NORTH West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong is backing a campaign to bring high speed Internet access to two villages in Derwentside.

She is urging residents and businesses in Lanchester and Ebchester to register an interest in broadband services after BT hinted that telephone exchanges in the rural communities could be upgraded with the Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL). Prospective users can register an interest on a website. Registration is free and is not a commitment to broadband services, if they should become available. For further details, visit www.bt.com/broadband

UNION JOY: A volunteer group set up to help people on low incomes is celebrating a record turnover. West Derwentside Credit Union, which has been operating for five years, has just paid out a dividend of three per cent to its 600 members. The scheme, run from offices in the former medical centre, in Medomsley Road, Consett, offers a savings scheme and low-cost loans, and last year handled more than £200,000 for its members. Anyone interested in joining the credit union is asked to contact the centre on (01207) 588549.

WOMEN'S AWARDS: The North-East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards take place at the Centre for Life, Newcastle, on Thursday, May 29, from 1pm to 2pm. There will be drinks and canapes and the chance to hear from last year's winners and the impact it has had on them. Nomination forms and category information are available. For more details, contact the Women Into the Network (Win) office on 0191-334 5502.

INQUEST VERDICT: North Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle recorded a verdict of misadventure on a woman found dead in woods near her home. Julia Graham, 39, of Kipling Avenue, Blackhall Colliery, was found by a youth walking his dog on March 22.

SATURDAY SHOP: A coffee morning and sale of books, jewellery and bric-a-brac will be held at the Saturday Shop at St Cuthbert's Hospice, Park House Road, Merryoaks, Durham, between 10am and midday on Saturday. Admission 50p.

WINDOW FACTS: Facts about Durham Cathedral's stained glass windows will be revealed during a talk to be given by Roger Norris, a Dean and Chapter librarian for 36 years, at Durham's Clayport Library, from 10am on Saturday. Tickets, which cost £2, can be booked by ringing 0191-386 4003.

CINEMA OPENING: Durham Mayor Eileen Rochford will open the cinema in Durham's Gala Theatre at 1.30pm today. The cinema will be showing the Hollywood film X-Men 2. For details, call the box office on 0191-332 4041.