DURHAM fire station in Framwellgate Moor is holding an open day on Sunday, August 18, between 10am and 4pm.

Fire engines will be on show and there will also be fire safety demonstrations and displays, as well as win a fighter for a day and be a firefighter for a day competitions. Admission to the event is free and proceeds will go to the Fire Brigades Benevolent Fund and local charities.

CHOIR REUNITED: Shiney Row Male Voice Choir is due to meet up after the summer break on Friday, August 30, at 7pm in the Methodist Church Hall. New members, especially tenors, are welcome. The choir will discuss plans for the rest of the season.

OPENING TIME: A Stanley pub closed for some time is on the verge of re-opening. Local businessman Thomas Henderson has been granted interim authority for the Thatcher's Foot, Hilltop, by the North Durham licensing panel. He hopes to open the doors in mid-September.

FOLK TALES: Folk tales from the North-East and other countries will be told when a new group starts at the Chester-le-Street Community Association's centre, on Newcastle Bank, on Wednesday, starting at 1.30pm, from September 25. The sessions will cost £2.50. For more details, call 0191-388 4752.

CHANGES APPROVED: The North Durham licensing panel has given its approval for structural alterations, including a new conservatory and enlargement of the kitchen and toilets, to be carried out at the Pack Horse Inn, Crookgate, near Burnopfield.

MUSIC NIGHTt: Dave Smith will be performing in the Stables Bar at the Beamish Mary Inn, No Place, near Stanley, tonight. Doors open at 8.30pm and there is an admission charge. For further details call the venue on 0191-370 0237.

STORY TIME: A story time session for pre-school youngsters will be led by Carol Attewell and Jacqui Rodgerson at Durham Clayport Library, Millennium Place, Durham, on Wednesday at 11am. Admission is free.

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

SMELLS GOOD: A five-week aromatherapy and massage course will be at the Chester-le-Street Community Centre, on Newcastle Bank, on Monday afternoons between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, starting on September 16. The course costs £15. For enrolment and details call 0191-388 4752.

GUIDED WALKS: Durham Tour Guides lead walks around the city on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout August and September, starting at 2pm at the Tourist Information Centre, Millennium Place, Claypath. The walks cost £3 but accompanied children aged five to 15 can go free. For further details call 0191-384 3720.