TRAVEL agency staff in Chester-le-Street have launched an appeal for Christmas gifts to fill Santa's Suitcase.

The Front Street branch of Travelcare is hoping to distribute toys or gifts donated to Children North-East in time for Christmas. Kay Wilson, branch manager, said: "We are asking customers and members of the local community to help us spread a bit of cheer this Christmas." Travelcare say they would prefer the gifts to be unwrapped so they can check their suitability and age range. Santa's Suitcases will be on display at all Travelcare branches.

BLOOD DONORS: People will be able to give blood at the Workingmen's Club at Mill Lane in the Gilesgate area of Durham City, between 3pm and 7pm, on Monday, and at All Saints' Church, Carr House Drive, in Newton Hall, Durham City, between 3pm and 7pm, on Wednesday.

GIG DATES: The Hokum Hotshots and Kieran Halpin will perform at The Beamish Mary Inn, at No Place, near Stanley, as part of the pub's Acoustic Wednesday nights. Kieran Halpin will play this coming Wednesday and Hokum Hotshots will be the band on December 12 .

CHRISTMAS FAIR: A Christmas fair will be held at Craghead Village Hall, on Saturday, December 8, at 2pm. There will be stalls, tombolas, raffles, tarot card readers and Santa Claus. Call (01207) 6693200.

CRIME ISSUES: Dipton Residents' Association is holding a meeting on Wednesday, November 21, at 7pm, in Dipton Community Centre. Representatives from Derwentside police will be present to discuss local issues. All welcome.

Student beds: Durham City Council has given Durham University's Van Mildert College planning permission to build three and four-storey accommodation blocks for students at its site in Mill Hill Lane, Durham.

GREEN CRAFTS: People can learn how to make Christmas decorations using willow, evergreens and recycled materials at a workshop being held by English Nature at the Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve, Peterlee, on Sunday, December 9. A session for adults will be held from 10.30am to 1pm and for families between 2pm and 4pm. To book a place call 0191-518 2403.

APPEAL DEFEAT: Primelight Advertising Ltd has lost its appeal against Durham City Council's refusal to display an illuminated, double-sided advertisement unit at the Valley View Service Station, Broom Lane, Ushaw Moor.

CAKE NIGHT: A demonstration of Christmas cake decorating will be held in Durham Town Hall on Tuesday, November 20, at 7pm, to raise money for Mayor George Cowper's Helping Hands Appeal. Tickets cost £2 (concessions £1.50), and are available from the Durham Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, or the Mayor's office, at 4 Saddler Street, telephone 0191-301 8846.

KUNG-FU CLASSES: Classes in Kung-fu, the Chinese art of self-defence, are being held at Chester-le-Street Community Centre on Sundays, from 11am to 1pm; at Belmont Comprehensive School, Durham, on Tuesdays, between 7 and 9pm; and at the Glebe Community Centre, Washington, on Thursdays, between 7 and 9pm. For details call 0191-410 0613.

ANNUAL MEETING: Chester-le-Street Mind is holding its annual meeting on Friday, November 16, in the Gloucester Suite at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre, at 6.30pm.