OPPORTUNIST thieves are targeting businesses and hotels, police have warned.

In just four days, the thieves have stolen handbags, alcohol and cash in the Newcastle area. Detective Inspector Joan Revel, of Newcastle North area command, said: "These people are very brazen and are just walking into the premises and stealing whatever they can find. We have some very good descriptions of those responsible and we need hotels and businesses to be aware and alert." The thefts are happening at busy times during the day, from lunchtime, with the thieves posing as hotel customers.

MILLION SMILES: Local artist Liz Million hopes to ensure Durham schoolchildren enjoy some summer holiday fun over coming weeks. She is staging a story-telling and drawing workshop at the Clayport Library, near the Gala Theatre, on Wednesdays, August 21 and 28, from 2pm to 4pm for children aged seven and over. Admission is free, but places should be reserved by ringing 0191-386 4003.

HAZARD WARNING: County Durham rock band Hazard can be heard in concert at The Bridge Hotel, on the Newcastle side of the High Level Bridge, on Wednesday, August 21. Doors open at 8pm and there will be a £2.50 cover charge.

ROAD DELAYS: Essential repair work will lead to the closure of a principal road on Wearside on Sunday. Southwick Road will be closed to traffic between the Wheatsheaf roundabout and Stadium Way, near the Sunderland Stadium of Light, from 8am to 8pm. Temporary diversions will be in place, but road users are being urged to find alternative routes to avoid delays.

GARDENS OPEN: Birkheads Cottage Garden and Nursery will open on Monday, August 26, between 2pm and 5pm in support of the British Red Cross Open Gardens Programme. There is a topiary garden, rockeries, wildlife pond and Japanese garden. Admission is £2 adults. The garden is situated east of the A6076 road between Sunniside and Stanley and is signposted between the Causey Arch and Tanfield Steam Railway.

TABLE TOP SALE: A table top sale will take place on Saturday, August 31, at St Aidan's Church Hall, Framwellgate Moor, Durham, between 10am and midday, to raise money for the church. To book a table costs £5 and can be done by calling 0191-386 3627.

CREDIT RATING: A successful volunteer-run credit scheme has expanded. Gateshead First Credit Union has opened a branch in the town's civic centre. It offers low-cost loans and savings accounts. The new branch's first customer was the town's Mayor, Councillor John Hamilton.

HOUSE BLAZE: Firefighters were called to a blaze at a house in Hawthorn Crescent, Quarrington Hill near Durham, just before noon yesterday