A BUS operator is warning passengers of disruption during 13-week roadworks.

Go North East has expressed frustration at severe traffic delays to the south and west of Gateshead on the B1426 Bensham Road and A692 Lobley Hill road resulting from road works on the A1 sliproads. Andrew Nash, of Go North East, said: "The timing of these particular roadworks is unfortunate and will continue to create severe traffic congestion and delays for our customers during the busiest period of the year."

BOLLYWOOD DATE: More than 40 North-East youngsters take to the stage of the Newcastle Opera House on Sunday for Vivah, a folk dance performance by Navrang Arts. The show, which features Bollywood pop songs, starts at 6pm. Tickets are available at the door or by contacting Daksha Asher on (01642) 866724 or Ashok Kumar on 0191-411 2367.

HELPERS WANTED: St Cuthbert's Hospice urgently needs a volunteer minibus driver to take guests to and from the hospice, at Park House Road, Merryoaks, Durham, on alternate Fridays. It is also recruiting kitchen helpers and volunteers for its shops in Durham, Chester-le-Street and Langley Moor. For details, contact Beryl Stewart on 0191-386 1170.

CONCERT CANCELLED: A concert by the Durham Constabulary Band and Choir, which was due to take place on Saturday, at Elvet Church, Durham, has been cancelled due to a lack of ticket sales.

FARM FIRE: Firefighters were called to Benthouse Farm, Benthouse Lane, on the Sherburn Road Estate, at 2pm yesterday, after about 150 tonnes of straw caught fire on open ground. It was left to burn out under supervision.

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES: Daytime classes in digital photography and web page design will be held over ten weeks at the Gilesgate and Laurel Avenue community centres in Durham starting on October 7. The courses cost £15. For details and booking call Erika Denholm or Diane Mahoney at Gilesgate Community Association on 0191-388 1933.

STREET CASHh: Cancer Research UK is holding street collections in Silver Street, Saddler Street, North and South Bailey, Pimlico, South Street, North Road and Framwelgate Bridge on Monday.

ADVICE SESSIONS: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau will hold outreach sessions next week. They are at West Rainton Jubilee Hall from 11am to noon and Bearpark Community House from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, both Tuesday, at Ushaw Community House, from 10am and 11am on Wednesday and on Thursday, October 3 at Quarrington Hill Community Centre from 10am to 11am. People can drop in or book an appointment on 0191-383 2885.

ONCE UPON . . . A free storytime session for pre-school youngsters will be led by Carol Attewell and Jacqui Rodgerson at Durham Clayport Library, Millennium Place, Durham, tomorrow at 11am.