Crash blamed on icy roads - ICY roads are believed to have caused a three-car collision near Peterlee yesterday.

A car and two vans collided on the A19, north of Wingate, at about 9.30am. One woman had to be freed by fire crews from Peterlee and Wheatley Hill.

NEARLY DAN: Nearly Dan, a tribute to 1970s band Steely Dan, will play at the Gala Theatre, on Saturday, February 15, at 8pm. The ten-piece band began as a group of like-minded musicians and Steely Dan fans. They will appear at the Durham venue as part of their first major UK tour. For tickets, which cost £10, call the box office on 0191-332 4041.

HELP WANTED: The mid-Durham branch of The Samaritans is appealing for more volunteers to help with its work answering calls from people in crisis. It will hold a selection evening on Thursday, February 13, from 7pm, at its centre in Sutton Street, Durham. To take part, call 0191-384 2727.

FAMILY HISTORY: A five-week beginners' course in tracing family history will be held at the Chester-le-Street Community Association, in Newcastle Bank, on Mondays, from 7pm to 9.30pm, starting on February 24. The course costs £17.50. To enrol, call 0191-388 4752.

SALSA NIGHT: The Arts Centre, in Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, runs salsa dance classes on Fridays. The beginners' class is held from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and the intermediates' class is from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Classes cost £5. To take part, call 0191-219 3455.

TRAILER STOLEN: Thieves stole an Ifor Williams trailer from outside a house in New Blackett Street, Stanley, between 10.30pm on Friday and 5.15pm on Saturday. The trailer is a flat-bed, 10ft by 6ft, and has a headboard. Anyone with information is asked to call (01207) 232144.

ADVICE SESSIONS: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau will hold advice sessions today at Ushaw Moor Community House, from 10am to 11am, and at Quarrington Hill Community Centre, from 11.30am to 1pm. No appointments are needed.

TABLE SALE: A table-top sale will take place on Saturday, from 10am to 12.30pm, in St Aidan's Parish Hall, Framwellgate Moor, Durham. To book a table, which costs £5, call 0191-386 3627.

HOLIDAY SPANISH: Evening classes in holiday Spanish take place at Park View Community Association, Church Chare, Chester-le-Street, from Tuesday, February 25, at 7pm.

HOMES PLAN: Durham City Council is being asked to grant outline planning permission for two homes on land south of Front Street, Witton Gilbert.

ACOUSTIC NIGHT: The Beamish Mary Inn, in No Place, near Stanley, will hold an acoustic night from 8.30pm tonight for local singer-songwriters.

ROCK NIGHT: Flatliner will perform at The Tavern, Mill Lane, Hebburn, South Tyneside, tomorrow, at 8pm. Admission is free