A VIRTUAL tour of a home which highlights how security can be improved will be part of a community safety day at Gateshead Civic Centre.

The interactive computer programme will be on display during Gateshead's Community Safety Partnership Open Day on Wednesday. It takes users through a typical house, highlighting measures that can be taken to reduce the risks of break-ins, criminal damage and fire.

MUSEUM WORKSHOPS: To mark National Archaeology Day, tomorrow, the Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology in Durham will hold a reconstructing neolithic clay pottery workshop, from 11am to 1pm. If the weather permits, there will be bonfires on the river bank tomorrow and on Sunday. The Oriental Museum, in Elvet Hill, Durham, will hold a workshop called Hands on Egypt run by Dr Penny Wilson, of Durham University, between 2pm and 4pm. Admission for both events cost £2 and can be booked by calling 0191-374 7911.

ROADWORKS WARNING: Drivers are being advised to find alternative routes when roadworks begin on the A1052 Station Avenue, Fence Houses, on Sunday. Essential carriageway strengthening works mean road closures will be necessary at the junctions with Sedgeletch Road and Britannia Terrace, this Sunday and next Sunday. Temporary diversions will be in place.

ENVIRONMENT MEETING: A meeting of the regional fisheries, ecology and recreation, and advisory committee will be held on Wednesday, at 9am, in the Shincliffe Room at St Aidan's College, Durham. Among the items for discussion will be fishing licence duties and navigation charges.

TABLE TOP SALE: A table-top sale will be held at Perkinsville Community Centre, near Chester-le-Street, tomorrow between 10am and 2pm to raise funds for the North Eastern Disabled Motorists Club. Admission is free.

STEPPING OUTt: A nursery dance class for youngsters aged three and four is being organised at Framwellgate Moor Community Centre in Durham. Anyone interested should call 0191-386 6921.

SHOW CANCELLED: Due to circumstances beyond its control, The Empire Theatre, in Sunderland, has cancelled tomorrow's performance of Tribute to the King - The Ultimate Elvis Show. All customers who have not yet been contacted will receive full refunds from the box office.

BUG DAY POSTPONED: Families are being notified that a Big Bug Day planned to take place at Newburn Country Park, in Newcastle, this weekend has been postponed. It will now take place during a Teddy Bear's picnic on August 26.

CASH GIFTt: Biddick Hall Infants School, in South Shields, has been given £500 towards the cost of a play area by a community fund set up by Sunderland building firm Thompsons.