TIRED drivers are being given the chance to recharge their batteries for free.

Innkeeper's Lodge, Great North Road, Chester-le-Street, launched its two-week promotion this week, in support of the Government's new 'Think - Don't Drive Tired' campaign.

The hotel has allocated a break room where lone drivers can check in for ten or 15 minutes and download e-mails, read a paper and enjoy complimentary coffee.

Drivers wanting to find other participating Innkeeper's Lodges can log on to www.innkeeperslodge.com.

BLOOD DONORS: People can give blood at donor sessions being held tomorrow at the Miners Welfare Hall, in Durham Place, Murton, between 3pm and 7pm, and at the Cass Community Centre, Roxburgh Terrace, Whitley Bay, also between 3pm and 7pm.

FLAG DAY: The Durham branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution collected £1,004 at its flag day, in Durham, on March 16. The amount was 50 per cent up on last year's total, and was the most collected from a flag day in the city.

CYCLE EVENT: Cycle4Sight, a charity sponsored cycle event running for 15 miles around part of the Coast-to- Coast route, takes place this Sunday. It starts from the public car park alongside Beamish Museum, in Stanley, at 10am, and returns to the same point. All proceeds will go to Sight Savers International.

Yorkshire walk: Chester-le-Street Ramblers have organised a walk in Upper Swaledale on Sunday, which will be led by David Middleton. They will meet in the car park at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre, Newcastle Bank, at 9.30am. For details call 0191-388 3225.

Lions meet: Chester-le-Street Lions Club will meet on Monday in Chester-le-Street Cricket Club, Ropery Lane, at 8pm. Anyone over 18 is welcome to join the club which meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.

Folk night: Haswell Folk Club will hold a singaround open night tomorrow at 8.30pm, in The Wayfarer pub, Front Street, Haswell. The evening starts at 8.30pm and all singers and musicians are welcome. Admission is free.

Write stuff: A storytime event for youngsters will be held on the children's ground floor of Durham Clayport Library, in the Millennium City complex, Claypath, on Saturday, at 11am. It will be led by Carol Attewell and Jacqui Rodgerson.

ANIMALS CONCERT: The Animals and Friends, featuring two members of the legendary Animals band, will be performing at Durham's Gala Theatre on Thursday, April 18 at 8pm. Tickets cost £10 and £8 and are available by contacting the box office on 0191-332 4041.

Sign appeal: Primelight Advertising has lodged an appeal against Durham City Council's refusal of planning permission for an illuminated double-sided pole-mounted advertisement unit at the Bells Hill Service Station at West Rainton.