The City of Durham Trust is urging people and businesses in the city to back this summer's Britain in Bloom competition efforts. Entries are free and must be registered by Friday, July 5. For further details call Andrew Jackson at Durham City Council on 0191-301 8693.

Memory lane: Durham City Remembered, a display of old photographs collected by local historian and author Michael Richardson, is being staged at Durham Clayport Library until Saturday, to mark Local History Week. It will not be open during today's visit by the Queen.

BLUEBELL WALK: Shildon Walkers are meeting outside the Masons Arms on Wednesday at 6.30pm for a five-mile trek through Thickley Farm, Hill Top Farm, Redmires Farm and Brusselton Wood. Bluebells should be in flower.

Cancer meeting: The Women's Cancer Support Group meets otomorrow at 7.30pm in the main outpatients department at the University Hospital of North Durham. For further information call Jo on 0191-377 0541 or Stella on 0191-386 6742.

Homes plan: HLM and AIG Property Ltd, of Wetherby, North Yorkshire, is seeking outline planning permission from Durham City Council for residential development on land at the former Cape Asbestos Works, in Durham Road, Bowburn.

Donor sessions: Blood donor sessions are being held today at St Joseph's Parish Centre, Rutland Street, Millfield, Sunderland, from 2.30 to 7pm and at the Masonic Hall in Albion Road, North Shields, between 10am and 7pm.

Gig date: Jackl will be performing blues/rock standards at The Daisy Hill, Heugh Edge, Sacriston, on Friday, starting at 8.30pm. Admission is free. For details, call the venue on 0191-371 0288.

Jam time: A jam session for bands and musicians, and a music quiz, will be held tonight at The Gallery, Chester Moor, near Chester-le-Street, starting at 8.30pm. For details call 0191-388 4588.

Homes scheme: Durham City Council is being asked to grant outline planning permission for two homes and garages to be built on land at East Butcher Race Farm, in Thinford.

In spirit: Bill and Shirley Hunter are guest speakers at Shildon Spiritualist Church, in Middleton Road, on Sunday at 6pm. There is a service on Wednesday, with experimental ribbon readings by Madge Kirshaw from 7pm. Admission is by a £1 donation.

New garage: Durham City Council is being asked to grant planning permission for a replacement garage and utility room at the side of a house at The Meadows, West Rainton.

ROMAN REVIVAL: Re-enactment group Rent-a-Peasant is baking bread at Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland, on Saturday.

NEARLY NEW: St Paul's Church, at Spennymoor, has a nearly new sale on Tuesday at 7pm. Admission costs 10p.