SURE START: Carla Timpey, who joined Stanley Sure Start last summer to study computers, is preparing to start an Access to Higher Education course.

Building work has began on the group's new centre in Clifford Road. The group is holding a Peruvian storytime at 1.30pm today; a scavenger hunt, from 1pm to 3pm, tomorrow, at Causey Arch; a Reptile Trust storytime at 1.30pm, on Thursday, next week; willow making, from 10am until noon, on Friday, August 15; and a visit to the Blue Reef Aquarium and Tynemouth Beach from 1pm to 5pm on Thursday, August 21. Further information can be obtained by calling (01207) 699689.

ORGANISED WALK: An eight- mile walk will be led by Dara Dastur, starting at 10.30am on Tuesday, August 19. The walk will start from the main car park in Blanchland.

CHILDREN'S DAY: A children's day with the Friendly Engines from Locoland will be held from 11am to 5m on Sunday, August 19, by Tanfield Railway.

IN MEMORY: A ceilidh held in Consett Civic Hall in memory of Dr David Gatehouse, of Shotley Bridge, raised more than £1,600 towards equipment for the leukaemia ward of the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at Newcastle General Hospital.

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT: The Derwentside Branch of the Alzheimer's Society is appealing for volunteers for its charity shop in Newmarket Street, Consett. Further information is available from Alistair White or Shirley Johnson on (01207) 591835.

DIPTON STROLL: A two-mile walk around Dipton will leave from the Dipton Healthy Living Centre at 10am on Sunday, August 17.

TABLE TOP SALE: The Salvation Army's Essence of Life project is holding a table top sale. The event will take place from 9.30am to 11.30am, on Saturday, August 16, at Consett Community Centre.

CHILDREN'S FUN: The Lou-isa Centre, Stanley, is holding a series of events and activities for children from Monday to Friday each week until Friday, August 29. Further information is available by telephoning (01207) 218877.

BAND CALL: Westoe Band is playing in the Blackhill and Consett Park at 2.30pm, on Sunday, followed a week later by Easington Colliery Band.

COACHING SESSIONS: Lintz Cricket Club, Burnopfield, is holding cricket coaching sessions for eight to 11-year-olds from 10am to noon on Monday and Tuesday, August 18 and 19. Further information is available by calling (01207) 218014.

FOREIGN MISSIONS: The congregation of St Mary's RC Church, South Moor, will hear a missionary appeal from Father Bernard McDermott at the Masses on Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17.

STRIDING OUT: Consett and Vale of Derwent Naturalists Field Club is holding two walks near Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, led by V Ross and K Reavley, on Saturday. A bus will leave from Annfield Plain at 8am with later pick-up points. Prior booking is essential by contacting (01207) 508774.

FASHION SHOW: A George Fashion Show in aid of Children in Need will be staged by the Stanley branch of Asda from 3pm to 7pm on Sunday, at the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley. Tickets cost £2 and are available from the store's customer service desk.