FOUR organisations could win awards for their use of the Internet in business. Durham Logistics College, a specialist training provider in Durham, is shortlisted for the UK Online for Business and InterForum E-Commerce Awards.

It is joined on the shortlist by Consett stairlift manufacturer Bison Bede, volunteer umbrella group One Voice Network, in Wheatley Hill, near Peterlee, and family history group Family Heritage International, from Washington. The groups were chosen from 152 entries for four categories. The winner of each category will pocket £2,000. Winners will be announced at a ceremony held by regional sponsor Sage, on September 9, at St James' Park, Newcastle. The winner will go on to the national finals where there is a prize of £30,000.

RIVER STUDY: An exhibition of studies on the River Wear, by nine masters degree students at Durham University, goes on display at the Old Fulling Mill Museum, between Framwelgate and Prebends bridges, next week. Wealth of the Wear, looking at the geology and natural history of the river, runs from Saturday, September 6 to December 22. City conservation officer Tracey Ingle will officially open the exhibition at 11am.

WORKS REUNION: Ex-employees of former woodwork machinery manufacturer Bursgreen, of Fencehouses, near Chester-le-Street, or successor company Watkin, Durham Ltd, are invited to a reunion at The Station Hotel, Fencehouses, next Friday, at 7.30pm. Further details are available from Bill Cowling, on 0191-385 3218.

VILLAGE SURGERIES: The three recently-elected Durham City Council representatives for the Shadforth and Sherburn ward will hold a series of surgeries on Wednesday. Councillors Carol Woods, Fionna Davison and Stuart Walton will be spread at four venues in the ward, starting at School Court Centre, Sherburn, at 6pm, followed by Sherburn Hill Community Centre, at 6.30pm, at the Village Hall, Shadforth, at 7pm, and at Ludworth Community Centre, at 7.30pm.

LEEK SHOW: The annual leek show at The Plough Inn, at High Flatts, South Pelaw, near Chester-le-Street, takes place on Wednesday. Judging takes place in the afternoon with viewing in the evening. Produce will be auctioned the following evening, from about 8.30pm. The leek section is closed, but produce can still be entered in mixed vegetables categories, but must be handed in by 2.30pm on Wednesday. Further information is available from show official Sylvia Haddon, on 0191-388 7527.

BLUES NIGHT: Rhythm and Blues band Alive and Kicking will perform at The Beamish Mary Inn, No Place, near Stanley, tomorrow. Doors open at 8.30pm