The University of Teesside, in Middlesbrough, starts a series of short courses in English, design, information technology and forensic investigation next month.

Foundation degrees in health and social care are also on offer, in addition to BA (Honours) degrees in business management or history. The university has also opened a new course information centre, on the ground floor of the university tower. Centre open days will be held tomorrow, and January 18, 22, 25 and 29.

INSURANCE DEAL: Insurance broker BiB (Darlington) Limited has bought DMC Insurance Services Limited, of Darlington. The move means that BiB has almost 15,000 clients in Darlington and the Dales and employs 72 people at two sites in the town. Its head office is in Northgate.

HOUSE FIRE: Firefighters were called to a house blaze in Granville Road, Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, at about 1pm on Saturday. A bedroom was badly damaged.

CHARITY WALK: A North-East Rotary Club is organising a charity walk to raise money for the global polio eradication programme. The club's branch, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is urging people to join them on the walk on Sunday, February 23. Each person taking part will be asked to pay a £1 subscription. For further information, contact (01325) 300212.

TOYAH IN TOWN: Toyah Wilcox stars in the musical Calamity Jane at Darlington Civic Theatre, from Tuesday to Saturday, February 11 to 15. For information and tickets, contact (01325) 486555.

GOOSE STOLEN: A three-year-old goose, valued at £15, was stolen from an allotment at Ten Lane Ends, on the A167 near Newton Aycliffe, between 2pm and 4.30pm on Saturday.

HOLOCAUST REMINDER: Ashes to Ashes, a play which focuses on two characters in a death camp, is being performed at the Arts Centre, Darlington, on January 28 at 1.30pm to mark National Holocaust Memorial Day. For information and tickets phone (01325) 486555.

NEW OFFICES: Derwentside District Council is seeking planning permission from its development control committee to build 18 offices, conference rooms, canteen and car park on land at the Consett Business Park, Villa Real, Consett.

GALA CONCERT: Durham Sinfonia will be in concert at The Gala Theatre, Millennium Place, Claypath, Durham, next Sunday, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and £8 and are available from the box office on 0191-332 4041.

COLLECTORS' FAIR: A table-top sale and collectors' fair will be held at Saltburn Community Centre, from 9.30am to 4pm, on Saturday. Admission is free.