A woman had to be freed from her car by fire crews following an accident on the A167 in Croxdale yesterday morning.

The collision between a Vauxhall Corsa and a lorry occurred just after 9.15am, leaving the busy road reduced to one lane for nearly one-and-a-half hours and tail-backs out of the village. The woman suffered minor leg, arm and chest injuries and was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham.

HEALTHY FOOD: Dipton Community Centre, in Stanley, is running two four-week free healthy eating courses starting on Thursday. People can attend a session from 9.30am to noon, or from 1pm to 3.30pm. Beginners and experienced cooks are welcome. To enrol, call (01207) 570003.

GIRAFFE DAY: Crook Hall, Durham, is holding a Giraffe Day with designer Ingrid Sylvestre, from 1pm to 5pm, on Sunday. Activities will include a giraffe treasure hunt and tall stories, and visitors will be able to purchase Ms Sylvestre's greeting cards and book, Our Neck Of The North.

FRUIT STALL: Youngsters at New Seaham Primary School are running a fruit stall after the idea was suggested by the school council. Proceeds will be used by the council for activities and projects.

HEALTH WALK: A four-mile walk through Tanfield Lea Nature Reserve takes place tomorrow. Meet in Tanfield Lea Marsh car park at 10.45am. For details, call Claire Longstaff on (01207) 693202.

SCRATCH CHOIR: The Durham Scratch Choir performs in Blackhill and Consett Park tonight at 7.30pm. Admission is free.

CHURCH FAIR: All Saints RC Church, in Lanchester, holds its summer fair on Sunday, from 1.30pm. Presenter Carol Malia from BBC Look North will open the event. There will be a dancing display by the Karen Stewart Dancers, plus stalls and sideshows, pony rides and a raffle draw.

SAMANTHA DANCE: Samantha's School of Dance presents its summer concert at the Lamplight Art Centre, Front Street, Stanley, on Saturday, from 7.30pm. To book, call (01207) 218899.

NATURE WALK: Consett and Vale of Derwentside Naturalists' Field Club holds its next outing on Saturday, with a walk from Grimworth Reservoir to Grassington. For details, contact Norma Colwell on (01207) 506890, or Gordon Walsh on 580918.

COUNCIL MEETING: Derwentside District Council's corporate management scrutiny panel meets in Consett Civic Centre tomorrow, at 6pm.

SUMMER FAIR: The St Cuthbert with St Aidan midsummer fair will take place in the parish hall, Framwellgate Moor, Durham, from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, June 21. Admission is free, and refreshments will be available.