CLOWNS, acrobats and daredevil motorcyclists will be on display when the circus rolls into town next week.

Uncle Sam's American Circus pitches its marquee at Berry Edge, Stanley, on Monday. The show, which does not feature animal acts, features three motorbike riders locked in 12ft-wide cage who reach speeds of up to 60mph. It also includes boxing trampoline acrobats, a Cuban knife juggler, a Native American hula-hoop act, and traditional clowns. Shows take place on Monday and Tuesday, at 5pm and 7.30pm, with the last performance on Wednesday, at 5pm.

SLIDE SHOW: Michael Richardson will give a slide show on the subject of Durham City Remembered at the Institute, opposite St Oswald's Church, Durham, on Friday, September 27 at 7.30pm. Admission costs £2, and includes light refreshments. There will be a tombola stall and Mr Richardson's latest book will be on sale, with all proceeds from the event going to St Oswald's Guides and the Gilesgate Archive.

PLAYERS WANTED: Durham and District Table Tennis League would like to hear from anyone interested in joining a club, or any school, club or association wishing to enter a team in the league. They are asked to contact Tony Taylor on 0191-378 1627.

CHEQUE BOOST: Carl Thompson, who recently completed a 500-mile round trip from the Board Inn, at Esh Hill Top, near Esh Village, to Edinburgh, will present a cheque for £500 to Cancer Research at the Board Inn on Saturday night. He plans to embark on a 1,000-mile fundraising cycle ride next year.

TEDDY TRAVEL: Tanfield Railway, near Gateshead, holds a Teddy Bear day on Sunday. All youngsters travelling with a furry companion can claim a free ride on the steam train through Causey Woods, from 11am. There will also be competitions and children's games. For further details, contact 0191 388-7545 or visit www.tanfieldrailway.co.uk - the website.

LAUGHTER TIME: The Comedy Store's residency at Durham's Gala Theatre continues on Sunday, October 6, at 7.30pm with Tony Burgess, Matt King, Tom Rhodes, Richard Marton and MC Tim Clark. Tickets cost £8 from the box office on 0191-332 4041.

ART DISPLAY: The Society for All Artists in Tyne and Wear and County Durham is holding an exhibition of paintings in Houghton-le-Spring's sports centre from Friday to Sunday, October 4 to 6, to coincide with the Houghton Feast.

FARMERS' MARKET: Durham Market Place will be the venue for a farmers' country market from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Thursday, September 19. A wide range of produce will be on offer.

CHOIR RESUMES: Shiney Row Male Voice Choir begins rehearsals again after a summer break at Trinity Methodist Church Hall between 7pm and 9pm tonight. New members are welcome.