CHILDREN'S RIGHTS: North Washington Sure Start is holding a conference on Friday, July 5, at the Washington Millennium Centre. The guest speaker will be Caroline Willow, of the Children's Rights Alliance.

EXERCISE PLANS: Slim and fit, an exercise plan that is tailored to each participant, is held at the Washington Millennium Centre. Jayne Anderson can supply more details on 0191-219 3881.

FOLK NIGHT: The Davy Lamp Folk Club will welcome Pete Wood and Jack Burnes, on Saturday, at the Biddick Arts Centre.

HELPERS SOUGHT: Washington Sure Start is appealing for volunteers to train for delivering safety equipment. More details can be obtained from Rachel on 0191-219 3995.

SMILE PLEASE: Washington Camera Club meets in the Harraton and District community centre, Bonemill Lane. Contact 0191-416 0173 for further details.

TAKE YOUR PARTNERS: Beginners classes in ballroom and sequence dancing are run by Norma Naylor from 1pm to 2pm, on Tuesdays, at the Biddick Arts Centre, with intermediate classes between 2.30pm and 3.30pm. All classes cost £20 each.

JUDO SUCCESS: Michael Pickering, of the Oxclose Judo Club, took the silver medal in the under-60kg section of the national judo championships held at Hereford, while clubmate Michael Stephenson won the bronze. The silver medal in the under-25kg group was won by James Stephenson, and Daniel Pickering took the bronze in the under-55kg category. The club was equally successful in the AJA national championships held in Birmingham. Elaine Almers won the silver in the under-50kg girls' section with Michael Pickering achieving gold in the under-60kg section and Michael Stephenson again won the bronze. Andrew Stephenson won the silver in the under-45kg group and James Stephenson took the bronze in the under-25kg category.

VILLAGE CARNIVAL: Springwell Carnival week got under way at the weekend in the village hall. Events taking place during the week include a family disco today, and a comedy revue tomorrow. The senior citizens are holding their night on Wednesday. There will be a fun quiz on Thursday, and a children's party on Friday. Carnival day will be Saturday, ending with a 50/50 dance. More details are available from Marion on 0191-416 2630.

STORE PRIZES: Linda Gray, from Lambton, won prizes that will make a sunny afternoon in the garden more pleasant in a competition organised by Asda.

PLANT SALE: Washington Station WI is holding a plant sale and cake stall, from 1pm to 3pm, on Saturday, at the Bridge Women's Centre.

HISTORIC MEETING: Pupils who will be attending the new George Washington primary school in September met General Washington in the guise of actor William A Sommerfield at Washington Old Hall.

AGE CONCERN: A full range of services is offered by Washington Age Concern in the health centre on level three of the Galleries. More details can be obtained from Alan Morton on 0191-416 8605.

THEATRE CLASS: Youth theatre runs Saturday courses during term time in the Biddick Arts Centre. The course fee is £19.50. Further information is available by calling 0191-219 3455.