A TEAM of five workers from the Swallow Three Tuns Hotel, in Durham, recently took part in a challenge at Derwentwater near Keswick, in the Lake District, and raised £2,400 for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

In nine hours they cycled 26 miles, completed a six-mile canoe trip on Derwentwater and climbed 931 metres up Mount Skiddaw. They were joined by teams from 13 other Swallow Hotels across the country, who raised a combined total of £35,000.

PARK LIFE: Lark in the Park, an activity day for youngsters will be held every Friday at Allensford Park, near Consett, between 11am and 4pm, until August 23. Sessions cost £2.50. For further details call (01207) 218014.

TEEN GROUP: Jezreel Teen Power, a group for youngsters aged 11 to 15, meets on Fridays between 7.30pm and 9pm at the Methodist Chapel, Front Street, Dipton, near Stanley. For further details call the Reverend Gerrard Hurst on (01207) 230977.

CONSERVATORY PLAN: Durham City Council is being asked to grant planning permission for a conservatory to be built at the back of a house in Bow Street, Bowburn.

FUN DAY: The Easington On Track Partnership is to hold a fun day, to give children a chance to try different activities, on Thursday, September 26, from 2.30pm to 6pm, at Dene House Primary School, Peterlee.

ACADEMY PLACES: Seaham Music Academy has places for people who want to learn to play the cello, viola and violin when the new term starts on Saturday, September 14. For details call 0191-513 0378.

ORGAN RECITAL: The next in the 125th anniversary series of organ recitals at Durham Cathedral will be held on Tuesday, and will feature James Lancelot. The event starts at 7.30pm. Admission costs £5 (concessions £3).

CHARITY SHOP: The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals is opening a charity shop in Yoden Way, Peterlee, on Friday, August 23. Anyone interested in volunteering to help in the shop, or in donating goods, can call shop manager Susan Dunning on 0191-518 4065.

CHARITY CASH: Firefighters from Red Watch at Washington fire station raised £1,000 for South Tyneside General Hospital, South Shields, with a 65-mile sponsored cycle ride along the boundary of Tyne and Wear.

SHOPPING TRIP: St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham, is holding a Christmas shopping trip on Saturday, November 9. Tickets cost £9 and can be booked through the hospice's fundraising office on 0191-386 1170.

CHARITY'S THANKS: Cancer Research UK has thanked Red Rose Primary School, Chester-le-Street, and everyone who took part in its sponsored toddle in aid of the charity and school funds. The charity received a cheque for £1,090 following the event, in June.