Flats to be demolished

VANDALISED flats are to be demolished on Sunderland's Thorney Close estate. The Sunderland Housing Group, which runs the former city council housing service, plans to bulldoze the 130 properties and landscape the area. The remaining eight tenants have agreed to move. The company's area director, Dave Dixon, said public meetings had been held to discuss the plans and there had been no dissenting voices. He added that the problem had been caused by young tenants being unable to cope on their own, leaving many flats standing empty. A planning application for the scheme will be decided by Sunderland City Council.

PANTO TIME: The Arts Centre, in Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, is staging the pantomime Aladdin on Friday and Saturday, January 25 and 26, and February 1 and 2, at 7.30pm. There will be Saturday matinees starting at 2pm. Tickets cost £3 for adults, concessions £2.50 and a family ticket costs £10. For details call 0191-219 3455.

BOOK LAUNCH: The new Daily Prayer book, compiled by the Reverend Tom Jamieson and Bruce Carling, is being launched at Durham Cathedral today after the 7pm service. The book is designed to involve lay people in the daily prayers said by the clergy.

FIRE FORUM: County Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade is giving Seaham residents the chance to find out about its work at an information forum, today at 6.30pm at Seaham Fire Station. The session will last 90 minutes.

DANCE NIGHTS: Line dancing sessions are held at Framwellgate Moor Community Centre, Durham, on Wednesdays, between 5.30pm and 7.45pm, followed by sequence dancing sessions from 8pm to 10pm. Admission costs £1.50. For further details call 0191-386 6921.

HISTORY COURSE: Belmont Community Association is running a course, Tracing Your Ancestors, for people who want to learn advanced methods for outlining their family tree. The next session will be on Monday, January 28, between 2pm and 4pm in the library at Belmont Comprehensive School, Buckinghamshire Road, Belmont. To reserve a place call 0191-384 8782.

PERCUSSION CONCERT: Chris Brannick and Richard Benjafield will perform contemporary percussion classics and new works, at Elvet Methodist Church, Old Elvet, Durham, on Wednesday, January 30, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 to £12 for adults (concessions are also available) and £1 for the under-18s. For details call 0191-384 7841.

LeaRn the lingo: A course has started for anyone interested in travelling to a German-speaking country or learning more about Germany. Practice conversational German and learn more about the culture, art, history, geography and folklore on a weekly course at Chester-le-Street Community Centre. Each course costs £10 for four weeks. For details call Chester-le-Street Community Association on 0191-388 4752