A THRIVING charity shop is appealing for a helping hand. Bosses at the Barnardo's shop in Middle Street, Consett, are so short of volunteers to help run it that they say they cannot get enough stock on the shelves.

Manager Rena Purdy said: "We are becoming desperate. Things are reaching crisis point. It is impossible for one or two people to run such a thriving shop and a lot of essential jobs are not getting done, such as stocktaking and putting out new stock, because we just don't have enough people to keep everything going." Anyone interested in helping out for a few hours a week can contact the shop on (01207) 506496.

INFO DAY: Consett Churches and Neighbourhood Action holds a one-stop shop information centre on Thursday, August 28, from 10am to 1pm, in Christ Church Hall, Consett. Consett Brass Band will perform at about 11am and light refreshments will be available.

SUMMER FAIR: Crookhall Community Association holds its summer fair on Saturday, September 6, from 1pm. There will be a cake stall and a tombola, plus refreshments and a prize draw to win a DVD player.

BOWLS DAY: Sherburn Park Bowling Club, in Consett, has raised £364 for Macmillan Cancer Relief in Derwentside, through a Bowl for Macmillan event. Ann Hall, district chairman for the charity, is appealing for volunteers for its fundraising committee. Anyone interested is asked to contact (01207) 503069.

STREET SURGERY: North Durham MP Kevan Jones will be visiting constituents in their homes this weekend. On Saturday, he will be knocking on doors in Waldridge, near Chester-le-Street, between 10am and midday. This surgery has been rearranged from Saturday, September 20. A street surgery will also be held in the Cragside/Lingholme area of Chester-le-Street on Saturday, August 30, between 10am and midday. For an appointment, ring his office on 0191-371 8834.

BELLY DANCING: Egyptian belly dancing classes are to take place at Chester-le-Street Community Association, Newcastle Bank, from September 9. Beginners classes will be held on Tuesdays, between 5.45pm and 7pm, and improvers classes will be held from 7.15pm to 8.30pm. Both courses cost £20 for six weeks' tuition. To enrol, telephone 0191-388 4752 or call at the centre.

WORKERS EVACUATED: About 100 workers were evacuated from their offices in Durham yesterday following a gas leak. Transco was called to Framwelgate Waterside, where a gas main is believed to have been damaged. Staff at the nearby National Savings' Milburngate House offices were evacuated and then sent home while the problem was dealt with.