POLICE are hunting a gang of up to eight people who left three men, in their twenties, injured in an unprovoked attack in Front Street, Hetton-le-Hole, Wearside.

Two of the victims suffered facial injuries and the other lacerations to his head in the attack, which took place shortly before 11pm on Sunday. One of the assailants was described as in his late-twenties or early-thirties, 5ft 8in, chubby, with short, dark hair. Witnesses are asked to call police on 0191-454 7555, ext 66526.

CARD LAUNCH: Hartlepool's Mayor, Stuart Drummond, is today launching a leisure card in the town to encourage more people to play sport. The Active Card offers discounts on a range of activities organised by Mill House Leisure Centre and Eldon Grove Community Sports Centre and Sports Development. To apply for the card, visit either of the centres, or call (01429) 223791.

DANCE WORKSHOPS: The Empire Theatre, Sunderland, is hosting dance workshops and offering youngsters the chance to draw ballet costumes as part of its matinee performance of Coppelia, on Saturday. The event starts at 1pm, and is free to audience members.

SOCIETY TALK: Dr Patrick Muffett will give a free talk on church screens to the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland on Saturday, April 12, at 2.30pm, in Elvet Riverside, New Elvet, Durham.

MUSICAL EVENING: Chester-le-Street Civic Choir will perform on Saturday, at 7.30pm, at Chester-le-Street Methodist Church. The programme includes Schubert, Mendelssohn and excerpts from Carmen and Ruddigore. Tickets are £3, available on 0191-388 7108.

SALSA STEPS: Salsa evenings will be held at the Gala Theatre, Durham, every Wednesday, at 7.30pm, with free dancing until 11pm. The cost is £4, and £3 for students. To attend, call 0790 319 0869.

SLIDE SHOW: Alan Jenkins will give a talk, illustrated with slides, about the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, in Virginia, US, to the RoseCarp Horticultural Society, in Gateshead Civic Centre, on Monday, at 7pm.

SATURDAY SALE: A table-top sale will take place at Bullion Hall, in Chester-le-Street, on Saturday, from 10am to 2pm, in aid of Durham and Chester-le-Street Carers.

CHURCH MEETING: King's Church, in Durham, and Durham City Baptist Church will hold a joint meeting on Sunday, at Newton Hall Community Centre, at 10.30am.

FORCE DONATION: Staff at St Cuthbert's Shopping Centre, in Chester-le-Street, have organised collections of gifts for servicemen and women in the Gulf.