Walking back to fitness: Volunteer walkers are ready to take Gateshead residents out on urban health walks in August and September, in a bid to get people to start to take part in regular exercise.

Health Walks Gateshead consists of two-mile circular urban walks, designed to get people across Gateshead exercising straight from their own front doors, rather than having to travel to rural settings. The scheme has been specifically targeted at people who do little physical activity or none at all, rather than regular walkers. Those who want to take part in any the walks can simply turn up on the day. For more information on self-guided walks, or the overall Health Walks scheme, contact Gateshead Borough Council's community health development team on 0191-433 2174.

HOSPICE BOOST: Shop workers have presented a charity with a cheque for £1,370 following fundraising activities. Staff at the Co-op, in Brandon, raised the sum with the help of the families and friends through a sponsored walk and a charity day. They presented a cheque to the Butterwick Children's Hospice, Stockton, during a function at Meadowfield Workingmen's Club. Checkout operator Ada Hutchinson, who helped to organise the activities, said the charity had always been close to her heart.

DANCE DATE: International performers will entertain shoppers at Gateshead's Trinity Square. On Monday, August 5, Romanian dancers will perform between 1pm and 2pm. During the same time on Thursday, August 8, the Spanish Asturias Pipe Team will play. Both acts are taking part in the Alnwick International Music Festival.

ANNUAL MEETING: Durham Victim Support will hold its annual meeting at Durham County Hall on Thursday, August 22, at 5pm. Everyone is welcome.

FUN DAY: A family fun day will be held at Leadgate Cricket Club, from 10am to 4pm, on Saturday, August 26. The event, staged by the Open Arms Group, will include a family fair and fancy dress competition.

HAY RAKE: A hay rake, walk and games will take place at Swalwell Visitor Centre, Gateshead, on Tuesday, from 10am to 3pm. Participants should take a packed lunch. For details call Annabel Bartyla or Tina Wiffen on (01207) 545212.

ROCK TALK: An illustrated talk on The Rock Art of Northern Britain, by Stan Beckensall, takes place at 2pm today, at the Old Fulling Mull Museum of Archaeology, Durham. For details, ring 0191-374 7911.

RUSSIA TRIP: The head of corporate development for Durham Constabulary, Superintendent Graham Rankin, and Keith Fryer, assistant director of Centrex, the National Training Centre for Scientific Support, at Harperley Hall, will join the chief of Kostroma police in Russia, to celebrate the city's 850th anniversary celebrations this September. Supt Rankin will compare community policing styles while Mr Fryer makes business contacts