Learn lesson of school run

POLICE will this week highlight the risks associated with dropping-off children at school.

Operation Travelwise will focus on a number of schools in Gateshead,

Sunderland and Washington. Police officers will be outside the schools during the morning and afternoon drop-off and collection times, giving advice to drivers, or issuing summonses for more serious matters. The initiative follows research which shows that one-in-five cars on the road during the morning rush-hour is on the "school run".

RELAY RUNNER: Workers at the Asda supermarket, in Stanley, have nominated their charity champion, John Cunningham, to be one of 5,000 people to run for Britain in the Queen's jubilee baton relay race, which will start the Manchester Commonwealth Games. Mr Cunningham, who has worked for the company for 23 years, has raised thousands of pounds for charities over the years.

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS: The search is on for Gateshead's most beautiful gardens. The Beautiful Gateshead Summer Garden Competition, organised by Gateshead Borough Council, aims to encourage and recognise people's efforts in helping to improve the environment. For details, contact Graham Scott on 0191-433 3838.

BUS SURGERY: Go North East will hold a bus users' surgery at South Burns, Chester-le-Street, from 11am to 2pm, on Thursday. The event will give people the opportunity to share their opinions of Go Northern bus services in the town and surrounding area. Representatives of the company will be on hand to answer questions.

JOBS UNIT: South Shields MP David Miliband has launched a mobile jobs unit for the South Tyneside Action Team for Jobs. Staffed by advisors with access to information on jobs and training, the unit will be touring the areas of Bede. Rekendyke, Tyne Dock, Simonside, Beacon and Bents, Biddick Hall and Primrose.

WRITING COURSE: A five-week free taster course in creative writing will be held at Dipton Community Centre, from Monday, March 4, from 7pm to 9pm. For further details, or to arrange enrolment, call (01207) 570003, or 570197.

TAX ADVICE: Staff from Sunderland Tax Office will be available on the last Thursday in every month to give free advice on tax and national insurance at Felling JobCentre, from 10am to 1pm.

ANNUAL MEETING: The annual meeting of Dipton Community Association will be held in Dipton Community Centre, at 6.45pm on Friday, March 8.