Down Your Way

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Sept 2, 2008

TODDLE FOR CHARITY

TINY feet made a massive difference to a children's charity.

Children, staff and parents from Just Learning Nursery at Cobalt Business Park put their best foot forward for a Big Toddle to raise pounds 500 for Barnardo's.

They braved pouring rain and wind for the walk but games and a picnic lunch on the beach had to be shelved.

Nursery manager Victoria Solomon said: "I'm very pleased so many people turned up for the event for such a worthy cause, and thanks to them and the nursery staff we have raised around pounds 500 for Barnardo's which is fantastic."

ANIMALS AUCTION

THE RSPCA Durham and District branch will hold a charity auction on Saturday, September 13, at Fram-wellgate Moor Community Centre, Front Street, Fram-wellgate Moor. The aim is to raise money for its work rescuing and rehoming unwanted, neglected and injured cats and dogs in the Durham area. Viewing is from 11am and the auction starts at noon. Refreshments will be available.

CANCER SUPPORT

DURHAM and District Women's Cancer Support Group will meet on Monday, in The Education Department Common Room at the University Hospital of North Durham, at 7pm.

HELPING NATURE

GREEN-fingered volunteers can play their part in preserving the North East's environment. Northumberland Wildlife Trust is holding a Volunteer Task Day, asking people to give up their time to help maintain some of its reserves.

To book a place at the event, on September 7, call (0191) 284 6884. Volunteers must be registered. To do so, contact Derek Hornsby at the Trust.

FURRY FRIENDS

OTTERS are the UK's favourite mammal, according to a poll. In a survey by BBC Wildlife Magazine, the playful predators came out top, beating other cute creatures such as hedgehogs, badgers, foxes and squirrels. Otters shot up the rankings after failing to feature in the first favourite British animal poll in 2000, which was won by dolphins.