MICHAEL Clark, deputy president of the British-Israel-World Federation, chairman of Covenant Publishing and constitutional spokesman for the Democratic Party, will speak on the theme of The Crisis in Church and State at two events.

The first will be at Arden House, Prospect View, West Rainton, at 2.30pm, on Saturday, December 14, the second at Beda House, Clough Dene Road, Tantobie, at 6pm the same day. Admission will be by donation, and there will be refreshments and a book stall. For more details, call 0191-384 7704.

CONCERT NIGHT: A concert entitled the Spirit of Christmas Past, which will include medieval music, a sword dance, traditional folk singing and medieval dancing, will take place at Brancepeth Castle, on Saturday, December 14, at 7.30pm. To book, call 0191-378 9321.

ART THERAPY: Artwork created during a World Mental Health Day workshop at Alnwick Castle last month is to go on display at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre from Tuesday. The work shows how gardens, green spaces and creative activities can benefit people's mental health.

ADVICE BUREAU: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau will be holding advice sessions next Monday at Ludworth Community Centre, Ludworth, near Durham, between 11am and midday, and at Bowburn Homeside Communal Hall, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

DIABETES MEETING: The Hartlepool and East Durham Diabetic Group will meet at the new guide headquarters, Peterlee, on Wednesday, December 11, from 10am to noon. For more details, call Jean Hill on (01429) 836 911.

ROAD RACE: The Saltwell Road Race, starting and finishing at Saltwell Park, Gateshead, will take place on Sunday, December 22, at 10.30am. There will be junior and senior races. For more details, ring Tim Forster on 07710 090799.

FESTIVAL LAUNCH: Durham Christmas Festival will be launched by the mayor, Councillor Eileen Rochford, at 5pm on Thursday. There will be carols with bands and choirs from St Godric's and Framwellgate schools, next to the ice rink, in Millennium Place.

POSTCARD FAIR: Park View Community Association will be holding a postcard fair at its North Lodge site, in Chester-le-Street, on Saturday, from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

SENIORS' PARTY: Chester West Seniors' Club will be holding a Christmas party on Tuesday, December 17, at Bullion Hall, Chester-le-Street.

LATE OPENING: Durham Cathedral will be open until 8pm on Thursday, December 5, 12 and 19.

CAROL SERVICE: The Mayor of Seaham, Councillor Peter Campbell will hold an ecumenical Christmas carol service in St John's Church, at 7pm, on Wednesday, December 18. It will include music from the Seaham Philharmonic Brass Band. A collection will be held in aid of the Mayor's Charity Appeal Fund.