ADVICE on accessing benefits and full pension entitlement is being offered to elderly people in Easington.

The local council has joined forces with patient advice and liaison staff at Hartlepool General Hospital for the initiative. The council's benefit unit has sent letters to residents in the district who might be entitled to extra benefits.

STAR SEARCH: The first semi-finals of the Talentstar contest to find the pop idols of the future takes place in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Front Street, Stanley, on Saturday and Sunday, from 7pm. Tickets are available on (01207) 218899.

JAZZ SOUNDS: A free afternoon of jazz will be held in the Gala Theatre's caf, Durham, on Saturday, between 1pm and 6pm.

STABLE SOUNDS: Gypsy Dave Smith will play in the Stables Bar at the Beamish Mary Inn, No Place, near Stanley, tonight. Tomorrow the BMI House Band will be playing and there will be a cover charge. Doors open at 8.30pm on both nights. For details call 0191-370 0237.

LUNCH CLUB: A luncheon club meets every Tuesday between noon and 1.30pm at Sherburn Hill Community Centre, Front Street, Sherburn Hill. For details call 0191-372 0024.

GET ADVICE: People can get advice on a range of problems at drop-in sessions organised by Durham Citizens Advice Bureau today at Brandon Community Hall from 11am to 12.15pm, New Brancepeth Village Hall from 12.30 to 1.30pm and West Rainton Jubilee Hall, 2 to 3pm.

PHOTO MEETING: Durham Photographic Society meets tonight, at 7.30pm, in The Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Durham.

GIVE BLOOD: A blood donors session takes place in the community centre, Iris Crescent, Ouston, near Chester-le-Street, tomorrow, from 2.30pm to 6.45pm.

VILLAGE MEMORIES: The Men's Forum group in Delves Lane, near Consett, is appeal for old photographs and other information t help with a project on memories of the village. For details call (01207) 583174.

DEVOLUTION DEBATE: The lessons of devolved government from the perspective of Donald Gorrie, a Scottish Liberal Democrat member of the Scottish Parliament will be outlined when he addresses an audience at County Hall, Durham, on Friday, at 7pm. The event has been organised by the Durham and District Caledonian Society. Admission is free.

STRING SHOW: Music from the Welsh triple harp, the Finnish kantele and the kora will feature in a concert called Handpicked: A Celebration of the Plucked String, in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Front Street, Stanley, on Monday, at 7.30pm.