STOCKTON Borough Council's sports development team is expanding its activities programme this year with the introduction of an events programme.

The Xplore programme, aimed at those aged three to 16, has been designed to allow youngsters to take part in holiday activities with a difference. Children can take part in sports such as scuba diving and white water rafting. Children with special needs can also take part in some activities. To get involved, call (01642) 397373.

BANDSTAND CONCERTS: The Hurworth Society Jazz band will perform at Saltburn Bandstand on Saturday, from 6.30pm until 8pm. If raining, the concert will be in the Community Theatre, Saltburn, east Cleveland. Bearpark and Esh Colliery Brass Band will also perform at Saltburn Bandstand on Sunday, from 2.30pm until 4pm. If raining, the band will perform at Emmanuel Church in Windsor Road, Saltburn.

OPEN GARDENS: A number of gardens in the village of Snape, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, are open to the public on Sunday, from 2pm to 5pm. Residents have organised a variety of other attractions, including pony rides, face-painting, plant stalls and afternoon teas. Admission is £3.

ADVICE SESSIONS: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau is holding drop-in sessions today at Brandon Community Hall, from 11am to 12.15pm; New Brancepeth Village Hall from 12.30pm to 1.30pm; and at West Rainton Jubilee Hall from 2pm to 3pm.

CHARITY SALE: Easington Age Concern will hold a bric-a-brac sale at its premises at 65 Seaside Lane, Easington Colliery, County Durham, tomorrow, from 10am to noon. Soft furnishings will also be on sale.

CASH BOOST: More than £1,000 has been raised for Richmond St Teresa's Hospice Support Group. A craft stall in the town's Market Hall raised £105, a street collection raised £443, and an open garden event raised £300, which will be matched by Barclays Bank.

DRAINS WORK: Motorists in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, are being warned about the temporary closure of Masonic Lane and an area of Kirkgate because of drains maintenance work. The work will take up to five days, from Saturday, July 19.

PENSIONERS MEET: The Durham branch of the NHS Retirement Fellowship will meet on Wednesday, at 2pm, in Framwellgate Moor Community Centre. The speaker will be Ann Wilson, manageress of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

GUN TALK: Royal Armouries expert Ian Bottomley will talk about the arrival of guns in Japan, on Saturday, at 2pm, in the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery, Aykley Heads, Durham. Tickets are £3.50, £2.50, and £1.50 for season ticket holders.

HEALING SESSION: The National Federation of Spiritual Healers will hold a healing session on Saturday, from 1.30pm to 4pm, in The Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Durham.

JAZZ NIGHT: The River City Jazzmen will be performing at the Marquis of Granby at Streetgate, Sunniside, near Gateshead, tonight, at 8pm. Admission is free.

FARES CHANGE: Go North East has changed its fares for bus journeys in Washington, Wearside. All long journeys will cost £1, with short trips costing 50p.