft took place overnight on Sunday and Monday, December 16 and 17.

Anyone with information should contact 101.

FESTIVE FUN: Father Christmas will meet children during a fun reading event at Cockerton Library on Thursday, December 20.

The event starts at 9.15am and places are free. Contact 01325-461320.

WARD SURGERY: Councillors Paul Baldwin, Sue Richmond and Bryan Thistlethwaite, ward members for Cockerton East, are holding a surgery to meet residents in Cockerton Library, from 6pm until 7pm on Thursday, December 20.

FOLK CLUB: Darlington Folk Club are holding a Christmas party in the Copper Beech Pub, in Neasham Road, Darlington, from 7pm.

There will be a dinner followed by an open mic session. Contact 07890-006204.