THORNLEY Women's Group will run a series of bite size courses this autumn.

The group, with the Workers' Educational Association and Stonham Housing, will offer subjects including mat making, local history, computer skills, jewellery making and healthy eating.

The courses will run on Fridays at Thornley Clinic between 9.30am and 11.30 am starting this week. New members are welcome. The group provides a free creche in the same building. To find out more, call Gwyneth Lamb at the WEA on 0191-383 2717, extension 23.

SPONSORED WALK: The Derwentside branch of the Alzheimer's Society is planning to hold a sponsored walk in memory of those who have died from the conditon. The event starts at Allensford at 2pm on Sunday, September 21. To take part, call (01207) 591835.

DURHAM VIEWS: Photographer Janet Thackray will give an illustrated talk called Durham Old and New, which will describe how the city has changed over the years, at Coxhoe Methodist Church next Tuesday, at 7pm. Proceeds will go to the church's building fund.

RANGE TALK: Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland will hear a talk about the Otterburn Army training range on Saturday, at 2.30pm, in room 141, Elvet Riverside, New Elvet, Durham. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome.

MUSIC NIGHT: Covers band Shrinking Violet will be performing at The Daisy Hill pub, Heugh Edge, Sacriston, on Friday, at 8pm. There is a cover charge. For details call the venue on 0191-371 0288.

CAR STOLEN: Thieves stole an S-registration silver Citroen Saxo car from outside a house in Beech Terrace, Crookgate, on Saturday, at 7.30pm.

CAMERA DAMAGE: Vandals have attacked the security camera system in Leadgate, near Consett, days after the cameras began working. The thugs ripped out cables running to the camera on Leadgate Community Centre in Plantation Street, overnight on Saturday.

GHOST HUNT: Crook Hall, Durham's medieval manor, is inviting people to hunt for its ghosts on Sunday between 1pm and 5pm. Admission costs £4 for adults, £3.50 for concessions and a family ticket is £11.50.

DROP IN: People can drop in and get advice at Durham Citizens Advice Bureau sessions today at Bowburn Community Centre, 10am to noon, at Sherburn Hill Community Centre, 12.15pm to 1.30pm, and at Esh Winning Community Centre, 2pm to 4pm.