SUPPORTERS of a fundraising night for the Great North Air Ambulance have got their campaign off to a flying start.

Popular performers Fever, a trio, are giving their services free the event on Friday at Tindale Crescent Working Men's Club, Bishop Auckland. An appeal has gone out for raffle prizes, which can be left at the club for secretary Alan Bramhald or any committee member. Tickets are £2 at the door, or in advance from the club, telephone (01388) 602933 or 602827.

STAGE SET: Children's TV show creator and actor Neil Armstrong, of Sunderland, has written a play to be performed at Customs House, South Shields, from October 23 to 26. The Dark Side of the Half Moon was co-written with Brian Walsh. It is a comedy thriller based around the struggle of a group of locals to save their traditional pub from becoming a trendy, caf bar. For ticket deails, call the box office, on 0191-454 1234

HISTORY TALK: The Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland is hosting a lecture by Philip Dixon, of Nottingham University, entitled Living in a Tower: Keeps in the 11th to 15th centuries. It will be held at 2.30pm next Saturday, in Room 141, Elvet Riverside, New Elvet, Durham. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

RACE NIGHT: A race night in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care is held tonight at Darlington Rugby Club, in Blackwell Mews. The event starts at 7.30pm and participants will be invited to bet on pre-recorded races. Tickets, costing £5, are available on the door and include a pie and chips supper.

CROWS ABOUT: US rock band Counting Crows have added an appearance at Newcastle's Telewest Arena on January 31 to next year's European tour. The San Francisco band will appear with special guest Gemma Hayes. Tickets are £21 and are available by ringing 0870 707 8000.

CEMETERY DEATH: Police were last night trying to find out the identity of a man found hanging in a cemetery. The dead man was found at about 3.15pm yesterday in the Bishop Wearmouth Cemetery, Chester Road, Sunderland.

MECCANO MODELS: The Meccano Society is displaying models at Darlington Railway Centre and Museum today and tomorrow, from 10am to 5pm. Society members will be showing off working models and answering questions on the history of Meccano.