ELEVEN volunteers will today give a makeover to footpaths near their homes.

Members of The Friends of Flass Vale, in Durham, will be taught path management by Durham County Council's rights of way and countryside officers. They will clear overgrown vegetation from steps and install drains and signposts on paths in the vale. The day has been organised by the council's Parish Paths Partnership.

GLOBAL TRIP: Pupils had the chance to go around the world in a day yesterday as part of their school's efforts to get them thinking more about other cultures. Youngsters at Ravensworth Terrace Primary School, in Birtley, sampled lifestyles from around the globe for its One World day. The youngsters, aged five to 11, donned costumes from countries such as China, Greece, Mexico, Norway and Spain. They also tried flamenco dancing, learned a Norwegian song and made mini Eiffel towers, Chinese dragons and Greek temples.

COUNCIL SURGERY: Durham city councillors for the Pelaw and Gilesgate ward will hold a surgery on Tuesday, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in the Pelaw View Centre, on the Sherburn Road Estate.

ROAD CLOSED: Silksworth Road, in Sunderland, will be closed between Rutland Avenue and Edward Street tomorrow while workmen strengthen the carriageway. Traffic will be diverted via Silksworth and Blind lanes.

TEA DANCE: George Hetherington will play dance tunes when the Studio restaurant, in Durham's Gala Theatre, holds a tea dance on Tuesday, August 5, from 2pm to 4pm. Tickets are £6, available on 0191-332 4041.

GIVE BLOOD: Blood donor session are being held on Monday, at Stanley Community Association, Tyne Road, Stanley, from 2pm to 7pm, and at the Three Tuns Hotel, Durham, from 2.30pm to 7pm.

SURGERY SESSION: Easington district councillors for the Blackhalls ward will hold a surgery on Saturday, July 26, from 10.30am to noon, in the Community Centre, Pattison Gardens, Blackhall.

AREA FORUM: The next meeting of Easington District Council's Central Area Forum will be on Wednesday, July 30, at 6pm in Shotton Primary School, Grange Terrace, Shotton Colliery.

FREE RIDE: Tanfield Railway, near Stanley, is holding a teddy bear day from 11am tomorrow, when every youngster with a bear will be able to travel free on one of the steam trains.

PARK SOUNDS: Newcastle Concert Band will perform a free concert in Saltwell Park, Gateshead, tomorrow, from 2pm to 5pm.

BAND GIG: Frankie's Caf will perform tonight in the Blue Boar, Front Street, Stanley, from 8pm. Admission is free.