A SUSPENDED solicitor is accused of gaining money from a share transaction carried out on behalf of a client.

David Gatherer, 52, formerly the sole practitioner of the Durham firm of Carpenter's, appeared before Newcastle magistrates yesterday, charged with obtaining a money transfer by deception. The charge relates to a transaction he is alleged to have carried out for a client of the Old Elvet firm in 1997. The case was adjourned for six weeks, and Mr Gatherer, of Meadow Drive, East Herrington, Sunderland, was bailed to return for a review hearing next month. His practising certificate was suspended by the Law Society earlier this year and since then Carpenters has closed.

SOCCER DAY: Professional coaching will be on offer to young footballers today. Tuition from Sunderland Football Club coaches will feature in activities for families at Shotton Hall Conference Centre, Peterlee, from 10am to 2pm. Families can also try alternative therapies, felt-making, puppetry, face-painting and story-sacks. The event is part of Family Learning Weekend, which encourages parents to share in their children's studies.

SURGERY OFF: Easington district councillor Brian Wilson has had to cancel his ward surgery in Thornley Library tomorrow.

MONTHLY SURGERY: North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong will hold her monthly advice surgery for constituents at Citizen's House, next to the Methodist Church, in Consett, from 11am tomorrow.

AUTUMN FAIR: An autumn fair will be held at the Medomsley Methodist Church at 2.30pm on Saturday, October 18. The event will be opened by the Reverend Clive Todd. There will be stalls with cakes, gifts and bric-a-brac, with refreshments available. Admission is 20p.

TASTER COURSE: Derwentside College will run a free taster course in cake decorating at Tanfield Lea Community Centre starting on Tuesday. The classes will run on Tuesday, from 1pm to 3.30pm, for four weeks. To enrol or for more information, call (01207) 231570.

SALE DATE: A table-top sale will be held at the Blackhill Community Centre, Derwent Street, Blackhill, from 10am, tomorrow. Tables are £3, with the opportunity to sell books, games, toys and videos. For further information, call (01207) 504272.

FOUNDATION DUTY: The chairman of Durham County Council, Councillor Alan Fenwick, is to unveil a foundation stone next Wednesday to mark the site of a new housing scheme for the frail elderly at the East Shore village development, in Seaham.

WEBSITE RELAUNCH: Durham Young People's Centre, a confidential advice, support and counselling service for people aged 13 to 25, which is based at End House, in Claypath, Durham, has relaunched its website. It can be accessed on www.endhouse.org.uk with further information available on 0191-383 1414.