Councillor Francis McIntyre's first ward surgery of the year has been rescheduled because of refurbishment work at Linthorpe Community Centre, Middlesbrough.

The surgery for Park Ward residents will now be held on Friday, from 11am to noon, and not today as arranged.

LOFT BLAZE: Firefighters from Loftus and Skelton were called to tackle a blaze in the loft of a house at the weekend. The fire took hold in the attic of the house in Barnard Road, Easington, near Loftus, on Saturday lunchtime. The loft and first floor were smoke damaged. No one was injured.

CURRY MEMORIES: Khadim Hussain, who is writing a history of curry on Teesside, wants to hear from people about their memories and is looking for early photographs. He also wants information on The Paradise, The Caribbean, The Kenya Caf and Meah Kamal's, which was opposite the Bongo Club, in Middlesbrough. He can be contacted on (01642) 801269.

BEAT THE BULGE: A Stockton store is offering a £250 prize to the winner of a new year weightwatchers competition. Entry forms are available at the store and the closing date is February 28. For more details contact (01642) 607972.

CHANCE TO JOIN: A new members' night will be held by Tees Valley IVC - a club for graduates and professional people - at Middlesbrough Municipal Golf Course, Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, next Monday, at 8pm.

IRISH JIG: An Irish dance night will take place at Sacred Heart Church Hall, Park Road South, Middlesbrough, on Saturday, at 8pm. Tickets cost £3 and are available by calling (01642) 860227.

GIVING BLOOD: A blood donor session takes place at the Parochial Hall, Bow Street, Guisborough, on Wednesday, between 2.30pm and 7pm.

MUSIC CONTEST: Entries for Middlesbrough Competitive Music Festival will be accepted until Saturday. The contest will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, March 7 and 8, 14 and 15. More details are available by calling (01642) 590044.

UNWANTED GIFTS: Unwanted Christmas presents can be left at the Asda store in Thornaby, which will pass them on to charities in Stockton and Thornaby. The gift trolley will be at the front of the store until January 17.

WEBSITE ADDRESS: Anyone wishing to support a charity fundraising effort by constable Nick Arthur can log on to a website. Nick, 41, with Cleveland Police, is to compete in the London Marathon to raise money for children's charity, Childline. The website, which he has set up to help raise funds, is at www.justgiving.com/ getmeroundaid