ASDA is planning to demolish the filling station at its Stanley supermarket.

The scheme will create 38 places in the store's car park and will help ease a shortage of parking on the site. The company is seeking planning permission from Derwentside District Council and on Thursday the development control committee will be recommended to give approval. A report to councillors says there have been no objections to the scheme.

Band night: Rooster will be playing in the Stables Bar of the Beamish Mary Inn, No Place, near Stanley, tonight. Doors open at 8.30pm and there is a cover charge. For details call 0191-370 0237.

SELF DEFENCE: Chester-le-Street Community Centre is planning to run courses in Aikido, an ancient Japanese martial art. Classes will be open to anyone aged 15 or over, and dates will be announced once enough people have signed up. For details call 0191-388 4752.

STEPPING OUT: Durham's Gala Theatre is holding a tea dance on Tuesday, September 10, between 2pm and 4pm. Tickets cost £6 and are available by calling Alison on 0191-332 4044.

FISH COURSE: A ten-week course in fish and aquarium keeping will be held at Chester-le-Street Community Association's centre in Newcastle Bank, on Tuesdays, between 10am and noon, starting on September 17. The course costs £30. For details call 0191-388 4752.

HEALTH MEETING: The next meeting of North Durham Community Health Council will be held on Friday, September 27 in the boardroom at Appleton House, Lanchester Road, Durham, starting at 10am.

WAR PLAY: Consett Theatre Workshop's junior group starts rehearsals next month for a production of Oh What A Lovely War. The group meets on Tuesday, September 17, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, in Blackfyne Community Centre theatre. For details, call (01207) 505619.

GLOBAL SOUNDS: The DJs of the Pony Club will be playing world music, reggae and funk in the Stables Bar of the Beamish Mary Inn, No Place, near Stanley, on Friday starting at 7.30pm. Admission is free. For details, call 0191-370 0237