Kevin Montgomery, a guitarist of Nashville, US - whose band The Road Trippers includes members of The Mavericks - will host a songwriting workshop as part of the Customs House Guitar Festival, South Shields.

The festival runs from July 17 to July 20. For tickets call 0191-454 1234.

CASHing UP: Christ's Hospital, in Sherburn, also known as Sherburn Hospital and Sherburn House Charity, gave £515,255 to North-East organisations in the year ending March 31. Its latest grants were awarded to 14 groups on Friday.

YOUTH CHOIR: Durham County Youth Choir will perform Vivaldi's Gloria and African and American acappella songs and harp music at Chester-le-Street Methodist Church on Friday at 7pm.

SUMMER FAIR: Sherburn Hospital, near Durham, will hold its summer fair a week on Saturday at 2pm. Attractions include the North Tyneside Children's Steel Band, donkey rides, Punch and Judy and stalls. Admission is £1 for adults and free for children and pensioners. Proceeds will go to the residents' fund.

DONOR DATES: Blood donor sessions will be held on Monday at Stanley Community Association, Tyne Road, Stanley, between 2pm and 7pm and in the Elvet Suite of the Three Tuns Hotel, New Elvet, Durham, from 2.30pm to 7pm.

BENEFITS CHECK: Older people on Income Support, who are worried about changes to their benefits later this year, can seek help. Advisers from Age Concern Durham will be in Delves Lane Village Hall, Delves Lane, near Consett, tomorrow from 10am-noon. For further details contact 0191-386 3856.

HELPING HAND: Durham Citizens' Advice Bureau is holding advice sessions today at Bowburn Community Centre from 10am to noon, at Sherburn Hill Community Centre, 12.15pm to 1.30pm, and at Esh Winning Community Centre, 2pm to 4pm.

DANCE CLASS: A line-dancing class will be held tonight in The Studio restaurant, on the top floor of Durham's Gala Theatre, between 7.30pm and 10.30pm. Tickets cost £2.50. Call the box office on 0191-332 4041.

JOBS FAIR: Hundreds of call centre jobs and training opportunities will be on offer at a jobs fair in Peterlee Leisure Centre on Thursday between 10am and 3pm.

BUSKERS' NIGHT: The weekly buskers night takes place tonight at The Jug, Claypath, Durham, from 8pm. Admission is free.

FAITH CONCERT: A songs of faith service takes place in St Patrick's Church, Consett, on Friday, at 7pm, including performances by the Derwentside Singers, Mary McGuire and the Plain Chant male voice choir.