A COUNCIL has dismissed rumours that its chief executive has stepped down.

A spokesman for Chester-le-Street District Council said that Mick Waterson was on sick leave, adding: "The council sees this as a personal matter, and any suggestion that he has been dismissed is factually incorrect." Mr Waterson confirmed the statement.

CAKE COURSE: A course on cake decorating starts at Derwentside College in Consett on Tuesday October 14, between 1pm and 3.30pm, for four weeks. For further details, contact (01207) 231570 or 236615.

FESTIVAL CONCERT: A harvest festival concert will be held at Framwellgate Moor Methodist Church in Durham on Saturday, at 7pm, featuring The Gibside Singers. Tickets cost £2.50.

PHOTO COURSE: Durham photographer Philip Nixon will run a ten-week course in photography on Tuesdays at 7pm in Gilesgate Comprehensive School, starting on September 30. It costs £32.50. For further details, call Mr Nixon on 0191-384 5058.

MUSICALS CONCERT: Sing Live North-East will perform songs from popular musicals at Newcastle City Hall on Saturday, September 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and £16 and are available by calling organisers on 0191-261 2606.

HELP AVAILABLE: Drop-in sessions are being held by Durham Citizens Advice Bureau today at Ludworth Community Centre, between 11am and noon, Kelloe Community Association, between 12.15pm and 1.30pm, Bearpark Community Centre, between 2pm and 3pm, and Brandon House, Brandon, between 3.15pm and 4.30pm.

PUB SOUNDS: Singer Alan Knights will perform at The Jug pub in Claypath, Durham, on Thursday, starting at 8pm. Admission is free. For details call the venue on 0191-384 8354.

DANCERS WANTED: The Kern Morris Dancers, who rehearse every Wednesday in Elvet Methodist Church Hall, Old Elvet, Durham, between 8pm and 10pm, are looking for beginners and experienced dancers. For further details call Ken Spencer on 0191-528 3867.

WRITING GROUP: Word Weavers, formally known as South Moor Writers Group, is looking for new members. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month, from 6pm to 8pm, in South Moor Library, Severn Crescent. For further details, contact organisers on (01207) 235596.

CREATIVE COURSE: A creative writing course will take place this autumn in Craghead Village Hall. For further details and to enrol, contact organisers on (01207) 693200.

FLOWER CLUB: Lanchester and District Flower Club resumes with a meeting on Wednesday, September 24, at 2pm, in Lanchester Community Centre. Jean McClure of Saltburn will give a demonstration to members.