Stanley Youth Centre's summer playscheme will have an international flavour this year, with the arrival of volunteer helpers from Turkey, Poland, Hungary, the US, Japan, Korea, Spain, Belgium and France.

The visit has been arranged by Youth Action for Peace. The playscheme will run from July 21 to August 1, and is aimed at children aged from five to 12. Booking forms are available from Stanley Youth Centre, Tyne Road, Stanley, and Derwentside CVS, or by calling Margaret Harrison on (01207) 238237.

CONCERT DATES: A concert will be held at Belmont Comprehensive School, Durham, on Saturday, in honour of music teacher and deputy headteacher Richard Brice, who is leaving the school. Bricey's Last Bash will begin at 7pm. Tickets are £2, or £1 for concessions. On Wednesday, July 9, Belmont's annual concert, featuring choirs, a rock band, ceilidh band, dancers and the school band, will be held. Doors open at 7.30pm.

BULLIES TARGETED: Pupils from Whickham Comprehensive School took part in a Let's Beat the Bullies event at Gateshead City Learning Centre. The event was devised by the school's staff in association with the learning centre and bus company Go North-East. The youngsters were encouraged to share their experiences of bullying and to think up ways of stopping the problem.

SHOP RELAUNCH: Geoff Cook, former England cricketer and director of cricket at Durham County Cricket Club, will reopen the Help the Aged shop in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, at 10.30am tomorrow. The charity is looking for volunteers to help in the shop.

CHOIR PERFORMS: Chester-le-Street Civic Choir will perform on Saturday, July 12, at 7.30pm, in the Parish Centre, Chester-le-Street. Guest soloist will be Clark Adamson. Tickets costing £3.50 are available on 0191-388 7108.

TEA AND CHAT: People living in Durham are invited for a cup of tea and a chat when the Mayoress of Durham, Margaret Gibbon, hosts a function in the town hall, on Wednesday, July 16. Tea will be served from 2.30pm. Last entry is 4pm.

PEACE PRESENCE: Peace Action Durham is planning to attend the Durham Miners' Gala on Saturday, July 12, and is looking for people to join the group. The organisation can be contacted on 0191-384 7727.

COUNCIL SURGERIES: Durham county councillors will hold two surgeries next Monday. The first takes place from 6pm to 6.45pm in Carrville Methodist Church, and the second is from 7pm to 7.45pm in Belmont Library.

MONEY RAISED: A Willow Burn Hospice Flag Day in Middle Street, Consett, earlier this month raised £212. A market stall also raised £369.