Volunteer drivers are needed to help people who are unable to use public transport, to get to health services in east Durham.

The Car Scheme is for residents of Wheatley Hill, Thornley, Wingate, Station Town, Hutton Henry, Trimdon Station and Deaf Hill. The mileage rate is just over 37p a mile, with free training provided in emergency first aid and moving and handling. Anyone who can help is asked to contact Claire Armstrong on (01325) 304204.

SCOUTS APPEAL: 3rd West Stanley St Andrew's Scouts are appealing for members. The Cubs meet in St Andrew's Church institute on Mondays, from 6.30pm to 8.10pm, and is open to boys aged eight to ten. The Scouts meet at the same venue on Tuesdays, from 6.30pm to 8.40pm, and is open to boys aged ten to 15. For details, contact Scoutmaster Ian Brown on (01207) 282101.

MAGIC EVENT: A parade, magic roundabout, tombolas, fancy dress and sports are some of the activities at Durham City's Bearpark carnival this weekend. The event will start at the cricket field at 9.30am on Saturday. Organising committee chairman Dot Dowson said: "We have had two good years so far and we expect this year to be the best ever."

COASTAL FUN: A family fun day will be held on the coast at Horden, from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, July 26. There will be theatre, music, face painting and gardening for wildlife. There will also be the chance to have a go at weaving willow fish and wood carving.

NEW VOICE: A new interpretation and translation service, known as Language Point, has been launched by Sunderland City Council. A council spokesman said the service would offer high-quality, impartial and professional language support to clients with limited command of the English language. Interpretation and translation services in 28 languages will be delivered by a team of workers.

HOUSING PLANS: Plans to build 13 bungalows on land to the south of Maple Street, South Moor, Stanley, have been submitted to Derwentside District Council. Planning officers have yet to make a recommendation on the proposals by Blue Box Limited.

CRAFTY KIDS: A weekly arts and crafts workshop for youngsters aged from five to 11 will be held at the Consett Civic Hall and Lamplight Arts Centre, in Stanley. The event takes place from 10am to 11.30am every Tuesday for the first five weeks of the summer holidays. The cost is £2 per session. There is no need to book.

NEW ROLE: Professor Gordon Batho, of the Durham branch of the Historical Association, has been appointed vice-chairman of the Marlowe Society in recognition of his research on the Earl of Northumberland, Sir Walter Raleigh and Thomas Harriot.