Fitness fans will be able to take advantage of yoga classes next week.

The first sessions will be held on Mondays between 7pm and 8.30pm and on Wednesdays between 10am and 11.30am in Gainford Village Hall. Classes will also be held on Tuesdays between 7.15pm and 8.45pm and on Thursdays between 9.45am and 11.15am at Hurworth community centre. For more details, call (01325) 730834.

FREE ADVICE: Wear Valley District Council's Wear Fit Programme and Willington Medical Group have joined forces to offer free advice and consultation sessions for anyone wishing to get fit. The 20-minute consultation will be with a qualified and experienced health and fitness consultant. The sessions are available on Tuesdays between 1pm and 4pm, at Willington Health Centre, in Chapel Street. Booking is essential and can be made by calling Kathleen on (01388) 646040.

MAST FEARS: Mobile phone company Orange PCS is seeking permission to alter telecommunications equipment on the roof of Haughton Comprehensive School, in Darlington. The borough council is likely to approve the plans on Wednesday, despite the school's chairman of governors calling for a survey to determine whether the roof could support the extra weight.

GALA DONATION: Ferryhill Town Council has made a donation of £300 to the town's 2000 Committee to help pay for last year's gala.

COUNCIL MEETS: Middleton St George parish council holds its next meeting on Monday, January 13, at 7pm, in the boardroom at Middleton Water Park.

DRIVE DATE: The next Macmillan Cancer Relief bridge drive takes place at St George's Bridge Centre, in Darlington, on Monday, at 1.15pm. Admission is £3, to include tea, cakes and prizes. For details, call (01325) 469785.

MEETING CANCELLED: Sedgefield Local History Society has cancelled the annual meeting due for Monday and will now start their 2003 programme on Monday, February 3. It will be held in Ceddesfeld Hall, at 7.45pm. The speaker will be Bill Griffiths on Segedunum Roman Fort - Bars and Museum. The Roman Empire's 21st Century Outpost.

NEW YEAR DINNER: Spennymoor Buggy Club is holding its New Year's dinner this afternoon along with its annual meeting at the Combine Services Club, Spennymoor. All members are invited to attend.

COUNCIL MEETING: The next meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council's Development Control Committee is next Friday, at 10am, in the council chamber, council offices, Green Lane, Spennymoor.

CABINET MEETING: The next meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council's Cabinet is on Thursday, at 10am, in Conference Room One, council offices, Green Lane, Spennymoor.

COFFEE EVENING: A coffee eveningwill be held at St James the Great Church Hall, Darlington, on Tuesday, January 14, at 7.15pm.