A TRANSPORT scheme has been launched for elderly and disabled patients at surgeries in Pelton, Pelton Fell and Sacriston, and involves volunteers using their cars to take patients to GP appointments.

There is no charge, but a 50p donation is requested to help pay for the scheme. Anybody wishing to use the service should call their surgeries.

PARTY VOLUNTEERS: Chester-le-Street and District Volunteer Bureau and Central Volunteer Service are looking for people to help with a Christmas party for 100 elderly people. The event, organised in partnership with Chester West Action group, takes place on Tuesday, December 17. Entertainers and photographers are also sought, along with businesses wishing to donate prizes and gifts. For more details, call Mel White on 0191-3892947.

FESTIVE FARE: Tickets are available for a Christmas party staged by the Chester-le-Street branch of the Sunderland AFC Supporters' Association. It is held at Relton Terrace Workingmen's Club on Friday, December 27. Tickets, priced £3, are available when the branch meets at the club on Tuesday, November 26.

WYLAM WALK: Chester-le-Street Ramblers take a trek around Wylam, the home of George Stephenson, tomorrow. Anyone interested in joining the walk, led by Bob Moat, should meet at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre car park at 9.30am. Further information is available on 0191-410 5048.

SENIORS MEET: Dryburn Theatre Workshop pays tribute to writer Richard Rodgers when Newton Hall Senior Citizens' Club meets at 6.30pm on Thursday, November 28, at All Saints' Church Hall, Newton Hall, Durham.

OPERA TUITION: Members of Opera North have taken time out from rehearsals of Tosca at Newcastle Theatre Royal to offer tips to aspiring musicians in a day-long workshop at Durham School this week.

FESTIVE NIGHT: The Arts Centre at Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, stages two Christmas nights, from 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday, December 20 and 21. Tickets cost £7 each, available on 0191-219 3455.

SUNDAY WALK: Local historian Donald Miller leads a four-mile walk tomorrow, starting at 2pm from the Crossways Hotel, on the A181 at Thornley. It costs £2, ( £1 concessions).

PIANO RECITAL: Virtuoso concert pianist Severin von Eckardstein performs at St Cuthbert's Church, North Road, Durham, on Wednesday at 1pm.

FAB FOUR: Beatles tribute band Beatle Juice perform at O'Neill's Irish pub, in Claypath, Durham, from 8.30pm tomorrow. Entry is free.

MUSICAL NIGHT: Durham Recorded Music Society meets at 7pm on Wednesday, at Alington House, North Bailey, Durham.

CRAFT FAIR: Witton Gilbert Primary School holds a craft fair at 11am today. Proceeds go to schools funds.