THE crew of a police helicopter are being credited with saving a man's life following a search and rescue.

A helicopter from the North-East Air Support Unit flew from Newcastle Airport to Chester-le-Street on Tuesday night to search for an unnamed man in his twenties who left home with 200 paracetamol tablets, some of which he was believed to have swallowed, following an argument. The helicopter crew found him by using thermal imaging equipment and directed officers on the ground to his position. He was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham and was released yesterday. Inspector Dave Marshall said the skill of the three-strong crew almost certainly saved the man's life. "Given the cover of darkness and the difficult terrain, it would be virtually impossible for officers on the ground to find the man."

Tea dance: A tea dance will be held today in the Abbey Sports Centre, Pity Me, Durham, between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Admission is £1.30, including tea and biscuits. For more information call 0191-386 6921.

Music night: Rock band Stage Whisper will be performing in the Stables Bar of the Beamish Mary Inn at No Place, near Stanley, tonight. The evening starts at 8.30pm. For further information call the pub on 0191-370 0237.

Advice session: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau is holding an advice outreach session today at Brandon Community hall, Brandon, between 11am and noon.

Baby massage: Chester-le-Street Community Association is running a four-week baby massage course on Saturday mornings between 10am and 11.15 am at its centre on Newcastle Bank, starting on September 14. The course costs £26. For more details phone Ann on 0191-372 0798.

Kids' church: The Jezreel Kids' Church for youngsters aged seven to 11 meets on Sunday in the Methodist Chapel, Front Street, Dipton, near Stanley, between 10am and noon. For more details call the Rev Gerrard Hurst on (01207) 230977.

Recital date: Roger Sayer, of Rochester Cathedral, will give the latest in the 125th anniversary series of organ recitals at Durham Cathedral on Wednesday starting at 7.30pm. Admission is £5, concessions £3.

Samaritans session: The Mid-Durham branch of the Samaritans is holding an introductory session for people interested in becoming volunteers. It will be held on Wednesday at Samaritan House, 26 Sutton House, Durham, at 7pm. For further details call 0191-384 2727.