A MAN has denied attacking a woman as she lay sleeping after a night out.

Mark Dawson, 38, said the 30-year-old, who cannot be named, had agreed to go on a date with him after they were introduced through a female friend. He told Newcastle Crown Court they had danced and kissed while they were clubbing at Vogue nightclub in South Shields. Mr Dawson said they returned to her friend's home in Jarrow where they kissed passionately. He said after she went to bed he climbed in beside her where they initially fell asleep in each others arms before they woke and had sex. But he told the court: "All of a sudden she just changed, just snapped. She said what are you doing and I said we are making love. I said you were all right a minute ago and she said well I'm not all right now, just leave me alone." He told the court he had tried to talk to her about what was wrong but was forced to go and sleep downstairs. Mr Dawson, of Acacia Grove, South Shields, denies rape and the trial continues.

CIRCUS VISIT: Uncle Sam's American Circus will be at Chester-le-Street Riverside from Friday, September 13 to Sunday, September 15. Acts will include clowns, a native American hula-hoop act, a Cuban juggler and acrobats. Admission on the Friday costs £4 for all seats for the 5pm to 7.30pm show.

BAND GIGS: Rock cover band Hazard is playing at the Chillingham Arms, Heaton, Newcastle, at 8pm on Friday, September 13. Admission is £2 at the door. The band will play a free gig at the Earl Grey, Gosforth, at 8pm on Sunday, September 22.

COFFEE MORNING: Durham Bible Society Action Group is holding a coffee morning in Durham town hall on Saturday, September 28, from 9.30am to noon. Anyone able to contribute toys, videos, bric-a-brac, cakes or books is asked to call Donald on 0191-383 2110.

DANCE CLASSES: Framwellgate Moor Community Centre is holding dance classes for children aged three to four, older children, and adults, on Wednesday evenings. For information on the nursery dance class ring 0191-386 6921; for information on older children's classes, ring 0191-530 630, and for the adult classes, ring 0191-630 745.

HISTORY TALK: The Durham branch of the Historical Association is holding a conference for sixth-form students called How to Improve Your History Results, on Monday, September 23, at Elvet Riverside II, at 10am. Places cost £5 and can be booked by calling Professor Gordon Batho on 0191-370 9941.

FELLOWSHIP MEETING: The Durham Unitarian Fellowship will begin its second year on Saturday when Reverend Roger Tarbuck will speak about Some Problems with Religion, from 2pm to 4pm, in the senior common room at the School of Education, Leazes Road, Durham. Anyone with an interest in religious or social issues is welcome.