FAMILY history is proving so popular in Gateshead that classes are being set up to help researchers. People flocked to workshops on tracing family trees and genealogy held during National History Week recently. Due to their popularity, the sessions will be held in Gateshead Central Library each month. There will be an introduction to the subject for beginners, and classes on using the Internet for genealogical research. For more information, contact Anthea Lang, Gateshead Borough Council's local studies librarian, who is based at Central Library, on 0191-477 3478.

ADVICE DAYS: The charity Age Concern, with the Durham and Chester-le-Street Specialist Health Promotion Service, is holding a coffee morning in aid of Diabetes Awareness on Tuesday, June 11, at Age Concern Hall, Chestnut Grove, Ushaw Moor. On Wednesday, June 12, the charity will hold a second coffee morning in Sycamore Park Communal Room, Brandon, from 10am to noon. Officers from Durham Police's community safety department will be available to give advice on crime prevention.

PHOTO WALK: Durham Photographic Society member Bob Weil will give a talk about his photographs when the society meets next Thursday at 7.30pm in the Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Durham. Admission is free.

TALE TIME: A story session for pre-school children, led by Carol Attewell and Jacqui Rodgerson, will be held at Durham Clayport Library, in the Millennium City complex, Claypath, on Wednesday at 11am. Admission is free.

TEA DANCE: A tea dance will be held at Sherburn Leisure Centre, Sherburn, on Wednesday, between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Regular members will have a meal to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee before the dance starts.

EASTERN PROMISE: The Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill, Durham, is staging an exhibition called Anthropology of the Orient, featuring work by final-year university students, until Sunday, June 30. For further details call the museum, on 0191-374 7911.

ART EXHIBITION: Allan Bell, who works as a craftsman warden for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Washington, is the centre's artist of the month for June.

MAST PLAN: Hutchison 3G UK is seeking planning permission from Durham City Council to replace its mobile phone mast on land at the back of the Newton Hall pub, Carr House Drive, Newton Hall, Durham. The firm plans to put up a 20ft mast.

BAND DATE: The Bind Wind Philharmonic Band will perform at St Michael's Church, Houghton-le-Spring, on Saturday, June 29, at 7.15pm. Tickets cost £3.50 for adults and £1.50 for children. They are available from the church, Houghton Methodist Church and Gilpin Press, Pottery Yard.

MOVING ON: The Reverend Lyn Jamieson, chaplain of the MetroCentre, Gateshead, since 1994, is leaving to become senior chaplain and Press officer for the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull.

SCHOOL FAIR: St Benet's School, Urpeth Grange, Ouston, is holding a summer fair on Saturday, June 16, between 2pm and 5.30pm.

ECUMENICAL SERVICE: Local parish church leaders and congregations will gather for an ecumenical service at Esh Village Green at 3pm tomorrow.