A CHRISTIAN group for women is launching a North-East branch in Derwentside.

Aglow International holds a taster session for its chapter in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley on Monday, March 3, at 7.30pm. There will be a short video on the work of Aglow, followed by coffee and gateaux. The group, which is non-denominational, will hold meetings once a month, with a speaker and music. For details, call (01207) 234525.

CRIME TALKS: Residents in a crime-hit community are to meet with councillors and police to discuss plans to tackle the problem. A public meeting for householders in Bensham, Gateshead, will take place in Bensham Grove Community Centre, Sidney Grove, on Wednesday, February 27, at 7pm.

GIVE BLOOD: A blood donor session will take place in the community centre, Iris Crescent, Ouston, on Friday, from 2.30pm to 6.45pm.

ART DISPLAY: An exhibition of 24 paintings of mining scenes by former Craghead pitman Tom Lamb, of Newton Hall, is being held in Newton Hall Library, until Friday, March 7. Admission is free.

MORE ROOM: Durham City Council is being asked to grant planning permission for a single-storey pitched roof extension to be built at the side of a house in Priors Grange, High Pittington.

MASK WORKSHOPS: Oriental mask-making workshops will be held for children over five - the under-eights must be with an adult - at The Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill Road, Durham, Tuesday to Thursday, between 10am and noon. The sessions cost £2 and must be booked. Call 0191-374 7911.

ADVICE SESSIONS: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau is holding drop-in advice sessions on Monday, at Arden House, West Rainton, from 10am to 11am and at Kelloe Community Association between 11.30am and 12.30pm.

COFFEE BAR: Puccino's is seeking planning permission from Durham City Council to convert a staff room on Durham's railway station into a coffee bar and a former waiting room into a staff room.

BITER ARRESTED: Police have arrested a man they believe is responsible for an attack in Tynemouth that resulted in another man losing part of his ear. Mark Ahomet, 21, of Percy Main, North Tyneside, is charged with a Section 18 Wounding offence.

ORGAN MUSIC: An evening of organ music with Nigel Ogden takes place in Annfield Plain Methodist Church, near Stanley, next Saturday, at 7pm. Tickets, priced £4, are available on (01207) 234215, or 235682.

Consett CASH: The Salvation Army band has raised more than £1,000 from two concerts. A performance in Front Street, Stanley, raised £584.14 and another in Consett raised £905.50.

CARD FAIR: A fair for postcard enthusiasts and collectors is being held today between10.30am and 3.30pm at the North Lodge site of the Park View Community Association in Chester-le-Street.