A HEALTH website designed by, and for, young people in the Durham Dales has been officially launched.

The Talk4teens site, funded by the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and the Teenage Pregnancy Unit, aims to address their health needs and lifestyle concerns and includes information on issues such as sexual health, contraception, drugs, alcohol, and smoking. A spokeswoman said: "We didn't want to have one of those dull websites that are full of worthy words, but no fun to look at. It was really important to us that local young people were involved from the beginning in designing the content and layout of the site."

CENTRE BOOST: A £1m centre for children and young people with disabilities is to be built in Newcastle after funding was approved by the city council. The centre, due to open in 2005, will offer overnight stays and short breaks for the youngsters as well as support services for their parents and families, replacing the one at Hartburn Walk, in Kenton. A city social services spokesman said: "We are delighted that Newcastle City Council's cabinet has approved a capital investment of £1m. A new centre will provide better facilities and improved services for children and young people with disabilities."

MAYOR'S BALL: Tickets are on sale for the civic ball held by the Mayor of Peterlee, Councillor Brian Joyce, at Shotton Hall Banqueting Suite, on Friday, November 7. It includes a four-course dinner and music from The Midi Dance Orchestra. Nominated charities are the Macmillan Nurse Appeal, Butterwick Children's Hospice, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association's Forces Help appeal, and the St John Ambulance Blue Light appeal. Tickets, costing £20, are available from the mayor's office, on 0191-586 2491.

LOOKING BACK: Raconteur Norman Kelly gives a talk, entitled My Life in Entertainment, at St Andrew's Methodist Church Hall at Coxhoe, tomorrow, at 2pm. He will reminisce about his experiences in the music hall, RAF gang shows in India, and family concert parties. Admission is £2, with proceeds going to the church's new building fund.

THANKSGIVING SERVICE: The chairwoman of Derwentside District Council, Councillor Denise Bennett, will hold a civic service of thanksgiving at St John's Church, Holmside, Burnhope, at 3pm on Sunday.

AUTUMN FAIR: The 1st Consett Scout Group, in Constance Street, Consett, will hold an autumn fair from 10am on Saturday.

GLASS DISPLAY: Glassware by Tapio Wirkkala will be on display at the National Glass Centre and the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, in Sunderland. For further details, contact the glass centre on 0191-515 5555, or the gallery on 0191-514 1235.

GIVE BLOOD: A blood donor session takes place in the community centre, Cambrian Street, Jarrow, tomorrow between 2.30pm and 7pm.