HUNDREDS of former soldiers who raised funds to repair a fire-ravaged church have seen the result of their donations.

About 300 members of the Durham Light Infantry visited their old regimental headquarters at Brancepeth Castle, near Durham. The nearby village church of St Brandon's was destroyed by a mystery fire in 1998. The DLI raised £6,500, paying for two new stained glass windows in the building's north transept. Each window features a small regimental insignia, representing the continuing strong ties between the DLI and the village.

ZAPPA TRIBUTE: The Zappatistas, who play the music of the late Frank Zappa, are performing at 8pm tonight in the Gala Theatre, Claypath, Durham. Tickets cost £10 with concessions available. To book, call 0191-332 4041.

ROAD CLOSED: Stowell Street, in Newcastle, will be closed on Monday, between noon and 5pm, for an event to mark In Town Without My Car Day. Access to The Gate car park will be maintained during the closure and a diversion will be signed.

CENTRE OPENS: The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Newcastle have opened a community centre. The Sunnybank Centre will provide a children's activity room, computers and a kitchen for residents on the city's Pendower Estate.

TURBINE WORK: Northern Electric Distribution has applied to Derwentside District Council for planning permission to put up pylons connected to wind turbines which are being built near Holmside Hall, Burnhope, near Stanley.

MORE SCHOOL: St Patrick's RC Primary School, Consett, is applying to Derwentside District Council for planning permission to build an extension and make alterations to the building.