A free family sign language course is about to get under way at Greenfield Community and Arts Centre, Newton Aycliffe.

Specialist Margaret Bain will lead the course every Tuesday between 4pm and 5pm. More details from (01325) 307147.

CONCERT DATE: The Eugena Hideaway Bridges Band, supported by the Little Big Horns, will play in Mickleton Village Hall, near Barnard Castle, on Saturday, October 18, at 8pm.

COMPUTER CLASS: A basic computer skills course will be held at Parkside Community Association on Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 8pm, starting next week. The ten-week course is free.

BRASS CONCERT: Fishburn brass band will perform at Spennymoor Town Hall next Saturday, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £4.50 and are available at the door. Proceeds will go to Neville's Cross Friends of Cancer Research UK.

LUNCH TIME: St Mark's Church, Eldon, will serve lunches from noon until 2pm next Saturday.

CHARITY DANCE: Graeme Scarlett and Albert will provide the music at a dance in aid of Alzheimer's disease research at Witton Park Village Hall, next Saturday, from 8pm to 11.15pm. For details, call (01388) 602320.

AUTUMN FAIR: An autumn fair will take place next Saturday, at the Community Chapel, Sunnybrow, at 10.30am. Admission is 25p, to include refreshments.

MEETING DATE: Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee will hold a meeting on Monday, at 10am, in the council chamber, council offices, Green Lane, Spennymoor.

GARDEN THANKS: Staff at the Pioneering Care Centre thank everyone who helped at its gardening day last month, especially Speedy Hire at Newton Aycliffe, Garden Barn, Blossoms and the Poplars. To volunteer for a spot of gardening, call Graham Barker or Karen Cole on (01325) 321234.

HEALTH MEETING: The next board meeting of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust will be held on Thursday, at 2pm in the boardroom, Sedgefield PCT Offices, Merrington House, Merrington Lane, Spennymoor. The public are welcome and will be able to ask questions. To attend, call the trust on 0191-301 3820.

HARVEST FESTIVAL: The family service at St Clare's Church, Newton Aycliffe, on Sunday, October 12, will be the harvest festival service, from 9.15am. Donations of tinned food and toiletries are requested to make up packs for the homeless. Cash donations are welcome.

TRAVEL TALKS: Travels along Burma's Irrawaddy river are the subject when photographer Norma Joseph visits Darlington Lecture Association at the town's College of Technology on Monday, October 13 from 7.45pm. There is a charge of £3 for visitors.