THE Reverend Alison Richardson, Curate of Upper Skerne, has been appointed Priest in Charge of Blackhall, Castle Eden and Monkhesleden and Associate Minister of Peterlee. The move will take effect on August 18. It was announced by the Church of England’s Durham Diocese.

FOODBANK DAY: Durham Foodbank will hold collections at five supermarkets across County Durham on Saturday, August 3. Volunteers are needed for Tesco at Dragonville, Durham, and Asda stores at Stanley, Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland and Peterlee. Two-hour shifts are available from 9am to 5pm. For more information, email: brianhunter1951@gmail.com

CARITAS CASH: The Caritas Ensemble, a musical group which stages charity concerts, has raised £208.90 for the Durham-based Heel and Toe children’s charity through a performance at St Nicholas’ Church, in Durham Market Place, on Monday, July 15. Organisers would like to thank all who attended the event.

CARAVAN PLAN: Durham County Council is being asked to grant retrospective planning permission for stables at Pit House Lane, Leamside, near Durham, to be used to house four chalets, six touring caravans, five storage sheds and three containers. For further details, visit durham.gov.uk