AN investigation has been launched after firefighters were called to two blazes in Dawdon, which are suspected to be linked.

In the first, late on Sunday night, an unoccupied house in Staverdale Street West was severely damaged, and in the second, minor damage was caused to a house in Dawdon Crescent.

KEVIN'S BACK: Former Durham University student Kevin Shears has returned to the city to become the franchisee of the McDonald's restaurant in the Prince Bishops Centre. The qualified restaurant manager, who has worked with the fast food chain for 15 years, said he was delighted.

DROP IN: People can call in for advice on a range of problems at Durham Citizens Advice Bureau sessions being held today, at Bowburn Community Centre, from 10am to noon, at Sherburn Hill Community Centre from 12.15pm to 1.30pm, and at Esh Winning Community Centre, from 2pm to 4pm.

HISTORY COURSE: Chester-le-Street Community Association is running a five-week course on starting a family history. It will be held at its centre in Newcastle Bank on Mondays, from 7pm to 9.30pm, starting on Monday, and costs £17.50. To enrol, call organisers on 0191-388 4752.

SUNDAY RAMBLE: Chester-le-Street Ramblers will be walking with Brian Stout at Allen Banks, Bardon Mill, near Hexham, on Sunday. They will meet at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre car park at 9.30am. To take part, call 0191-386 4089.

COFFEE MORNING: Members of St Cuthbert's Church, Shadforth, near Durham, have invited people to a fundraising coffee morning with stalls, at Shadforth Village Hall, on Saturday, from 10.30am.

TEA DANCE: Musician George Hetherington will perform at a tea dance in The Studio restaurant, in Durham's Gala Theatre, from 2pm to 4pm today. Tickets are £6, available on 0191-332 4041.

HOUSE BURGLARY: A thief forced open the door of a house in Durham Road, Annfield Plain, near Stanley, on Sunday, and stole a blue Adidas wallet containing cash, a bus pass, and a debit card.

FETE DATE: A fete will be held in fields opposite the Royal Oak pub, in Cornsay Colliery, near Durham, on Saturday, June 21. The event starts at 1pm and admission is free.

MOPED STOLEN: Thieves took an Aprilia 50cc moped scooter valued at £700 from the front garden of a home in Rydal Avenue, Stanley, on Friday, at about 2.30pm.

VIOLENCE FORUM: Derwentside Domestic Violence Forum holds an open day tomorrow, from noon to 1.30pm, in Consett Civic Centre.

VAN TAKEN: A white Vauxhall Astra van was stolen from Albert Road, Consett, overnight on Thursday.