Teacher tribute hospice boost: Youngsters have helped to raise funds in memory of a teacher who died earlier this year.

Pupils at Catchgate Primary School, Derwentside, held fun days to raise cash following the death of Irene Marrs, from cancer, in February. Regulars at the Smiths Arms, Catchgate who knew Mrs Marrs, 49, and colleagues of her husband at New College, Durham, also held events. In total, they raised £1,025. This amount was more than doubled by a donation from Catchgate Excelsior Club, whose members raised £1,304 through a sponsored pub crawl, football match and raffles. A cheque for the total amount of £2,329.50 was presented to staff who cared for Mrs Marrs at the Willowburn Hospice.

RAISE A GLASS: People are invited to give a man and his dog a welcome home after a 900-mile trek from Germany. Ian Young and his black labrador dog, Sally, set off from Germany in early June and tomorrow they are expected to finish their journey with a drink at the Chester Moor pub, near Chester-le-Street. Mr Young has been training dogs to help people with disabilities in Germany and embarked on the trip to raise money to set up a training centre in Chester-le-Street. He hopes to reach the pub at about 4.30pm tomorrow.

CRAFT SESSION: Castle Eden National Nature Reserve, Peterlee, is holding its annual woodland craft day today, between 11am and 4pm. Admission is free. For details call Melanie Hall on 0191-518 2403.

ADVICE SESSIONS: Durham Citizens Advice Bureau is holding village outreach sessions on Monday, at Kelloe Community Centre; and on Tuesday, at New Brancepeth Village Hall, both between 11am and noon.

TEA TIME: Esh Winning Pit Stop Community Cafe will be serving afternoon tea at Esh Winning Community Centre and Library on Thursday, between 2pm and 4pm.

ORGAN RECITAL: Susan Landale, of Paris, will perform the last in the 125th anniversary series of organ recitals in Durham Cathedral on Wednesday, starting at 7.30pm. Admission costs £5 (concessions £3).

TRUST GATHERING: The Waldridge Millennium Green Trust is holding its annual meeting on Wednesday, at 7pm, at Hermitage School, Chester-le-Street. A Countryside Agency representative will be the guest speaker.

TEA DANCE: A tea dance will be held on Wednesday in Sherburn Sports Centre between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Admission costs £1.30, including tea and biscuits. Everyone is welcome to attend. Further information is available from the centre or by contacting 0191-386 6921.

DICKENS TALE: The Dionysis Theatre Company will be performing the musical Oliver! In Durham's Gala Theatre from Wednesday to Saturday, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 and £10 and are available from the box office on 0191-332 4041