Jobs team celebrates: Chester-le-Street Action Team for Jobs is celebrating its second birthday and success in registering its 1,000th client.

The team, part of the Jobcentreplus Network, aims to remove barriers into employment by helping people with transport, tools, childcare, clothing, training or anything else that may prevent them from finding jobs. The action team has also helped people start up their own businesses. To contact the team for help in finding employment call Freephone 0800 855068.

SCHOOLS FIRST: The 90-year-old Hetton Lyons Primary School and 76-year-old Easington Lane Primary School have been given priority in Sunderland City Council cabinet's bid for £5m of Government capital funding. Replacing both school buildings would cost about £3m, although there could be extra funding from the Single Regeneration Budget, Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and the Sure Start project.

WAGE costs: Durham County Council will have to pay £595,435 this financial year to meet a national three per cent pay rise for council workers, but will save more than £220,000 from the one-day strike held in July.

OPEN COURT: The public can run the rule over Sunderland Magistrates' Court at an open day on Saturday, October 26. Visitors will be given an idea of how the court operates and there will also be an opportunity to take part in a mock trial.

ADVICE SESSION: Age Concern, Durham City Council and Durham Police are organising a free information and advice session for older people at Flambard Road Communal Hall, Framwellgate Moor, next Monday, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. It will cover topics such as benefits and money, crime prevention and home security. There will also be a free raffle, and bingo.

ANNIVERSARY date: The St Margaret's Centre, in Margery Lane, Durham, celebrates the tenth anniversary on Friday of its conversion to providing respite care for people recovering from mental illness. Among those attending will be the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull, city MP Gerry Steinberg and council members.

Music events: The Daisy Hill, near Sacriston, has lined up two leading local bands. On Friday, the Gangsters of Ska will be playing from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £3. On Friday, October 25, rhythm and blues band Barking Billy and the Scrapyard Dogs will be performing at 8.30pm. Admission costs £1.

HEALING SESSION: The National Federation of Spiritual Healers is holding a healing session on Saturday, in the Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Durham, from 1.30pm to 4pm. Sessions are held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.

JUMBLE SALE: Brancepeth Village Hall is the venue for a jumble sale at 2pm on Saturday. There will also be refreshments