Learning about dangerous play More than 2,500 children will learn the hazards of venturing into building sites during the summer holidays at the eighth annual Zone Rangers Challenge, which started yesterday at the Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade premises at Railway Row, in Sunderland.

The event, involving nine safety organisations, is using the story of Ten Little Indians to illustrate building site hazards.

WALK HELD: A sponsored walk will be held at Gateshead International Stadium on Sunday, July 13, to raise money for the Arthritis Research Campaign (Arc). The condition affects more than seven million people nationally. Arc is funding research at the University of Newcastle, the Freeman Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital, in Newcastle. The charity raised £1,600 from the walk last year and organisers are hoping to beat that. To take part, call (01207) 509976.

RESIDENT CONDUCTOR: The University of Durham has appointed Ray Farr as its first conductor-in-residence and teaching fellow at the Centre for Brass Band Studies. He takes up his full-time appointment this month. Mr Farr is an internationally known conductor, arranger, lecturer and adjudicator who studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal College of Music.

TEDDY BEARS: Peterlee Town Council staged its 15th Teddy Bears Picnic at the weekend. The event was held at Shotton Hall, Old Shotton, Peterlee. Children were able to meet Cobbles the Bear from the Customs House, in South Shields, and watch a Harry Potter magic show.

Planning meeting: Derwentside District Council's development control committee meets on Thursday, at 2pm, in Consett Civic Centre.

TWO STEP: Durham Indoor Bowling Club in Pity Me, Durham, is holding a 50/50 dance from 8pm to 11pm on Saturday. Admission is £2 for members and £2.50 for non-members. For details ring (0191) 3840700.

BEDE TALK: An illustrated talk on Bede and the Northumbrian Church will take place on Saturday,in the Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology, on The Banks, Durham. The talk will be led by curator Laura Sole, who will be discussing the Anglo-Saxon monk's life and his connection to Jarrow and Durham Cathedral. The talk accompanies the museum's current exhibition on Anglo-Saxon excavations in Saddler Street and runs until June 30.

CHURCH CONCERT: The Argus Singers will be hosting a celebrity concert in Elvet Methodist Church in Durham City, on Saturday, July 5 with Joanne Keithley playing cello. The evening starts 7.30pm and tickets cost £4. To book, call Mrs Cole on (01207) 521058 for tickets, or pay on the door.