Officers believe young boys are behind a spate of tyre slashings in the Stanley area during the past two weeks.

Witnesses have reported seeing a pair of boys aged about 12, one armed with a 12in knife, in Malvern Terrace, Cleveland Terrace and Cotswold Terrace at around the time of the attacks. Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Mick Burns on (01207) 280613.

WHEEL THIEVES: Police are hunting thieves who used a jack to make off with four wheels. They took a pair of wheels off each of two vehicles, which were parked outside New House Foods, on the Esh Winning Industrial Estate, near Consett, on Thursday, January 30. Anyone with information is asked to contact Consett police on (01207) 504204.

CHARITY HELP: A wishing pool at Santa's grotto, in Durham's Prince Bishops shopping centre, raised about £450 for terminally ill children. The money has been donated to Butterwick Children's Hospice and the Round Table Children's Wish Fund, which have been chosen by Mayor of Durham Councillor Eileen Rochford.

ENROLMENT NIGHT: Sherburn Village Community Centre, Front Street, is holding an evening class enrolment session tomorrow between 10am and noon and from 5pm to 7pm. Classes include sign language, soft furnishings, Indian head massage, aromatherapy and IT.

PICTURE SHOW: Langley Park Friends of Durham Hospitals are holding an audio visual evening featuring local photographer Philip Nixon's pictures of local and international historical scenes on Friday, February 21, at 7.30pm, in Langley Park Youth Centre. Admission costs £2.

TEA DANCE: A tea dance will be held today in the Sherburn Sports Centre, between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Admission costs £2, including tea and biscuits, and everyone is welcome to attend. Further information is available from the centre or by calling 0191-386 6921.

ADVICE SESSION: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau is holding advice sessions today at Meadowfield Surgery between 10am and 11am and at Oversteads House, Ushaw Moor, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. No appointments are necessary.

SOCIAL NIGHT: The Friends of Durham Mining Museum are holding a social night tomorrow, from 8pm at The Wayfarer pub, Front Street East, Haswell. Everyone is welcome. For details call the venue on 0191-517 1274.

CHURCH LANDMARK: The Reverend Paul Worsnop, of Chester-le-Street, will lead the 134th anniversary celebrations of Framwellgate Moor Methodist Church, Durham, on Saturday, February 22, at 3pm. The event will include duets by the Mullen Brothers.