ORGANISERS of a second-hand furniture scheme have thanked a company for providing them with end-of-line furniture.

For many years, the Consett YMCA-run scheme has helped young couples and others set up home. "We are greatly indebted to Conroys for providing us with the means to keep going," said Billy Robson, of the YMCA. To contact the scheme call (01207) 588302.

CUMBRIAN RAMBLE: Chester-le-Street Ramblers head to Cumbria for a walk in the Kirkby Stephen area, on Sunday. Walkers are asked to meet at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre car park, at 9.30am. For further information call 0191-388 4088.

CHURCH MEET: The King's Church will hold a service at its new meeting venue, on Sunday, at 10.30am. Newton Hall Community Centre, on the outskirts of Durham, will be the regular setting for the church in coming weeks.

HORSE TRAPPED: A horse had to be released from its horsebox by firefighters on Sunday. Firefighters cut away a partition bar trapping the animal and pulled it free, at a farm in Swalwell, near Gateshead, at about 5pm. The horse suffered some minor injuries.

PEER EDUCATION: Female volunteers are needed to help lead peer education sessions for girls in West Rainton and Sherburn. The sessions, run by the Endhouse organisation, look at issues such as women's safety and drugs, and involve art, drama and a team-building trip. Contact Colette Erskine at the volunteer centre in Chester-le-Street on 0191-389 2947 for more details.

FUNDS BOOST: Nursery and reception children at Newker Primary School, in Chester-le-Street, have raised £2,100 for the Children's Marathon Challenge, a charity for children suffering from leukaemia. Pupils aged from three to five were sponsored to find 26 pictures of living things.

DISCO DAY: Pity Me Play Park, a registered charity, will hold a disco on Friday for children aged from ten to 14. The event takes place at the Abbey Sports Centre, in Pity Me, Durham, from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets costing £2.50, are available from the sports centre, or by ringing Helen Burnip on 0191-384 1390.

HEALING SESSIONS: The Federation of Spiritual Healers is holding healing sessions on the second and fourth Saturday of every month, between 1.30pm and 4pm, at Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Durham.

FLEA FREE: Abbey Veterinary Centre, in Newcastle Road, Durham, and Gibside, Chester-le-Street, is offering free flea checks for cats and dogs from Monday, July 29.

TESCO DONATION: The Tesco store at Dragonville, Durham, is donating £2,000 to the Rainbow Trust, a charity which works with families of children suffering from life-threatening and terminal illnesses. The money will help to buy children's books and videos.