Experts from around the world will attend a conference at Teesside University from September 9 to September 12 dealing with people's understanding of virtual reality, digital media, interactive computer games and visual entertainment.

It is the first time the Consign (Computational Semiotics in Games and New Media) international conference has been held in the UK.

DANCE PARTNERS: Teesside Hospice and the hospital- based Radio North Tees have organised a 1960s and 70s disco, to be held at the River Tees Water Sports Centre, on Friday. There will be a pie and peas supper, a band and a licensed bar. Tickets are available by ringing (01642) 355866.

PICTURE THIS: Morning and evening classes at the Redcar and Cleveland City Learning Centre will show how to make use of digital photographs and how to repair old photographs. For details of the course, which starts on September 3, ring (01642) 467138.

NIGHT VISITORS: Bat enthusiasts Jonathan Pounder, of the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, and Ian Bond are giving a guided walk on the Hart to Haswell Walkway, Hart Station, Hartlepool, on Tuesday next week, as an introduction to the world of bats. For more details, call (01429) 853325.

FRIENDLY STEPS: South Bank Women's Centre is hosting a dance project and a fun day on Friday, August 29, to promote cross-cultural links, community cohesion and the work of the centre. For more information, contact (01642) 296166.

CHARITY SALE: A table-top sale will be held on Saturday at Saltburn Community Centre, Windsor Road, from 10am to 4pm in aid of the East Cleveland Lourdes group. There will be home-made refreshments and a tombola. The proceeds will go towards sending sick people to the pilgrims' centre at Lourdes, in France.