RESIDENTS have been given a chance to object to plans to close a post office.

A planning application before Gateshead Borough Council outlines proposals to turn Chowdene Post Office, in Durham Road, into a betting shop. Anyone who wishes to comment about the plan can write to: Development Control Office, Gateshead Council, Civic Centre, Gateshead NE8 1HH, quoting reference DC/03/00963/COU.

OPEN DAY: A housing charity has celebrated moving to new premises by holding an open day. Stonham Tenant Support Service, funded by Supporting People, has moved to the Werdohl Business Park, on the Number One Industrial Estate, near Consett. It held a party for housing staff and social workers. The charity provides free advice on housing and other issues such as benefit claims, managing money and new tenancies. For further details, contact Stonham on (01207) 585640.

OPERA LANDMARK: Mem-bers of Chester-le-Street Amateur Operatic Society celebrate its centenary with a production of Oklahoma, later this year. The American musical will be staged at Park View Community Theatre, Chester-le-Street, from November 4 to 9.

FANS MEET: The first meeting of the Chester-le-Street and District branch of the Sunderland AFC Supporters' Association for the 2003/4 season will be staged at Relton Terrace Workmen's Club,Chester-le-Street, from 7.45pm tonight. Subscriptions can be renewed and new members are welcome to attend.

MARINE PRIZES: Two North-East cadets studying merchant vessel engineering and operations have won awards for the quality of their NVQ work. Scott Moffatt and Stephen Chambers, who study at South Tyneside College, won the £350 prizes, which are awarded annually to the best two cadets from four nautical colleges in the UK.

FOCUS ON MYTHS: North-East legends and myths will form the basis of a new workshop at Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle Bank. The sessions will take place on Wednesday afternoons, between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, from September 17. The cost is £10 per four-week term. People can enrol at the centre, or by ringing 0191-388 4752.

RECRUIT SOUGHT: The Derwentside branch of the Alzheimer's Society is looking for volunteers to work in a charity shop in Newmarket Street, Consett. Anyone interested can contact either Shirley Johnson or Alastair White on (01207) 591835.

WORKER TRAPPED: A man was recovering yesterday after his forklift truck turned over, trapping him inside. Firefighters were called to Mill Road, Gateshead, at 9.30am yesterday. They freed the driver and made the vehicle safe. The man was taken to hospital suffering from head cuts.