STAFF at London Electricity, in Sunderland, have given £2,000 to Portland Special School to buy equipment for its sensory learning room.

The school, at Plains Farm, Sunderland, caters for children with learning difficulties. Ann Swain organised a fancy dress day. Staff raised £1,500 and the company added £500.

BLOOD DONORS: Blood donor sessions take place in the New Durham and District Working Men's Club, Mill Lane, Durham, on Monday, between 3pm and 7pm, and in the Methodist Church Hall, Station Road, Consett, on Tuesday, between 3pm and 7pm. There are also sessions on Tuesday, in the Methodist Church Hall, Bede Way, Peterlee, between 3pm and 7pm, and in Gateshead Leisure Centre, Alexandra Road, between 2.30pm and 7pm.

YOUTH THEATRE: Cap-a-pie Youth Theatre group will hold workshops for youngsters in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley. Sessions for children aged over five take place on Saturdays, from 10am to 12.30pm, with a workshop on Tuesdays, from 7pm to 9.30pm, for children aged 11 to 19. To book places, call (01207) 571177.

DATE CHANGE: Tuesday's meeting of the Chester-le-Street branch of the Sunderland AFC Supporters' Association has been postponed until Wednesday. It will be at Relton Terrace Workmen's Club, Chester-le-Street, at 7.45pm. Buses for the game on Tuesday leave from the club at 6.15pm.

CEILIDH NIGHT: A ceilidh with music from the North Country Dance Band will take place in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, tonight, at 8pm. Tickets are £5 and £4 for concessions. To book, call the centre on (01207) 218899.

FIRE MEETING: The Tyne and Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority will hold a public meeting in the fire birgade headquarters, in Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, on Monday, at 10.30am.

TOP SALE: A table-top sale will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 10am to 12.30pm, in St Aidan's Church Hall, Framwellgate Moor, Durham. To book a table, call 0191-386 3627.

BURNS NIGHT: Throwingstones restaurant, at the National Glass Centre, Sunderland, will hold a Burns Night and ceilidh tomorrow, at 7pm. To book tickets, call 0191-565 3939.