HOLIDAY FUN: Children aged from five and to 13 can take part in summer activities at the Community House, 17 Ashgrove Terrrace, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 10am to 2pm. Fair play is holding activity days for the eight to 14 age group at Park View Community Assocation on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9.30am to 12.30pm, each session costs £5. The leisure department will be running coaching sessions in gymnastics, trampolining football and tennis, as well as a fun club, from Monday to Friday next week. For details call 0191-387 2124.

CHARITY HELP: A coffee morning and cake stall for Christian Aid raised £80, while the May coffee morning and plant sale held by Christ Church, Lumley, raised more than £580 for church funds. The Wheatsheaf, Barley Mow, raised £100 for Fable (For a Better Life With Epilepsy) at the Wheatsheaf, Barley Mow.

CUP AWARD: The George Wood Cup for top marks in the practical examination of the British Institute of Embalmers was awarded to Elaine Carr, of the Chester-le-Street Funeral Home.

ACTION FESTIVAL: Chester West Action Group will hold a festival in the Hermitage Special School next Wednesday, from 10am to 2pm.

NORTH CRAFT: A display of North Country quilting will be held in Beamish Museum on the weekend of August 3 and 4.

RIVERSIDE MUSIC: The Riverside Sacriston Band will play in the performance circle of the Riverside Gardens from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday.

JAZZ NIGHT: The Tyne Valley Stompers will entertain the members of Jazz in Birtley between 8pm and 11pm on Thursday, August 1, in Birtley St Joseph's CMS Club and Parish Centre. Tickets are £2.

BLOOD DONORS: There will be a blood donor session in the Red Lion at Chester-le-Street on Monday, from 2.30pm to 7pm.

VALLEY WALK: Voluntary countryside rangers will lead a four-mile walk along the Cong Burn Valley, leaving from the main car park on Waldridge Fell at 2pm on Saturday, August 3.

SAVE STAMPS: Used postage stamps for the Guide Dogs for the Blind appeal can be left at Naylor's Opticians in Front Street.

FUN DAY: Waldridge Parish Council is holding a fun day for children from noon until 4pm on Sunday, on the Millennium Green.

LOCAL ONLINE: An access point for Ukonline has been established in the Birtley Community Centre.

HELP NEEDED: Friends In Deed, a new charity helping lone elderly people in hospital, is appealing for volunteers. For details call Chester-le-Street Volunteer Bureau on 0191-389 2947