Northumbria University, in Newcastle, is encouraging people to learn a language on this year's European Languages day.

Staff from the School of Modern Languages are inviting people in for a free half-day taster session in languages. Sessions will take place between 9.30am and noon on Friday, September 26. To book a place call the business language unit on 0191-227 4968.

PUBLIC MEETING: North Durham MP Kevan Jones will speak on law and order as a guest of the residents' association in Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street. Everyone is welcome to the meeting, at Great Lumley Community Centre, in Front Street, at 6pm tomorrow.

FLORAL ART: Dunelm Flower Club stages its monthly meeting at Durham Sixth Form Centre, near the Sands, next Thursday. Everyone is welcome to the meeting, which features a demonstration by Susan Hall, from Saltburn, called My Journey with Flowers. The meeting starts at 7.30pm, with a £3 charge for visitors.

HEALING SESSION: The National Federation of Spiritual Healers holds a healing session at Shakespeare Hall, in North Road, Durham, on Saturday from 1.30pm to 4pm. Sessions are held every second and fourth Saturday each month.

Yarm TREK: Chester-le-Street Ramblers are heading to Yarm on Teesside for a walk led by Bob Moat, on Sunday. To take part, meet at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre car park, at 9.30am. For details call 0191-410 5048.

HOUSE FIRE: Firefighters were called to a house fire in Sandford Road, Bridgehill, Consett, at noon, on Tuesday. The occupants had all escaped before the arrival of the fire brigade, which extinguished flames on the first floor and attic.

SUGAR DATE: The meeting of the Derwentside branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild, due to take place on Monday, has been postponed. The meeting will now take place on Monday, September 22, at 7.30pm, in Blackhill Baptist Church Hall, Consett. The demonstration will be making fresh flowers for cakes. For details, contact Margaret Swinburne, on (01207) 505439.

BY DESIGN: Gateshead's Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art will this weekend host the national finals of the Audi Design Foundation's Young Designer of the Year Awards for A-level design and technology students across the country. The finalists include David Lister, of Stockton, and Claire Stobbs from Northumberland.

EGG CRAFTS: The Egg Crafters Guild of Great Britain stages its autumn convention at St Aidan's College, Windmill Hill, Durham, on Sunday. The event will feature decorated eggs, including lavishly jewelled eggs, plus demonstrations of the craft. It runs from 10.30am to 4pm, with admission £2 for guild members and £3.50 for non-members.