A NEW police car awaiting delivery was among several vehicles damaged in a "mindless and reckless" raid by thieves on a showroom.

North-Eastern Motors, at Lemington, Newcastle, was entered after thieves rammed a fence in the early hours of Saturday. Eight vehicles were attacked, including a new Northumbria Police Land Rover in full force livery. All were badly damaged before the thieves left in one of the vehicles, also taking alloy Land Rover wheels.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police, on 0191-214 6555.

CLUB RAID: Masked robbers, two armed with hammers, assaulted social club staff before locking them in a toilet, and escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash. The raid took place at Penshaw Catholic Club, in Station Road, Penshaw, on Wearside, at about 12.40am yesterday. Two members of staff suffered minor injuries. Anyone with information is asked to ring Washington CID, on 0191-454 7555.

DRUG ADVICE: Youngsters from Blackhall and Hesleden are invited to take part in a drug awareness session, at Blackhall Youth Club next Monday morning. The session has been organised as part of a half-term health awareness week.

WARD SURGERY: Easington district councillors Geoff Pinkney and David Taylor-Gooby, and Durham county councillor Dennis Coates, will hold a ward surgery in the community room at Fairclough Court, Peterlee, on Saturday, November 2, from 10.30am to noon. Police representatives will also be present.

RUGBY FIREWORKS: Durham City Rugby Club is staging a fireworks spectacular at its Hollow Drift ground, in Green Lane, Durham, on Saturday, November 2. The gates open at 6.30pm, with the first fireworks being lit at 7.30pm. Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children. For details, call 0191-386 1172.

HISTORY TALK: Professor Jim Walvin, of York University, will talk about Britain's involvement in the slave trade today at the Durham branch of the Historical Association in the Pemberton Rooms, Palace Green, Durham, at 5.30pm.

TEA DANCE: A tea dance tomorrow at 1pm in Shakespeare House, Shakespeare Street, Seaham, will feature music from The Modern Music Band. For details, call 0191-581 3491. The event is part of the Easington Music Festival.

SINGERS APPEAR: The Richardson Singers will appear at Consett Methodist Church at 7.30pm tomorrow. The event is being staged by the Consett Christian Aid Committee. Tickets are £3, with refreshments included. For details, call (01207) 504629 or (01207) 500126.

GALA STEP: The Dining Room restaurant at Durham's Gala Theatre is hosting a tea dance from 2pm until 4pm today. Tickets cost £6 including afternoon tea. Music will be provided by resident pianist George Hetherington.