SUNDERLAND City Council has joined a campaign against age discrimination.

The council has signed the Age Concern Business Pledge to value its older employees and recognise the positive contribution they can make. About 14,000 people work for the authority. The council leader, Councillor Bob Symonds, said: "We recognise the real benefits of having a mixed age workforce. Older people can have a wealth of experience and expertise, which is invaluable when understanding and meeting the needs of all our customers." Any businesses wanting to support the campaign can contact their local Age Concern office, or the Sunderland branch on 0191-514 1131.

FIGHTING FIT: A women's health and fitness class is running at Roseberry Sports and Community College in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, on Monday evenings, from 6pm to 7pm. Admission is £2, but the first two nights are free. For more information, contact Lynn Hole on 0191-370 0300.

KITCHEN FIRE: Firefighters took a woman to safety after a blaze broke out in her flat above a shop in High Street, Wrekenton, Gateshead, on Friday night. She was given oxygen by paramedics before being taken to the town's Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment for the effects of smoke inhalation.

ROCK NIGHTS: Rock band FM will be playing at The Jug pub in Claypath, Durham, on Wednesday, at 8.15pm. Sticky Fingers will play there on Wednesday, October 15. Admission costs £2.

VILLAGE VISITS: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau is holding drop-in sessions today at Ludworth Community Centre, from 11am to noon; Kelloe Community Association, from 12.15pm to 1.30pm; Bearpark Community Centre, from 2pm to 3pm, and at Brandon House, Brandon, from 3.15pm to 4.30pm.

IT SESSIONS: Langley Park and District Community Association is holding computer drop-in sessions on afternoons and evenings at The Institute, Church Street, Langley Park. For further information, call association secretary Alison Spenceley on 0191-373 1876.

HEALING SESSION: The National Federation of Spiritual Healers will hold a healing session on Saturday, between 1.30pm and 4pm, at Shakespeare Hall, North Road, Durham. Sessions are held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.

PUB SOUNDS: The Jack O'Ryan Band will be performing folk and Irish music at the Daisy Hill pub, Heugh Edge, Sacriston, on Friday, and on Friday, October 17. Rooster will be playing rock and blues covers at the pub. Both events start at 8.30pm and there is a cover charge.

QUILTING COURSE: An introduction to quilting course will be held on Tuesdays, November 4, 11, 18 and 25, between 2pm and 4pm, in Brancepeth Village Hall. For further details, call 0191-378 0509.