UPSTAIRS rooms in Bishop Auckland opticians Specsavers were evacuated yesterday when staff noticed fumes coming from a computer room.

A crew from the town's fire station was called to the shop, in Newgate Street at lunchtime. Sub-officer Andy Whitehead said the problem was not serious and the ground floor was not damaged. He said: "It was simply a problem with the air-conditioning."

COMPUTER DAY: A taster day is being held at Heighington Village Hall for anyone intersted in using the village's new computers. The Heighington Village Hall Association was recently awarded several computers from BT and on Saturday, July 5, residents will be able to learn more about them. The session will run from 10am to 3pm.

ART SHOW: The annual art exhibition staged by Wearhead Primary School is being held at Ireshopeburn Literary Institute, from Sunday to Thursday, July 13 to 16, noon to 5pm.

MP'S SURGERY: North-West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong holds her monthly advice surgery tomorrow, from 11am, at North House, North Terrace, Crook.

PARISH COUNCIL: Stanhope Parish Council holds its next meeting on Wednesday, July 2, at 7pm in the board room at Stanhope Town Hall.

TABLE-TOP SALE: A table-top sale organised by the Friends of Senior Citizens will be held at Witham Hall, Barnard Castle, on Saturday, June 28, from 10am to 2pm. Tables are available to hire on (01325) 313924.

PAIN HELP: Members of CamPAIN, a support group for chronic pain suffers, meet at Bishop Auckland College on Wednesday, in the Optimum Suite from 7pm. Guest speaker is clinical psychologist Charles Burdett, whose subject is the mind's influence over physical pain.

RUNAWAY WINNERs: A 10k run and fun run through Hamsterley Forest raised £923 for the Butterwick Hospice, at Bishop Auckland. Nathan Nicholson, from Evenwood Running Club, was first home in the fun run, while the 10k winner was Alasdair Tatham, of the Quakers Running Club.

AUSTEN MUSIC: Early music quartet Concert Royal is on stage in the Eden Theatre at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Sunday with a performance offering a glimpse into the musical world of writer Jane Austen. The concert, called Jane Austen's Musical England, starts at 3pm. Tickets are £8, £6 concessions and include refreshments. Contact the box office on (01388) 602610.

MOWER PURCHASE: Great Aycliffe Town Council has authorised the purchase of a mower at a cost of £18,675.

FAMILY FUN: Evenwood and Ramshaw Community Centre holds a family fun day on Sunday, from 10am to 3pm.