Sunderland University's science department is holding a Hostage to Fortune competition for schools throughout the region.

Older pupils will have to answer questions while younger ones, as hostages, undertake forfeits for wrong answers. The first round, involving Easington Community School and Hetton School, is tomorrow. The overall winners will receive a holiday in Florida.

MINI CHAMPS: Young tennis players competed in a tournament in Stanley. Alex Bainbridge, of Consett, won the Derwentside Mini Tennis Under-Eight Boys trophy and Kate Wakefield, of Durham, won the under-eight girls' contest. Training sessions take place in Stanley Youth Centre on Tuesday nights. To take part, call Christine Heppell on 0191-386 8405.

CHAMPIONS COURSE: Delves Lane Community Association is offering a Community Champions Learning Certificate course at the village hall, Delves Lane, near Consett. A three-week course starts on Wednesday, March 12, from 10am to 4pm. A five-week night course starts on Monday, February 17, from 6pm to 9pm. To book a place, call (01207) 583174.

FOOTBALL TRAINING: A six-week soccer school starts in the village hall, Delves Lane, near Consett, next week. The first session is for nine to 12-year-olds, on Monday, from 5pm to 6pm, with a session for 13 to 16-year-olds on Wednesday, from 5pm to 6pm. The course costs £10. To take part, call (01207) 583174.

NETBALL CLUB: Greencroft Ladies Junior Netball Club is looking for members. The club is open to girls in year six and over and trains at Blackfyne School, Consett, on Tuesdays, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Admission is £1. To join, call (01207) 218528.

BLOOD DONORS: Blood donor sessions will take place on Monday in the Assembly Rooms, Fenkle Street, Westgate Road, Newcastle, from 10am to 6pm; the Red Lion, Chester-le-Street, from 2.30pm to 7pm; and in the Three Tuns Hotel, Durham, from 2.30pm to 7pm. Another session will take place in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, on Tuesday, from 10am to 4pm.

FUN CLUB: The Saturday Fun Club, for children with disabilities, meets in Stanley Youth Centre, Tyne Road, Stanley, each Saturday, from 10am to 12.30pm. Admission is 30p, or £1 for annual membership. To join, call Christine Palmer on (01207) 232186.

MEETING CANCELLED: The Tyne and Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority finance and best value committee meeting scheduled for Monday has been cancelled because there is no business to discuss.

HEARING DAY: Durham County Council will hold an exhibition and information day for people who have hearing problems at County Hall, Durham, on Thursday, March 13. To find out what is on offer, call 0191-383 4095.

CLUB DANCE: Durham Indoor Bowling Club at Pity Me is holding a 50-50 dance tomorrow, from 8pm to 11pm. Tickets cost £2 for members and £2.50 for non-members. For details, call 0191-384 0700.