CHESTER-LE-STREET Community Association is launching a ten-week course on setting up a small business.

It will be held at the association's centre on Newcastle Bank on Mondays between 10am and noon starting on September 16, and on Fridays between 5pm and 7pm, from September 20. The cost is £30. For details and enrolment call the centre on 0191-388 4752.

NIGHT OUT: Girls' Night Out, a comedy by Dave Simpson, will be staged at Durham's Gala Theatre from Monday to Saturday, September 23 to 28. Tickets cost £12.50 and £15.50 from 0191-332 4041.

ROCK NIGHT: Rock band JIAB will be playing in the Stables Bar at the Beamish Mary Inn, No Place, near Stanley, on Saturday. Doors open at 8.30pm and there is a cover charge. For details, call the pub on 0191-370 0237.

LAUGHTER TIME: Stanley Civic Hall will re-open after its refurbishment with Jimmy Cricket's Laughter Show on Saturday, September 7, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 or £9 if bought before August 31. For details, call (01207) 218899.

SEVENTIES SOUNDS: The Star Spangled Chestwigs will be performing their version of 1970s Glam Rock tonight at the O'Neills Irish pub in Claypath, Durham, from 8.30pm. Admission is free.

RECORD EVENT: Local and family enthusiasts can learn how to use the documents in Durham County Council's archive at a session at County Hall, Durham, led by archivist David Butler. It takes place next Thursday, at 6pm and costs £2 for adults, £1 for concessions.

PLANNING BID: Durham City Council is being asked to grant outline planning permission for residential development at the back of Finchale Avenue, Brasside.

TEA DANCE: A tea dance will be held today in the Abbey Sports Centre, Pity Me, Durham, between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Admission costs £1.30, including tea and biscuits. For details, call 0191-386 6921.

ADVICE SESSION: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau is holding a village outreach session today, between 1.30pm and 2.30pm, at Esh Winning Community Centre.

PUB CONVERSION: Durham City Council is being asked to grant planning permission for the conversion of the Brewers Arms pub, in Gilesgate, into accommodation for students.

HOMES PLAN: Durham City Council is being asked to grant planning permission for the conversion of an agricultural building at Hagg House Farm, Pity Me, into five homes.

SHOPPING TRIP: St Cuthbert's Hospice in Durham is running a Christmas shopping trip to Edinburgh on Saturday, November 9. Tickets cost £9. To book call 0191-386 1170.

POLICE PROFILE: Police on Tyneside are going back on the beat in a bid to raise their profile. Officers from the Gateshead West area command are taking part in Operation Eagle Eye. It will result in more police on the streets.