EASTERN PROMISE: Chester-le-Street Community Centre is starting six-week courses in Middle Eastern folk dancing. The first is a beginners' course starting on Tuesday, January 21, at 6.45pm, followed by an intermediate course at 7.25pm. Another beginners' course will start on Friday, January 24, at 4.15pm . Courses are £15. To join, call (0191) 388 4752.

DRAG NIGHT: A drag karaoke to raise funds for toys for the children's cancer ward of the Royal Victoria Infirmary will be held on New Year's Eve, in the Falcon, at Hilda Park. A microwave has been donated for a raffle by EG Electronics. Entry is £1.

EDEN WALK: A ten-mile County Durham walk, led by Bill Gallon, starts from the Eden Place picnic area, near Beamish, on Sunday, January 4, at 10.30am.

BLOOD DONORS: The National Blood Service will hold a donor session between 2.30pm and 7pm on Monday, in the Red Lion.

NEWS SPONSOR: The Mills newsagency group is sponsoring the strips of the Chester-le-Street under-14s rugby team.

DONOR SESSION: The National Blood Service will hold a donor session on Friday, in Pelton Community Centre, from 2.30pm to 6.15pm .

NEW QUIZ: The Newfield Inn has started a quiz on Tuesdays, at 8.30pm, with bingo at 8.30pm on Wednesdays.

LEPROSY CHARITY: A donation of £60 was made to the Leprosy Mission by Christ Church, in Lumley.