INSPECTORS have praised a school for its links with Europe. An Ofsted team visited the 235-pupil St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, in Blaydon, Tyneside, and rated it "very good".

They were impressed by its links with schools in several countries, including Germany, Russia, Finland and Romania. The team said the school was "highly effective" and gave good value for money, and that learning opportunities were "exciting, challenging, rich and varied". The report described the leadership of headteacher Clare Ellis as "outstanding".

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

PHOTOGRAPHIC WALK: Local photographer Philip Nixon will lead a walk around Durham for photographers today, at 10.30am, beginning outside the gateway to Durham Castle, Palace Green. The walk costs £2, concessions are £1.

FORUM MEETING: A meeting of Easington District Council's Coastal Area Forum - which gives people in places such as Horden, Blackhall and Easington a chance to have their say on local issues - will be held on Wednesday, November 27, at 6pm, in Blackhall Primary School, Middle Street, Blackhall.

IT SESSIONS: People can learn about computers at daily Information Technology sessions held at The Institute, Church Street, Langley Park, by Langley Park and District Community Association. For details, call 0191-373 1876.

DRAMA DATE: South Moor Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society will perform Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance from today until Saturday, at 7pm, in The Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley. Tickets cost £5, concessions are £4, and are available from the box office on (01207) 218899

COFFEE AFTERNOON: Durham Diabetic Club is holding a coffee afternoon on Saturday, December 7, in Durham Town Hall, between 1.30pm and 4.30pm, when cards, fancy goods and home-made cakes will be on sale.

LUNCHEON CLUB: A luncheon club meets on Tuesdays between noon and 1.30pm in Sherburn Hill Community Centre, Front Street, Sherburn Hill. For details, call 0191-372 0024.

STORY TIME: A story session for pre-school youngsters will be led by Carol Attewell and Jacqui Rodgerson at Durham Clayport Library, Millennium Place, Durham, on Wednesday, at 11am.

TOY AUCTION: Chester-le-Street toy auction and sale takes place at St Cuthbert's parish hall, Lumley Terrace, Chester-le-Street, on Saturday, November 30, at 2pm. It will be hosted by the Phoenix club in aid of St Cuthbert's School building.

FOLK GROUP: Scottish folk group Black Eyed Biddy will be playing at the Croxdale Folk Club tonight, in the Daleside Arms, Croxdale. Admission is £2.