A CAMPAIGN to reach victims of domestic violence gets under way this week.

The Derwentside Domestic Violence Forum has organised a series of workshops across north-west Durham looking at conflict in the home. Staff from a range of organisations including the police, Victim Support, health, education and housing departments, will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on services available. PC Amanda Henderson, a domestic violence specialist at Stanley police station, said: "Hopefully, these community safety roadshows will make victims aware of the support and help which is available." The workshops take place in Craghead Village Hall tomorrow, from 10am to 1pm; Leadgate Community Tearooms, on Wednesday, from 10am to noon; Consett Methodist Hall, on Thursday, from 1pm to 3pm; Medomsley Community Centre, on Friday, from 3pm to 5pm; and the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, on Thursday, October 3, from 10am to 1pm. PC Henderson can be contacted for confidential advice on 0191-375 2515.

SCOUTS' FUNDRAISER: Following the success of their last fundraising event, when the First Durham and First Shincliffe Scouts generated £400, the group is holding another at Durham Town Hall on Saturday. They are appealing for donations of bric-a-brac, toys and games, home-made cakes and biscuits, raffle and tombola prizes. The group is also looking for volunteers to help out at the fair, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Anyone who can help can ring Nadia Johnson on 0191-377 1860.

PHOTO TALK: An illustrated talk at Durham's Clayport Library by Beamish Museum research assistant Julian Harrop, at 2pm on Saturday, will explain the range of information that old photographs can reveal. Using material from Beamish's photographic archive, Mr Harrop will show people how to look beyond the basic picture. Tickets for the talk, priced at £2, are available from the library.

COFFEE MORNING: Durham Indoor Bowling Club is holding a coffee morning and table top sale on Saturday, from 9.30am. Admission costs 50p, including coffee.

GARAGE PLAN: Durham City Council is being asked to grant planning permission for an extension to a garage, workshop and parking area at the Durham Tyre Centre, Rennys Lane, Dragonville.

MEDIUM'S SHOW: Medium and clairvoyant Steve Holbrook is holding a session at the Durham Assembly Rooms on Wednesday, October 23, from 7.30pm. For tickets, call the box office on (01924) 898688.

CHOIR NIGHT: A harvest celebration featuring Belmont Ladies Choir will be held on Monday, September 30, at 7.30pm in Waddington Street Church, near Durham Viaduct. Tickets costing £3, are available at the door and include a buffet supper.

VILLAGE SIGNS: Water-houses Community Association is seeking planning permission from Durham City Council to put up five pole-mounted, non-illuminated village name signs at various sites around Waterhouses.

NEW USE: Fultons of Sacriston is seeking planning permission from Durham City Council to change the use of a shop at 86 Claypath, Durham, to a professional and financial services office.

FARM FIRE: Fire officers were called to Paradise Farm, at the rear of the Welfare Hall, in Easington Colliery, on Friday night to tackle a blaze in a single-story building containing ten tonnes of bailed hay, which was well alight.