POLICE are increasing their presence in communities in the lead-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

As part of Operation Wytch, Northumbria Police will spend more time on the beat in north Newcastle in a bid to tackle youth disorder. Changes in shift patterns will see more officers on patrol during October and November, including community action teams and special constables.

MUSIC SOCIETY: Elaine Hedley will give a presentation called As Simple As ABC when Durham Recorded Music Society meets on Wednesday, at 7pm, in Alington House, North Bailey, Durham. Admission costs £1.

CENTRE PLAYGROUP: Chester-le-Street Community Association has a playgroup that meets at its centre each weekday, between 9.15am and 11.45am, for children aged two-and-a-half to school age. Each session costs £2. For details, call 0191-388 4752.

FIREWORK DISPLAY: Seaham Town Council will hold its annual firework display on Monday, November 4, at 7pm on the seafront. Admission is free. For details, call 0191-581 8034.

STEPPING OUT: An Irish set dancing session will be held in St Nicholas' Church, Market Place, Durham, on Thursday, between 8pm and 10pm. Admission costs £1.50 and beginner and experienced dancers are welcome. For details, call Lindsay Craig on (01325) 375679.

BOOK DAY: Belmont Library in the Cheveley Park Shopping Centre, Belmont, is holding a Bookstart day for the under-fives on Friday, starting at 2pm. Admission is free and the event features book displays, games, crafts and stories. For details, call 0191-384 3223.

GIVE BLOOD: A blood donor session will be held today in the Masonic Hall, Birtley Lane, Birtley, between 2.30pm and 7pm.

BLUES NIGHT: Blues band Stormy Monday will be performing on Saturday in the Stables Bar of the Beamish Mary Inn, at No Place, near Stanley. Doors open at 8.30pm and there is a cover charge. For details, call the venue on 0191-370 0237.

COMEDY SHOW: The Gala Theatre in Durham will stage the Alan Ayckbourn comedy Taking Steps, starring Leila Birch from EastEnders, from next Tuesday to Saturday. Performances start at 7.30pm, with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £17.50 and are available from the box office on 0191-332 4041.

FOLK NIGHT: The Wayfarer Folk Club will hold a singers and musicians night tomorrow, at 8.30pm, in The Wayfarer pub, Front Street, Haswell. Admission is free. For details, call 0191-517 1274.

HISTORY TALK: Professor Jim Walvin, of York University, will give a talk about British involvement in the slave trade, to the Durham branch of the Historical Association on Tuesday, October 22, at 5.30pm, in the Pemberton Rooms, Palace Green, Durham.