HOLIDAY TREATS: Sports coaching, survival days, day trips and outdoor activity play days are just some of the activities organised by Derwentside Leisure Services during the school holidays. For further details, call (01207) 218014.

EASY RIDING: Breaks on Bikes has been set up in Consett by Michelle Williamson. It will transport cyclists' heavy baggage, provide lunches at arranged sites, carry out minor repairs and hire cycles to replace any that have been damaged.

BLUES DAY: The tenth Stanley Blues Festival will be held on the King's Playing Fields from noon on Saturday, August 3.

DERWENT WALK: A ten-mile Derwent Valley Walk, starting at Ebchester Station picnic area, will be led by voluntary warden Steven Shippen at 10.30am on Sunday, August 4.

NEW APPOINTMENT: The new Director for Service Modernisation and Performance Review of Derwentside Primary Care Trust is Brenda Peppin.