A prize incentive is encouraging east Durham residents to respond to an Easington District Council survey seeking views on its environmental services.

Entry forms must be returned by December 20 to qualify for the £50 prize vouchers, and are included in the annual Christmas card listing festive bin collections and emergency contacts.

POP GIG: Chart-toppers Blazin' Squad will be at the Newcastle Telewest Arena next year. The band will appear in the region on Friday, May 16, as part of their UK tour. Tickets, costing £18.50, will go on sale at 9am on Friday. Call 0870 707 8000.

NINE LESSONS: Churches Together is holding an ecumenical Service of Carols and Nine Lessons on Wednesday, at 7.30pm, in St Cuthbert's Church, Shadforth. It will feature Derwentside Choral Society, organist Derek Shute and conductor Jim McAvoy.

SALSA NIGHTS: The Arts Centre, at Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, runs Salsa classes on Fridays. The beginners class runs from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, and the intermediate session is from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Classes are £5. For details, call 0191-219 3455.

FORUM MEETING: A meeting of the North Area forum is being held at South Hetton County Primary School, Frederick Terrace, on Wednesday, January 8, at 6pm. To have an item included on the agenda, call the democratic services officer on 0191-527 0501, extension 2203.

BOWLED OVER: Members of Consett's Sherburn Park Bowls Club are celebrating a £1,850 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme. It will be used to buy a range of equipment, including junior-size bowls to encourage more youngsters to try the game.

CHRISTMAS COFFEE: The Durham branch of the Royal Air Force Association stages a coffee morning and Christmas fair on Saturday. Everyone is welcome to call in at the city RAFA Club, in Crossgate, with events getting under way at 10am.

INFORMAL WRITING: Novice writers can improve their skills at informal weekly sessions at Seaham's Parkside Community Centre. The writing group, which offers members a chance to read their poems and stories and listen to those of others, meets on Tuesdays, from 4pm to 6pm. For details, call 0191-581 3908.

PERFECT PRACTICE: An east Durham doctor's practice has landed its third Charter Mark award in six years. Dr Asha Kapoor's practice at Deneside Medical Centre, Seaham, won praise for its recently refurbished and extended building, "inspiring confidence" in all visitors and particularly the disabled, for whom it has been specially adapted.

FUNK NIGHT: The Pony Club DJs take their eclectic mix of funky sounds to the Fish Tank, Neville Street, Durham, on Thursday, from 8pm. Admission is free.