DURHAM Wildlife Trust is looking for people to play Father Christmas during December to help raise money for its conservation and education work.

The trust manages a wildlife garden at Strikes Garden Centre, in Lambton Park, Chester-le-Street, and runs an information cabin on weekends and bank holidays.

Information and advice is available for anyone who is interested in supporting wildlife in their garden. The trust has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the garden centre, having set up a wildlife garden there 17 years ago. Strikes manager David Welch has now offered to help the trust by hosting Santa in his grotto so that children can meet him on weekends throughout December, with the proceeds donated to the Durham Wildlife Trust. Anyone who would like to support the trust and take on the Father Christmas role is asked to contact Mr Welch on 0191-385 5154.

Outdoor pursuits: Outdoor activity enthusiasts are planning to form a mountain sports club. They hope to attract interest among like-minded people in the Durham area, and are staging a formation meeting next month. Keen hill walker Penny Swaine, who recently moved to the city, said: "We organise regular trips to places like the Lake District, Northumberland and Yorkshire to carry out the various activities."

The meeting will be held at The Tap and Spile, in Front Street, Framwellgate Moor, near Durham, on Wednesday, October 8, at 7pm.

Players needed: Dunelm Youth Football Club, in Durham, is looking for year nine boys to join its team. The under-14s side recently secured sponsorship from Premier Training Services, which donated football strips. Anyone interested in joining is asked to contact Gary Walker on 0191-384 0655.

Diving session: Peterlee Sub-Aqua Club is inviting people to try scuba diving at a taster session in the town's baths on Wednesday, October 1, at 8pm. For further details, contact (01429) 8370936.

Harvest supper: Pittington Brass band will be playing at the harvest supper held by St Cuthbert's Church, Shadforth, at Sherburn Hill Community Centre, today, at 7pm. Admission is £2.50 and includes broth. Fruit and vegetables will be auctioned for charity.

Country walk: Chester-le-Street Ramblers will be walking in Woolsingham, led by Brian Stout, on Sunday. They will meet at Chester-le-Street Civic centre car park at 9.30am. For further details, contact 0191-386 4089.

Donor session: A blood donor session will be held next Monday, between 2.30pm and 7pm, at the Red Lion pub, in Front Street, Chester-le-Street.

Arts Courses: Courses in mosaic making and glass painting are on offer at the Lamplight Arts Centre in Stanley. Anyone interested should book before Friday. The centre is also running sessions in youth dance, salsa and line dancing. For details, call (01207) 218893.