Primary school pupils were rewarded at the weekend for achieving 100 per cent attendance in the last academic year.

More than 900 youngsters who avoided any school absences up to the summer holiday were invited to a party at the Shiney Row centre of the City of Sunderland College, which was also attended by members of the children's television series Byker Grove. Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Juliana Heron presented awards for best, most improved and seven-year attendances. The event was organised by the Every Schoolday Counts project, backed by the Children's Fund, to improve overall school attendance.

CAR CRASH: A car left the A693 Chester-le-Street to Stanley road early yesterday. No one was injured and no other vehicle was involved in the incident, near the Drum Industrial Estate, between Birtley and Perkinsville.

CHARITY EVENING: Sherburn Village Working Men's Club will hold a charity evening featuring Rudi West, Mark Allen, Lynnie Larkin and Jim Tait, on Thursday, at 8pm. Tickets cost £2.50 and are available from the club. Proceeds will go to Sherburn OAK (Outdoor Action for Kids).

COFFEE MORNING: The Inner Wheel's Durham group will hold a Christmas coffee morning in the town hall, on Friday, from 10am to noon. Proceeds will go to charity. Admission costs 50p and includes refreshments.

CHURCH FAIR: St Andrew's Methodist Church, in Langley Park, will hold an autumn fair on Friday, at 11am. Light lunches will be available.

BEST BRASS: Houghton Brass Band will play at a Christmas concert in Durham Town Hall, on Saturday, at 7.30pm. The band will be backed by the choral voices of Charity Productions. Tickets costing £3 are available from band chairman Bob Weirs, on 0191-584 4887, or at the door.

ANTIQUES AUCTION: The Haswell branch of the mental health charity Mencap will hold a fundraising antiques auction at its premises in the village's Church View on Wednesday. Viewing will be from 10am to 4pm, and the auction will start at 6.30pm.

ANXIETY GROUP: A group for people suffering from anxiety or depression has started in Chester-le-Street. The Changes group will meet in Bullion Hall, off Bullion Lane, on Saturdays, from 11am and 1pm. To take part in the group either visit one of its meetings or contact 0191-388 0030.

PLAY OPENS: Chester-le-Street Theatre Group's production of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, starts a six-night run at the Park View Community Theatre, tonight at 7.15pm. There will be a matinee at 2pm on Saturday. Tickets and information are available on 0191-385 7500, or 0191-388 4752.

ORIENTAL BAZAAR: Durham University's Oriental Museum, in Elvet Hill, will hold an oriental bazaar on Saturday, from noon to 5pm. There will be gift stalls, family activities and performances, including a lion dance and kung fu.