Police have praised revellers after New Year's Eve celebrations in Newcastle passed off without serious incident.

Five thousand people gathered in the city centre and an estimated 30,000 packed the Quayside for a fireworks display. A police spokeswoman said a total of 32 people were arrested between 7pm on December 31 and 2.30am yesterday, mainly for drunkenness.

HOUSE FIRE: Firefighters tackled a fire in Haggerston Crescent, Etal Park, Newcastle, at 10.30pm on New Year's Eve. They fought flames in a first-floor bedroom of a two-storey, terraced house, made worse when a gas bottle exploded. An elderly woman was led to safety by firefighters and was taken by ambulance to Newcastle General Hospital, where she was treated for shock and the effects of smoke.

STORY SESSIONS: Story sessions for pre-school children are now taking place at Chester-le-Street Library. The Bookstart Club, sponsored by Sure Start Chester-le-Street, runs on Wednesdays, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Roseberry Primary School, in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, has been awarded the Department for Education and Skills' Achievement Award for its continued improvements in results.

COUNCIL SURGERY: Labour Councillor John Turner, representing the Rekendyke Ward on South Tyneside Council, holds an advice surgery on Saturday, from 11am until noon, at Ede House Labour Rooms, Westoe Road, South Shields.

CHARITY BOOST: Pupils at Burnhope Primary School, near Stanley, have donated £550 to a children's charity. The youngsters took part in Numbers Day, a national event of sponsored number activities and games, to raise money for the NSPCC.

CLASSIC FILM: The Lamplight Arts Centre in Front Street, Stanley, starts its Classic Cinema season on Wednesday with the original British gangster flick, Brighton Rock. Admission is £1.50, and includes tea and biscuits after the film. For details, call (01207) 218899.

COUNCIL MEETING: Derwentside District Council's executive committee meets in the council chamber at Consett Civic Centre on Monday at 4pm.

NAIL MEETING: The next meeting of the Durham Unitarian Fellowship takes place on Saturday, between 2pm and 4pm, in the senior common room at the School of Education, Leazes Road, Durham City. Peter Whitham will give a talk entitled What do you do with your toenail clippings?

BLOOD DONORS: Donor sessions take place on Monday in the Civic Hall, Regent Farm Road, Gosforth, Newcastle, between 3pm and 7pm, and at 10 Salem Street, South Shields, between 2.30pm and 7pm. On Tuesday, a session takes place in the Three Tuns Hotel, New Elvet, Durham, between 2.30pm and 7pm.