A WOMAN has been given the chance to put some of the finishing touches to the latest project on Gateshead Quays.

Jeannie Shepherd, from Birtley, won a competition in Gateshead Council's magazine Council News to join council leader Councillor Mick Henry and Laing O'Rourke Group chairman and chief executive Ray O'Rourke for a topping out ceremony at The Sage Gateshead.

The ceremony, which marks the completion of the building's construction, will take place on the roof of the auditorium, at 2pm on Tuesday.

ADVICE SESSIONS: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau will hold the following drop-in advice sessions next week: Monday, Arden House, West Rainton, 10am to 11am; Kelloe Community Association, 11.30am to 12.30pm. Tuesday, Sherburn Hill Community Centre, noon to 1.30pm. Wednesday, Beaurepaire, Bearpark, 11.30am to 12.30pm; Silver Courts, Brandon, 1pm to 2pm. Thursday, New Brancepeth Village Hall, 12.30pm to 1.30pm. There is no need to make an appointment.

FELL FUN: Countryside ranger Steve Cooper is organising an orienteering event on Waldridge Fell, near Chester-le-Street, starting at 10.30am on Saturday, February 8. It is open to all ages but is primarily aimed at children aged eight to 13, who must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets cost £1 and must be booked by calling 0191-383 4144.

COMEDY NIGHT: Cloud Nine Theatre Company performs Comedy Bites, a series of 12 comic sketches, at Wood View Community Centre, Langley Park, near Durham, next Friday, at 8pm. For details, call 0191-373 3603.

DONOR DATE: A blood donor session will be held on Monday between 2.30pm and 7pm in the Red Lion pub, Front Street, Chester-le-Street.

HEAD MASSAGE: Indian head massage classes take place at Park View Community Association in Church Chare, Chester-le-Street every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm. There is a £10 registration fee.

DANCE GROUP: The Durham Irish Set Dance Group now meets in St Aidan's Church Hall, Framwellgate Moor, on Thursdays from 8pm to 10pm. For details, call 0191-378 0619.

ROCK NIGHTS: Hazard will play in the Stable Bar at the Beamish Mary Inn, No Place, near Stanley, tomorrow. The BM House Band perform next Friday. Both gigs start at 8.30pm and there is a cover charge. For details, call 0191-370 0237.

HOUSE PLAN: Derwentside District Council is being asked to grant planning permission for a detached house and detached garage to be built next to Woodlea, Browney Bank, Lanchester.

VALLEYS WALK: Voluntary countryside ranger John Tyrrell will lead a ten-mile walk through the Deerness and Lanchester valleys on Sunday, starting at 10.30am from Broompark Pincic Area, half a mile from the Stonebridge to Ushaw Moor road. The walk costs £2, concessions £1.