FOCUS ON RIGHTS: Information and representation on welfare rights is provided by the Washington Welfare Rights Service, which is based in the Galleries.

It is open from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9.30am to 12.30pm, on Wednesdays; and 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm, on Fridays. The service can be contacted by telephone on 0191-219 3369 and by fax on 0191-219 3359.

FOLK NIGHT: Alan Taylor will appear at the Davy Lamp Folk Club, in the Biddick Arts Centre, on Saturday, August 17.

COMPANY CHARITY: The Asda distribution depot, Pattinson Estate, raised £17,000 for local charities and organisations last year.

SUMMER FAIR: Holy Trinity Church, High Usworth, will hold its summer fair today, from 2pm to 4pm.

OPEN DAY: An open day will be held from 10am on Saturday, August 10, at the Barmston Fire Training Centre. Admission is free.

FAMILY SERVICE: On Track is a service that offers help and support to children, aged four to 12, and their families in the North Washington area. It can help with such issues as loss, separation, bereavement, breakdowns, difficulties experienced as a parent, home, family and school problems, domestic violence and behavioural problems. The unit can be contacted by calling 0191-219 3460.

SAFETY FIRST: The Bridge Women's Education and Support Trust is holding Family Safety Days from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday, in the Bridge Project Centre, at Aulgrave, and at the Albany Family Centre on Thursday.