A CREDIT union has launched a scheme to help those in debt to loan sharks.

Cestria Credit Union, which serves Chester-le-Street district and Birtley, specialises in offering loans for small amounts over short periods of time and now is hoping to expand its scheme for helping out disadvantaged people struggling with crippling debt. For an information pack telephone 0191-492 2777 and leave your name and address.

COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning will be held next Tuesday, between 10.30am and noon, in The Institute, Church Street, Durham, to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and St Oswald's Guide Company.

MUSICALS SOUND: Sing Live North-East, backed by the National Festival Orchestra, will perform songs from popular musicals on Saturday, in Newcastle City Hall. For details and tickets, call 0191-261 2602.

SUNDAY SERVICES: Services at Sherburn Hill Methodist Church on Sunday, March 16 will be conducted by Reverend Professor CK Barrett, of Durham, at 9.45am and Mrs Kinch, of Sherburn, at 3pm.

DONOR SESSIONS: Blood donor sessions are being held today at Gateshead Leisure Centre, Alexandra Road, Gateshead, from 2.30pm to 7pm and at the Civic Hall, Regent Farm Road, Gosforth, between 3pm and 7pm.

IT LESSONS: Langley Park and District Community Association is holding computer drop-in sessions at The Institute, Church Street, Langley Park. For details call Alison Spenceley on 0191-373 1876.

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

GIG NIGHT: Gypsy Dave Smith will perform in the Stables Bar at the Beamish Mary Inn, No Place, near Stanley, on Thursday. Doors open at 8.30pm and there is a cover charge. For details call the venue on 0191-370 0237.

COUNTRY RAMBLE: Voluntary countryside ranger Michael Jones will lead a nine-mile walk to Pennypie and Blanchland tomorrow, starting at 10.30am in the main car park at Blanchland, near Consett. The walk costs £2, concessions £1.

GARDEN TALK: Dr Dilys Davies will give an illustrated talk called Plant Finders and Ness Gardens next Tuesday, at 7.30pm in the conference hall at Houghall College, Durham. For details, call 0191-384 5057.

QUIZ NIGHT: A general knowledge quiz will be held at The Wayfarer pub, Front Street East, Haswell, at 9.30pm. For details call the venue on 0191-517 1274.