Police are investigating a suspected arson at a scrapyard that caused about £1,500 of damage.

Firefighters from High Handenhold station were called out to the yard in Durham Road, Annfield Plain, near Stanley, at about 12.10am last Thursday. They extinguished two blazes - one in a caravan used as an office and another in a mark one Ford Cortina. A fire brigade spokesman said: "We believe the fires were started deliberately, because there were two separate seats of fire. The police have been informed and they are carrying out an investigation."

DRIVERS MEET: The Durham Car Group of the Institute of Advanced Motorists will meet on Tuesday, at 7.30pm, in the Framwellgate Moor and Pity Me Workingmen's Club, Front Street, Framwellgate Moor. Everyone is welcome. For details, contact Peter Bent on 0191-384 8994.

DONOR SESSIONS: Blood donor sessions will be held on Monday at Stanley Community Association, Tyne Road, Stanley, between 2pm and 7pm and Sunday, April 20 at Horden Youth Centre, Eden Street, Horden, between 2pm and 5pm.

ROCK NIGHT: The Revolutionaires, who play 1950s rhythm 'n' blues, will be entertaining at The Daisy Hill, Heugh Edge, Sacriston, on Friday. The concert starts at 8pm and admission costs £1. For further details, call the venue on 0191-371 0288.

CAUSEY WALK: Voluntary countryside ranger Steve Shippen will lead a ten-mile circular walk on Saturday, starting at 10.30am, at the Causey Arch picnic area, near Stanley. The walk costs £2, concessions £1.

GIG DATE: The Happy Cats will be playing tonight at the Gold Medal, Chowdene Bank, Low Fell, Gateshead, at 8pm. Admission is free. For further details, call 0191-482 1549.

HOUSE PLAN: Durham City Council is being asked to grant planning permission for a house to be built on land next to Belmont Cottage, in Pittington Road, Rainton Gate.

BOX BUILDER: People can learn how to build boxes on Saturday at an event with countryside ranger Mark Olliphant and John Olley, of Durham Bird Club, at the Malton Picnic Area, near Lanchester, at 10.30am. To book a place, call 0191-383 4144.

ELLA SHOW: The Ella Fitzgerald Songbook Show, a tribute to the late great jazz singer, will be staged at Durham's Gala Theatre on Saturday, May 17, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15 and are available by calling the box office on 0191-332 4040.

COFFEE MORNING: The Epworth Care Home, in Front Street, Tanfield Lea, is holding a coffee morning, featuring a raffle and tombola, on Saturday, at 10am.