A VILLAGE hosted a special open day to mark International Women's Week.

Durham City Council's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) Six team staged the event at Bowburn Community Centre, offering taster sessions in activities including DJ skills, cookery, belly dancing and aromatherapy.

Bev Cholmondeley, of the team, said: "There's loads going on in and around Durham for women and the open day gives us a chance to show local people how they could be taking part themselves in new hobbies, courses or training.''

City mayor Eileen Rochford, who opened the event, said: "In the past Durham witnessed large numbers of women marching through the city to gather at The Sands.

"They talked about women's aims and ambitions and also their contribution to society. Sadly these marches ended some time ago. Now, years later, women are again on the march - this time to gather at Bowburn Community Centre.

"Women are still the backbone of the community, the voluntary sector, The Church and the caring arms of the public health sector."