THE Audit Commission has awarded South Tyneside Borough Council a one-star rating after inspecting the authority's housing and building maintenance service.

The Housing Inspectorate report states that customer care was satisfactory, but performance on appointments was described as poor. The inspector also criticised the fact that completion times for repairs have worsened.

GASLIGHT NIGHT: The Durham Group of Diabetes UK is holding a Night by Gaslight at Beamish Museum, featuring a buffet and music from the Bill Elliott Trio. The event is on Saturday, November 23, at 7pm and tickets cost £15.50. To book, call 0191-370 0640 before Thursday.

WALL COURSE: The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers is running dry stone walling sessions at the John Marley Centre, Wickham View, Scotswood, Newcastle, on November 21 and 24, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

DEFENCE SESSIONS: A women's self-defence course is held at New Brancepeth Village Hall every Thursday, from 6.45pm. The hall is also the venue for a dog training course on Fridays, from 6.45pm. To book a place, call 0191-375 4933.

ADVICE DAY: A coffee morning and advice session for pensioners is held in Durham on Thursday. The event is run by Age Concern, Durham City Council and the police at Woodbine House, Woodbine Road, Pity Me, from 10am to noon. Older people are able to get information on subjects such as benefits, community care, healthy lifestyles, crime prevention and home security. There will also be a free raffle and musical bingo with prizes.

BABY MASSAGE: A course in baby massage is to take place in Sherburn Village Community Centre every Wednesday starting next week, between 10am and 11.15am. All four sessions cost £30. For more information, call 0191-372 0798.

NEW VENUE: Music lovers have been invited to attend weekly folk music sessions at a the Black Bull public house in Lanchester, County Durham, at 8.30pm on Sundays.

ANNUAL MEETING: The Derwentside branch of Mind holds its annual meeting at its premises in 22 Nelson Street, Consett, County Durham, at 5.30pm tomorrow. An open day will be held at the branch from 1pm to 4pm.

DONOR SESSIONS: Blood donor sessions are held today in the community centre in Wensleydale Avenue, Penshaw, and in the Methodist Church Hall, Bede Way, Peterlee, both between 3pm and 7pm.

STREET CASH: The Durham City branch of the Leukaemia Research Fund raised £371.60 with a collection in the city on October 26.

GET ADVICE: An outreach advice session is held today by Durham Citizens Advice Bureau in Bearpark Community House between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.