The Royal Derwent Hotel in Allensford, near Consett, is holding a world's biggest coffee morning event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief, on Friday, September 26, 10am to 12.30pm.

The guest of honour will be BBC Look North presenter, Carol Malia. Children from Castleside Primary School will perform and there will be stalls, a tombola and a raffle. Last year's event involved more than 200 people and raised £700.

BLANKET TESTS: People living in South Tyneside can have electric blankets tested free. Trading Standards officers and staff from Age Concern will be carrying out safety tests in the Consumer Advice Centre, Central Library, South Shields, from Monday, September 1, to Friday, September 5. For details, contact 0191-427 8525.

BREAKDANCE: A taster session in breakdancing is on offer on Wednesday, in Temple Park leisure centre, South Shields. Places must be booked. For details, contact 0191-456 9119.

NEW BROCHURE: The brochure for the autumn season at Durham's Gala Theatre is now available. Highlights include Lindisfarne, who will start their national tour at the venue on October 1. For details, call 0191-332 4041.

ROCK SOUNDS: The Merchants of Cool, who play the music of 1970s' rock bands Free and Bad Company, will perform at The Daisy Hill, Heugh Edge, Sacriston, next Friday, at 8pm. For details, call 0191-371 0288.

BUSKERS NIGHT: The Jug, in Claypath, Durham, holds a weekly buskers night on Tuesdays for acoustic musicians and singers. It starts at 8pm and admission is free. For details, call the pub on 0191-384 8354.

RESTAURANT AWARD: The Numjai restaurant, in the Milburngate Centre, Durham, has won a platinum award from Internet restaurant guide Quality Food Online.

LANGUAGE CLASSES: Ten-week beginners courses in French and Spanish classes start at Gilesgate Community Centre, Durham, on Tuesday, September 23, from 7pm to 9pm. The course costs £30, with concessions for those in receipt of benefits. To register, call 0191-386 1933.

TOTS' TODDLE: Children at Bearpark Playgroup raised more than £250 for the group with a sponsored toddle. The youngsters put on fancy dress for the walk around the village, just outside Durham.

LEARN GERMAN: German classes take place at Chester-le-Street Community Centre on Friday afternoons from September 12. Sessions cost £2.50 each and run from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

LOTTERY BID: A £4.31m scheme to restore a popular park has been launched. South Tyneside Council is bidding for the cash, from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to refurbish South Marine Park in South Shields.