Community has online future

THE people of Tantobie have no excuse not to join to the information technology revolution after receiving almost £20,000 for a community online centre. North Durham MP, Kevan Jones opened the £19,839 on-line centre at Tantobie Community Centre.

The computer facility was built with cash from the Government's UK Online initiative. Derwentside District Council supported the bid and Derwentside College will provide taster courses in information communication technology.

HEALING SESSION: The National Federation of Spiritual Healing is holding a healing session in Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Durham, from 1.30pm until 4pm, on Saturday. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. The next session will be held on January 12.

NEW CLUB: A branch of the women-only fitness and slimming club chain, Healthlands, is to open a at the former VW Pulman garage, Low Carrs, in Pit Lane, Framwellgate Moor, Durham. The club is expected to open by March 1. To join, call 0191-384 4334.

Big thanks: Members of Chester-le-Street's Auckland Stroke Club would like to thank sixthformers at the town's Park View Comprehensive School for putting on a special party for them on December 11.

ART EXHIBITION: An exhibition of abstract art created from digital photographs, by Simon Jones, runs from today to the end of January, at East Durham Community College, Peterlee.

Rock night: Tribute band Black Rose will be playing the music of 1970s rock group Thin Lizzy at 9pm today at the O'Neill's Irish bar, in Claypath, Durham. Admission is free.

Council cash: Durham City Council is giving £1,600 to Durham Action on Single Housing, a charity that provides accommodation for vulnerable, single, homeless people.

Decision appeal: An appeal has been lodged against Durham City Council's decision to refuse planning permission for the change of open space at Ancroft Garth, Shincliffe, to residential land and the erection of a fence.

Stray total: Durham City Council seized 54 stray dogs during October. The animals were impounded at Deerness Valley Kennels. Six were claimed by their owners, 25 were sold and 23 were destroyed.

Trader warning: South Tyneside Council is warning that illegal street traders could be operating in the centre of South Shields and selling goods that are dangerous. Traders licensed by the council wear identification badges.

Road closure: European Way in Sunderland is closed until further notice because of work on the Metro extension to the city. Tunstall Hope Road will be closed until Saturday.

Fair sum: St Benedict's Hospice, Sunderland, raised more than £1,400 when it held its autumn fair in St Andrew's Church Hall, Roker