Bridge repair approval likely

PLANS to replace a sub-standard bridge over the East Coast Main Line near Durham look set to win approval. Durham County Council's planning committee will be recommended on Wednesday to grant permission for a new Relley Bridge to be built at Broompark. The 19th Century structure, which carries the B6302 over the tracks, was assessed in the wake of the Selby disaster and found to be sub-standard. The scheme will entail the realignment of the carriageway.

BLAZE PROBE: Police are investigating the cause of a blaze that badly damaged an unoccupied house in Rutland Avenue, Walker, Newcastle, early on Sunday. The first floor and roof of the end-terrace property suffered 50 per cent severe fire damage.

PAN FIRE: The occupiers of a flat in Bedford Avenue, Laygate, South Shields, followed recommended procedure and put out a chip pan fire using a damp towel. They were given oxygen by firefighters and then taken to South Tyneside Hospital for treatment for the effects of breathing smoke.

FEMALE VOICES: Female singing group Agape will perform at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Coxhoe, on Wednesday, at 7.30pm. Admission is £2 and proceeds will go to the church's building fund.

BIZARRE CAREER: O'Neills Irish pub in Claypath, Durham, is offering a free meal for two and a bottle of wine to the person who has made the most bizarre career move. Anyone with an unusual CV should call 0121-321 2326.

MORRIS NIGHTS: Palatine Clog Morris, a traditional folk dance group, meets each Wednesday night from 8.15pm to 10pm in Carrville Methodist Church, Durham. For details call 0191-415 3506.

MORE ROOM: Durham City Council is being asked to grant planning permission for an extension to a house in Bede Way, Durham, and for a pitched roof to be built on the house's garage.

DONOR DATES: Blood donor sessions will be held today, at Benton Methodist Church, Station Road, Forest Hall, Newcastle, from 11am to 12.30pm and between 2pm and 6.45pm. A session will also be held in the Civic Hall, Regent Farm Road, Gosforth, from 10am to 4pm.

CAMERA WALK: A two-mile walk for photographers, led by Philip Nixon, will take place tomorrow, at Blanchland, near Consett. The walk starts at 10.30am from the main car park, in Blanchland, and costs £2 for adults, £1 for concessions.

CAKE CLASSES: A class in cake decoration for all abilities starts at Easington Community School, Stockton Road, Easington, this week. It will be held on Tuesday nights from 7pm. It costs £20. For details call 0191-586 7867.

FOLK NIGHT: North-East singer-songwriter Jez Lowe will be the guest when Croxdale Folk Club meets tomorrow, at 8.30pm, in the Daleside Arms, Croxdale. Tickets cost £2.50 and are available at the door or in advance, on (01388) 815162