TWO organisations have received recognition for their approach to staff health.

Chester-le-Street District Council and Wavin Plastics, in Meadowfield, near Durham, received bronze Working for Health awards. They were presented with the awards by Lady Anne Calman, chairwoman of Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust. The scheme encourages employers to protect the health of their staff by creating a healthier workplace. Companies are said to benefit from less staff turnover and absenteeism, and improved productivity.

ADVICE SESSIONS: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau will hold sessions on Monday at The Hawthorns, Quarrington Hill, between 10am and 11am; and at Brandon House, Brandon, between 11.30am and 12.30pm. On Tuesday, sessions will be held at Bowburn Community Centre, between 10am and noon; and at Esh Winning Community Centre, between 1.30pm and 2.30pm. No appointments are needed.

EXTENSION PLAN: Planning officers are recommending councillors refuse permission for a rear extension with a balcony at a house in Castle Beck, The Grove, Consett. A resubmitted plan for a balcony at a home in Moor Houses, Quebec, is expected to be approved by Derwentside District Council today.

SEPTIC TANKS: A farmer is applying for planning permission to install two septic tanks at Upper Houses Farm, Lanchester, near Consett. Planning officers are recommending refusal after the applicant failed to provide details of the site's soil conditions.

WEEKEND WALK: Countryside ranger David Butler will lead a six-and-a-half-mile walk in Deerness on Saturday. It will start at 1pm from the Broompark Picnic Area, half a mile west of Stonebridge, on the B6302 to Ushaw Moor. The walk costs £2, concessions £1.

NEW HOMES: Derwentside District Council will today look at plans for two detached houses behind Queens Road, Blackhill, Consett. There are also proposals for a house behind Watling Street, Leadgate, and six bungalows in Derwent Street, Blackhill.

FLOWER DISPLAY: The Cestrian Flower Club will hold a demonstration on Thursday, February 6, at 7.15pm, at the North Lodge site of the Park View Community Association, in Chester-le-Street.

PHOTO THEME: Pittington Photography Club will hold its first competition of the season on the theme of autumn on Monday. The club will meet at Pittington Village Hall at 7.30pm.

MUSIC NIGHT: The Russ Tippins Band will perform tomorrow at the Daisy Hill, Heugh Edge, near Sacriston. The gig starts at 8pm and admission is free.

LIONS MEET: The next meeting of Chester-le-Street Lions Club will be on Monday, February 10, at 8pm, in Chester-le-Street Cricket Club, Ropery Lane.