Visitors will have a chance to see how a court operates when more than 20 agencies and volunteer groups stage a free open day in Consett Magistrates' Court on Saturday, September 20, between 10am and 4pm.

There will be a guided tour of the cell block and a police demonstration at 11am, followed by a mock court case.

OPEN DAY: Dipton residents who may be concerned about local issues including crime, health, facilities for young people, the environment or local transport will be able to have their say about improving things. The Dipton Community Partnership will hold an open day at the community centre between 10am and 2.30pm on Saturday. There will also be activities for all ages and a free prize draw.

SHED WARNING: PC Neil Fawcett, of Stanley police, is urging residents of South Stanley to lock valuable bikes in their homes, rather than garden sheds. His comments follow a series of raids on sheds in the area, in which bikes were stolen. Anyone with information on the burglaries is asked to call police on (01207) 232144.

CLASSES BACK: A range of classes and groups have started at Delves Lane Village Hall, near Consett, after a summer break. They include The Northern Echo's Communigate scheme, craft sessions, hooky mat-making and salsa dancing. For further details, contact (01207) 583174.

MEETING OFF: The special meeting of Derwentside District Council, scheduled for September 18, has been postponed to allow more time for the statement of accounts to be completed. The meeting will now take place on Wednesday, September 24, at 6pm, in Consett Civic Centre.

DROP IN: A Community Information Point drop-in will be held between 10am and noon every other Wednesday at the Dipton Community Centre. Those attending will receive help with IT skills, the Internet, and printing leaflet information. The free service will operate on September 17 and October 1.

ANNUAL MEETING: The annual meeting of Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust will take place in the Board Room at St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle, at 6pm on Wednesday, September 24. Members of the public are invited to attend.

NEW COURSE: A course in counselling skills, relaxation and stress management starts at Chester-le-Street Community Centre on Friday, September 19. It runs each Friday between 10am and noon and costs £30 for ten weeks. Enrol at the centre or contact 0191- 388 4752.

BUILDING DAMAGED: A fire severely damaged the third floor of a building under construction off Gloucester Road, Delves Lane, Consett, at the weekend. Firefighters were called to the blaze at 10.30pm on Friday.