A FUN day takes place this weekend to celebrate the installation of sculptures created by adults with learning difficulties.

The artwork, created with the help of artist Andrew McKeown, is based on the theme of buds, shoots and stems and will be installed at the wildlife area in the Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street, on Sunday. To mark the occasion, a fun day has been organised on the same day, when people can listen to a storyteller, make their own musical instruments, plant wildflowers and take part in other nature and craft activities. Organised by Groundwork West Durham, Empower, Goal and the Great North Forest runs from 11am to 3.30pm.

BIG BREW: A coffee morning with a difference takes place next week. The Royal Derwent Hotel, Allensford, near Consett, is holding a series of events for its part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday, September 27, from 10am to noon. BBC Look North presenter Carol Malia will be enjoying a cuppa and a chat with visitors and there will be a cookery demonstration by one of the hotel's chefs. The day will also feature paintings by local artist Elaine McGaig, plus demonstrations of flower arranging and calligraphy. There will be stalls and displays of wedding favours, crafts and paintings. Proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Relief.

LAUGHTER NIGHTS: Dur-ham's Gala Theatre is holding Comedy Store sessions on Sundays October 6, November 10 and December 8, all at 7.30pm. For further details and tickets, which cost £8 for each night, call the box office on 0191-332 4041.

MARINES MEET: The Durham Branch of the Royal Marines Association is being reformed and will meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Companions Club, Wadding Street, Durham. For further details call the club steward on 0191-386 9955.

FENCING EVENT: More than 90 of the country's top young fencers will take part in the latest event of the Leon Paul series at Maiden Castle, Durham, tomorrow. The event will run from 9am to 4pm, and members of the public are welcome to attend.

CALENDAR LAUNCH: Esh Parish Council in association with the area's three primary schools is staging the launch of the Golden Jubilee Calendar 2003 at Langley Park Primary School, next Thursday, at 7pm. The event will include archive films of the region, songs from six decades, entertainment by pupils and displays. Tickets, priced at £1, are available from Reays newsagents, Londis, and Esh and Langley Park post offices.

PAMPER WEEKEND: Seaton Holme, at Hall Walks, Easington Village, will play host to East Durham and Houghall College for a beauty and pampering weekend, on September 28 and 29. The treatments will include facials, manicures, pedicures, aromatherapy and Indian head massage.