POLICE ARE appealing for witnesses to an accident involving a Renault Clio, which overturned on the B1280, between Station Town and the A19, after the driver swerved to avoid a fox.

Philip Powell, 29, from Trimdon Station, fractured a number of vertebrae in the accident, which happened at 12.30am on Saturday. Witnesses are asked to call 0191-386 4929.

STAR GUEST: Writer and director Jimmy McGovern will be speaking about the film Hillsborough, which he directed, and other works when he addresses the Resistance Revolt and Rebellion film festival in December. The festival, organised by Sunderland Fans Against Racism, opens tomorrow with the film Chaos in the Countryside, to be shown in the Manor Quay pub, on Sunderland's St Peter's Wharf. Films will be shown every two weeks until October.

WESTMINSTER DAY: Kyle Wiffen and Emma Wood, who are pupils at Moorside Community College, in Consett, had the chance to question MPs and the media during a recent visit to the Houses of Parliament. During the day, they questioned Brigid Nsuku, of Channel 4 News, the Speaker, and other MPs. Kyle was also interviewed by the BBC's Newsround programme.

PLAYERS NEEDED: Black-fyne Junior School, Consett, is looking for football players for its under-15 team for the new season. Players in other age groups are also needed. For details, call Kevin O'Rourke on (01207) 503641.

SCHOOL REUNION: Former pupils who left The Upper Standard or Annfield Plain Secondary School in 1954/1955 are planning a reunion at Wardles Bridge Inn, Holmside, near Burnhope, on October 19. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to call Barbara Whiteside (nee Chatfield) on (01207) 504608.

RAMBLERS' WALK: Chester-le-Street Ramblers are organising a trip to Ripon on Sunday. Participants are asked to meet at 9.30am in the car park at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre.

SPEAKER OFFER: Nepacs, a charity which supports offenders, ex-offenders and their families, is offering to supply a speaker for clubs and organisations wishing to hear about its work. Anyone interested can contact the secretary on 0191-384 3096.

LEARNING HELP: Summer schools are being held at selected schools in Sunderland to help children in years six, seven, nine and ten improve their confidence and raise their levels of literacy and numeracy.

TRUST MEETING: County Durham and Darlington Priority Services NHS Trust holds its monthly meeting on Thursday at 9.30am in the conference room at Sniperley House, Earls House Hospital, Durham.

SINGERS WANTED: Shiney Row Male Voice Choir is looking for new members. The choir's next meeting will be on August 30, following a summer break. For details, call Peter McQuaker on 0191-584 2297, or Brian Robson on 0191-552 1344.