UNIVERSITY students in Sunderland have taken to the airwaves with their own radio station.

Utopia FM is broadcasting on 102.4 MHz until Friday, featuring music, chat and competitions, student-produced documentaries, dramas and comedy shows. It has also been presenting shows live from nightclubs in the city. The station, thought to be the region's biggest student broadcaster, goes on air twice a year and gives media studies students the chance to put into practice what they have learnt in the classroom. Last year, it received five nominations at the Radio 1 and Radio Academy Student Radio Awards.

SCHEME LAUNCH: A scheme to make it easier for health professionals to access equipment for disabled patients has been launched on Wearside.

Sunderland Social Services and the city's Primary Care Trust have produced a directory of equipment such as powered bath lifts and pillow lifts. Community Equipment Service manager Ina Murton said: "The catalogue offers people the chance to see the equipment, get a feel for how it works and what it will look like in their home. The service aims to loan equipment so that people can come home from hospital more quickly and help them stay at home longer, to prevent hospital admission where possible."

DONOR DATES: Blood donor sessions will be held on Monday next week at Vane Tempest Social Club, New Drive, Seaham, from 3pm to 7pm, and the next day at the Methodist Church Hall, Bede Way, Peterlee, from 10am to 7pm.

BUSKERS NIGHT: The Jug, in Claypath, Durham, is holding its weekly buskers night tonight for acoustic musicians and singers. It starts at 8pm and admission is free.

ADVICE SESSIONS: People can call in for advice at Durham Citizens Advice Bureau sessions being held today at Bowburn Community Centre, from 10am to noon; at Sherburn Hill Community Centre, from 12.15pm to 1.30pm;, and at Esh Winning Community Centre, from 2pm to 4pm.

ROCK NIGHT: Rock Solid will perform at The Daisy Hill, Heugh Edge, Sacriston, on Friday, starting at 8pm. Admission costs £1. For further details, call 0191-371 0288.

HARVEST CELEBRATION: Sherburn Hill Methodist Church will be holding a harvest celebration on Saturday, at 6.30pm, when there will be a concert by the Priory Singers.

STRESS COURSE: A ten-week course in counselling skills, relaxation and stress management will begin at Chester-le-Street Community Centre on Friday, October 31. The course will run each Friday morning, from 10am to midday, and costs £30. To enrol, contact the centre on 0191-388 4752.

FLOWER POWER: Philip Nixon will give an illustrated talk to the North-East Rose, Carnation and Sweet Pea Horticultural Society on Monday at Gateshead Civic Centre, starting at 7pm. For more infromation, contact Rosa Robinson on 0191-413 8026.