COMPANIES from across the North-East have taken part in a survey examining industrial relations.

Staff, including workers at Cleveland Fire Brigade, took part in the Employee Relations Survey 2002. The survey, which spoke to 100 companies, found that workers in the region have high levels of job satisfaction and believe in trade unions helping workers.

HOSPICE CARDS: Local landmarks, including Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge and Yarm Town Hall, feature on a range of Christmas cards and calendars in aid of Butterwick Hospice in Stockton. The items can be bought at the hospice in Middlefield Road, or by calling (01642) 624231.

HOUSE CALL: A team of archaeologists has unearthed the remains of a 2,000-year-old house on the cliff top at Whitby, North Yorkshire, the first tantalising clues to there having been an Iron Age settlement on the Headland, says English Heritage.

SWAN THEFT: Police are appealing for information following the theft of a plant holder in the shape of a 2ft by 2ft 6in swan from a garden in Habgood Drive, Durham. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0191-386 4222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

BEAR OPERA: Theatre group Naked Opera will perform The Bear, William Walton's short English opera based on Chekov's play, at Sunderland University's Bede Theatre, at 7.30pm on Monday. Tickets are available from Ingrid Fairfax, on 0191-515 3593, or at the door.

HOUSE FIRE: A house in Beech Grove, Loftus, east Cleveland, was badly damaged after fire broke out at about 7am on Thursday.

COFFEE MORNING: New Skelton and Hollybush Residents' Association holds a coffee morning at Wykeham Court, New Skelton, on Tuesdays, from 10am to noon, and a social afternoon on Fridays, from 1pm to 4pm.

HISTORY PROJECT: The Victorian History of the England, a historical encyclopaedia of the English counties, is now being compiled. Fourteen counties have been completed and another 14 are under way, with Darlington the first in the North to be looked at. To check the progress of the scheme, visit:

www.englandpast.net

GUIDED WALK: The Tombstone Trail, a guided walk around West Cemetery, in Darlington, will be led by respected historian George Flynn. Anyone interested in joining should meet at the gates of the cemetery, on Carmel Road North, at 2pm, next Saturday.

BAND SHOW: The nephew of legendary musician Glenn Miller is bringing a big band show to the region tonight. John Miller will be joined by Andy Prior and his 15-piece orchestra for the show at Darlington Civic Theatre, starting at 8pm. For tickets, call (01325) 486555