Appeal follows road accident: POLICE yesterday appealed for witnesses to a two-car collision which left one of the motorists seriously injured.

The driver of a Nissan Micra car was freed from the damaged vehicle by firefighters using cutting equipment following the collision with a Peugeot 306 outside the Sportsman's Arms pub, at Moor End Terrace, Carrville, near Durham. He was taken to University Hospital of North Durham suffering serious head and spinal injuries. The road was closed for two hours while the wreckage was removed. Witnesses to the accident, at about 7.30pm on Monday, are asked to contact Durham Police accident unit, on 0191-386 4929.

PAN FIRE: A man received treatment from paramedics for smoke inhalation after a chip pan fire in a flats complex yesterday. Firefighters put out the blaze in a second-floor room of the flat at Ferens Park, in The Sands area of Durham, shortly after 3pm.

OPEN DAY: Peterlee fire station will stage an open day on Saturday. Members of the public are invited to inspect the new station, the usual workplace of Big Brother contestant Jonny Regan, on the South West Industrial Estate, from noon to 3pm. Entry is free. The event will feature fire-fighting and road accident demonstrations, plus other displays, including a rope rescue re-enactment. Other attractions include bouncy castle and stalls, with proceeds going to the Fire Brigade's Benevolent Fund.

MEETING SWITCH: Strike action planned by local government workers has led to a late change of venue for a meeting planned by the Durham group of Action on Pain. The meeting, featuring a talk on the Alexander Technique, by qualified practitioner Mary Marcus, was due to be staged at County Hall, Durham, next Wednesday. It has now been switched to the nearby St Cuthbert's Church Hall, North Road, Durham, starting at 7pm.

STEAM UP: The Tanfield Railway will run Teddy Bear Special runs on its private steam line, off the A6076 Sunniside to Stanley road, south-west of Gateshead, on Sunday. Every young person accompanied by a teddy bear is entitled to a free ride. Steam trains travel through Causey Woods from 11am to 4pm.

CHURCH FETE: Villagers and members of the congregation of St Edmund's Church, Edmundbyers, will stage a church fete in the village hall on Saturday. The event, starting at 2pm, features home produce, teas, second-hand books, plus various other stalls, while pony rides will keep the youngsters amused.

ADVICE SESSIONS: The Citizens Advice Bureau will hold outreach sessions in villages near Durham next week. They will take place at Kelloe Community Association, on Monday, and at New Brancepeth Village Hall, on Tuesday, both between 11am and noon; at Ushaw Moor Community House, on Wednesday, from 10am to 11am; and at Cassop Community Centre, on Thursday, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

HAZARD WARNING: Local band Hazard will be in concert at The Gallery, Chester Moor, near Chester-le-Street, on Sunday, from 8.30pm. Admission is £2 at the door. The band plays an array of rock covers.

PHONE MAST: A 12m phone mast could be built at the tiny village of Blackhall Mill, north of Consett. Mobile phone company O2 wants to erect the mast at Blackhall Farm and has submitted an application for planning permission to Derwentside District Council