A CAR dealer has been denied permission to extend one of its branches.

Reg Vardy wanted to expand its Peterlee branch, in Passfield Way, by adding six extra parking bays along the north-east side fronting on to Corby Grove. But local residents raised objections to the plans, submitting two petitions containing 102 names and six letters of objection to Easington District Council. Although a report recommended that the plans be approved, councillors rejected them.

ROCK NIGHTt: Rock band Wasted will perform in the Stables Bar at the Beamish Mary Inn, No Place, near Stanley, tomorrow. Doors open at 8.30pm and there is a cover charge. For details, call 0191-370 0237.

HOMES PLAN: Sandbrooke Homes Limited is asking Durham City Council for permission to build two detached homes next to Belgrave House, in Station Road East, Coxhoe.

NEW SCHEME: Dunelm Castle Homes has redrawn plans for 35 homes east of the cricket ground at Quaking Houses, near Stanley, and submitted an application to Derwentside District Council.

DEFENCE SKILLS: Aikido classes, the art of self-defence, will start soon at Chester-le-Street Community Association's centre on Newcastle Bank. It is aimed at beginners aged 15 and over. For further details call 0191-388 4752.

NEW HOUSES: Derwentside District Council is being asked by Barratt Newcastle to grant planning permission for 97 homes to be built south of Lambton Avenue, Delves Lane, near Consett.

DANCING TOTS: Sure Start runs a musical minis club for children aged under four at Bullion Hall in Chester-le-Street on Fridays, from 1pm to 3pm. It is free for people living in the Chester West ward. A baby club is held in the hall from 9am to 11.30am every Friday offering NHS health checks and advice for those with babies under 12 months.

GROTTO FUNDRAISER: Santa's grotto will be open in St Cuthbert's Arcade in Chester-le-Street, until tomorrow. Proceeds from the grotto, organised by Chester-le-Street Rotary Club, will go towards providing blood sugar meters for diabetic clinics run at local doctors' surgeries.

CAROL SERVICE: People can get in the mood for Christmas on Sunday when Bearpark Methodist Church holds a family service of carols, starting at 3pm.

GIVING BLOOD: People can give blood on Monday at the Newcastle Blood Centre, Holland Drive, Barrack Road, Newcastle, between 2pm and 7pm.

GIG NIGHTS: The Daisy Hill at Heugh Edge, near Sacriston, is hosting a Sunday night gig by The Hit Squad. Doors open at 7pm and admission costs £2. Blueshouse will be playing at the same venue next Friday at 8.30pm, and admission is free.

PUB ROCK: Old School will be playing in the Stables Bar of the Beamish Mary Inn at No Place, near Stanley, on Boxing Day. The pub's house band will be playing next Friday. Doors open at 8.30pm and there is a cover charge for both gigs.

MORE ROOM: Durham City Council is being asked to grant planning permission for a two-storey extension at the rear of a house in St Nicholas Drive, Durham.