QUEEN Sonja of Norway has written to support an exhibition of watercolours of Scandinavian mountains, which opens on Friday.

The collection, by painter Ornulf Opdahl, will be on display in the gallery at the University of Northumbria, Sandyford Road, Newcastle, until Friday, December 20. Also on show will be landscapes by North-East artist Richard Kidd.

GUEST PLAYER: Dutch cellist Anner Bylsma will be guest performer in a programme of concertos by the Newcastle baroque composer Charles Avison and his contemporaries. The concert will take place at St George's Parish Church, Jesmond, Newcastle, on Wednesday, at 7.30pm, and will feature The Avison Ensemble. Tickets are available on 0191-232 1356.

SPANISH EVENING: The Venerable Bede School, in Sunderland, will host a Spanish evening for parents of year seven students tomorrow. The evening will include tapas, salsa and practical advice on learning a new language.

CAROL CONCERT: The Women's Fellowship of Blackhill Baptist Church, Consett, holds its annual carol service, with performances by Benfieldside School Choir, in the church on Wednesday, from 2pm.

WARD SURGERY: A council surgery for the Murton West ward will be held in the Community Centre, McNally House, Murton, on Wednesday, from 7pm to 8pm. District, county and parish councillors will attend.

FLOWER CLUB: Cestrian Flower Club will be holding a Christmas demonstration at Park View Community Association's North Lodge site, in Chester-le-Street, next Thursday, from 7.15pm.

PARTY TIME: Members of Wentworth Park Women's Institute hold a Christmas party next month, with entertainment by Tak Ye Back. For more details, call 0191-410 4645.

IRISH MUSIC: Irish folk band Patrick Street plays at the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, on Sunday, from 8pm. Tickets are £8 and are available on (01207) 218899.

HOUSING SURGERY: Derwentside District Council holds a housing surgery in Delves Lane Village Hall, near Consett, today, from 9.45am to 10.45am.

COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning and fair will be held in Grove Methodist Church, Consett, on Saturday, December 7, from 10am to noon. Admission is £1.