IMPROVEMENT work will soon be started on outdoor sports facilities in Gateshead.

The work, at the Elgin Centre, in Carr Hill, will include the resurfacing of playing courts, as well as bringing the floodlights back into use. Councillor Brian Coates, chairman of the Elgin Centre Partnership, said: "This work, funded by the Space for Sports and Art initiative, will make the facilities at the centre even more attractive to those wishing to take advantage of the sport, educational and community opportunities on offer."

HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS: Leadgate District History Association will display a collection of archive photographs featuring notable events based on the Leadgate Jazz Band from 1972 onwards. The photographs will be projected on to a large screen. The event will be held at Leadgate Social Club from 8pm on Thursday, March 13. Admission is £1 and includes a buffet supper. Tickets can be obtained from David Overall on (01207) 581476.

DONOR SESSIONS: A blood donor session will be held at the Tunstall Village Road Community Centre, Silksworth, Sunderland, from 2.30pm to 7pm tomorrow. Another session will be held at the same time at Fulwell Methodist Church, Dovedale, Fulwell, Sunderland.

CUP VISIT: The FA Cup will come to Hermitage School, in Chester-le-Street, tomorrow after the school won a competition on Century FM. Bobby Kerr, the last Sunderland Football Club captain to win the FA Cup, will also visit the school.

SOCIETY MEETS: The next meeting of the Rosecarpe Horticultural Society will take place at Gateshead Civic Centre on Monday, starting at 7pm. Jim Naylor will give a talk and slide show on roses of the North. Admission is 25p.

COMMUNITY CLASSES: Bournmoor Community Association, at Bournmoor, Chester-le-Street, has classes in aerobics, aikido, judo and computing. To join the classes, call 0191-385 8946.

ANNUAL MEETING: Oxhill Youth Club will hold its annual meeting at 7pm on Monday. The meeting, which will take place at the youth club, in Oxhill, near Stanley, is open to the public.

CIRCULAR WALK: Durham Rambling Club will hold a walk around Reeth on Sunday. Anyone requiring transport is asked to call 0191-372 1664.

PLANNING MEETING: Chester-le-Street District Council's development services panel will meet on Monday, at 6pm.

MONEY TALKS: A sponsored silence at Easington Community School raised £804 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.