YOUNGSTERS can learn all about the endangered African Lesser Flamingo in a weekend of activities at Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

Children can make their own flamingo and take part in games and quizzes. Those not able to visit the centre this weekend can take part via the website. The site follows the progress of seven satellite-tagged flamingoes, as they migrate from lake to lake in Africa's Great Rift Valley.

The address is www.wwt.org. uk/flamingo/activities.asp

SHOPPING TRIP: St Cuthbert's Hospice in Durham has a few seats left on its Christmas shopping coach trip to Edinburgh on November 8. Tickets cost £9. To book, call 0191-386 1170.

VOLUNTEER CALL: A training initiative will be launched at Gateshead Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) on October 1 by Euro-MP Dr Barbara O'Toole. The initiative is intended to help the CAB encourage those living in Gateshead's priority wards - Bensham, Bede, Teams, High Fell, Deckham, Felling and Saltwell - to volunteer. A roadshow in these wards will tell people about the benefits of volunteering.

BARE TOES: Creative dance classes for tots are to begin in Chester-le-Street next week. Dizzy Kids is run by trained dancers with the Bare Toes Dance Company for children aged from three to seven. The sessions encourage children to move creatively and will run every Wednesday, from 4pm to 5pm, from Wednesday, at Bullion Hall. For children aged 18 months to about four-years-old, Baby Boogie classes are taking place, between 2pm and 3pm on Fridays. Classes cost £2.50 per session. For details, call Beth Currie on 0191-373 5109.

TREASURE HUNT: A six-year-old celebrated his birthday in style after winning a treasure hunt. Ben Hope, from Hill Crescent, Murton in east Durham won Dalton Park's treasure hunt, during its Picnic in the Park event. Ben was invited to Dalton Park to choose his prize and picked a toy castle with soldiers and a bus from The Toy Factory.

CLUB DANCE: Durham Bowling Club will hold a 50/50 dance on Saturday between 8pm and 11pm at its centre in Pity Me. Tickets cost £2 for members, £2.50 non-members. For details call 0191-384 0777.

CHEAP WILL: St Oswald's Hospice, in Newcastle, is offering people the chance to make a will at a discount price. All proceeds will go to the hospice. To make an appointment with the charity's solicitors, contact 0870 7003030.

QUIT SMOKING: A free session on stopping smoking takes place in Delves Lane Village Hall, near Consett, today, from 1pm to 3pm. There will be a free creche available. For details, contact the hall on (01207) 583174.

ART SHOW: Artist Annette McKinnon will be giving a demonstration of her work at the Glass and Art Gallery in Medomsley Road, Consett, on Saturday.

NEW HOMES: Anvil Homes has lodged a planning application with Derwentside District Council to build 15 homes north and west of Hillgarth, Castleside, Consett.