A SCHEME that takes books to housebound readers is appealing for more volunteers in County Durham.

More than 40 Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) volunteers deliver 500 books and audio tapes each year to 120 people who cannot get out because of age, illness or disability, but more recruits are needed.

The WRVS offers full training, volunteers can claim mileage and there is a no claims bonus protection scheme. Get-togethers are also held for volunteers so they can discuss various aspects of the charity's work. Anyone interested in joining the scheme can get more information by calling 0845 6014670.

DISNEY TRIP: A party of 39 pupils and four staff from Easington Community School are in Disneyland Paris as part of their technology studies. They will attend three seminars on the use of technology by the Disney corporation during the trip, which has become an annual event for the school.

SPRING BALL: The Newcastle Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel will host a spring ball in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer on Saturday, April 5. The event includes a three-course meal and entertainment from the Michael Whittaker Band, and tickets cost £40. To book call 0191-273 9977.

ADVICE SESSIONS: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau will hold advice sessions tomorrow at McKenzie House, Esh Winning, from 10am to 11am and at Community House, Bearpark, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm. No appointment is needed.

FLAG DAY: A flag day held by Barnardo's in Durham on November 16 raised £1,066 towards the charity's work helping youngsters and families facing disadvantage or disability. The charity thanks all who helped or contributed.

COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning will be held on Tuesday, February 11, between 10.30am and noon at The Institute, Church Street, Durham, to raise money for the Stroke Association and St Oswald's Guide Company. Admission is free and there will be a bric-a-brac stall, a tombola and raffle.

COMPUTER COURSE: Giles-gate Community Association is running a free six-week course on computing for beginners on Mondays, between 5.30pm and 7pm, at Gilesgate Community Centre, Vane Tempest Hall, Gilesgate. For details call 0191-386 1933.

ROAD CLOSURE: Saddler Street, in Durham, is closed today until midnight while contractors for Northumbrian Water carry out improvements to water mains. Residents and businesses in North and South Bailey can get access using Prebends Bridge.

BRIDGE REPAINTING: Sunderland City Council will begin repainting the footbridge over the River Wear at Cox Green today. The work is expected to take five weeks. People will still be able to use the bridge, but a restriction on width will operate.

DELAYS AHEAD: Drivers face delays on the A182 Houghton Road, Grasswell, Houghton-le-Spring, for the next two weeks while workmen carry out carriageway strengthening work. Drivers are advised to find alternative routes.

GIG DATE: Archie Brown and the Young Bucks will perform at the Daisy Hill, Heugh Edge, near Sacriston, on Friday, starting at 8.30pm. Admission costs £1. For further details, contact the venue on 0191-371 0288.