HEARTSTART Chester-le-Street is running a project in north Durham to teach people the skills needed to save lives in medical emergencies.

It was launched this week at Dubmire British Legion club, in Fencehouses, where representatives of the scheme gave demonstrations and talks.

CHORAL NIGHT: Derwentside Choral Society will hold a Christmas concert in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, on Wednesday, at 7.30pm. Performers will include mezzo soprano Pauline Ash, pianist Derek Shute and Tanfield Lea Junior School Choir. Tickets are £4 for adults, £2 for children and are available on (01207) 218 899.

CHARITY CRAFTS: The Mayor of Peterlee, Councillor Ann Wake, will be holding a Christmas fair in Shotton Hall on Sunday, from 11am to 4pm. Proceeds go to the St John Ambulance Blue Light Appeal. Admission is 20p for adults and 10p for children.

ANNE'S ACRYLICS: Work by local artist Anne Wallace goes on show in Chester-le-Street Library on Monday, December 9. About 40 of Ms Wallace's recent paintings, mostly acrylic pieces, can be viewed in the exhibition room until Saturday, December 21.

DROP-IN CLUB: Children and adults can race model cars, create Lego models or play computer racing games at a club at Bullion Hall, in Chester-le-Street, on Sundays, from 2pm to 4pm. It costs £1 a session and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

FESTIVE SLICE: The Gibside Singers will present A Slice of Christmas in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, on Saturday, December 7, at 7pm. Performers include the Newcastle Male Chorus. Tickets, priced £5, are available on (01207) 218899.

CHRISTMAS OPENING: Between December 16 and 20, Royal Quays, Hartlepool, will be open until 8pm daily. It will operate normal trading hours from December 21 to 23, and on Christmas Eve, the centre will close at 4pm. It will close on Christmas Day, and will open on Boxing Day, from 11am to 5pm.

TAX AID: Inland Revenue officials will be at Stanley Job Centre on Thursday, Consett Job Centre next Friday and Chester-le-Street Job Centre on Tuesday, December 10, from 10am to 1pm, to offer advice.

DEBT ADVICE: Free advice for people struggling to make ends meet is on offer from experts from the Community Legal Service. Call 0845 1202933.

BAND PLAYS: A Christmas fair will be held at Delves Lane Village Hall on Saturday, December 7, at 5pm, with music from the Consett Junior Brass Band. Admission is 50p.

EXTRA MARKET: A farmers' and country market will be held in the Market Place, Durham, on Thursday, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

CHRISTMAS TEA: Langley Park Baptist Church will be holding a family Christmas tea on December 14. To join in, call 0191-371 0296.