Police are warning drug users in south east Northumberland not to take tablets known as Welchers after eight people were admitted to Wansbeck Hospital after taking them. The tablets are barbiturate-based and highly dangerous, and are blue with a speckled effect and a white or light coloured letter w on them. Anyone who is offered them is urged to hand them in to the police, and those with information on where they came from are asked to call (01661) 863 555.

OUSTON OSCARS: Chester-le-Street Volunteer Bureau will stage its version of the Oscars at Ouston Community Centre on Friday, June 14, to thank people who have volunteered during the past year. The party dress code is Hollywood glamour or people can dress as their favourite film star. To take part contact Mel White at The Volunteer Centre, Clarence Terrace, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3DQ, or ring 0191-389 2947.

BELLY BOPPING: Egyptian belly dancing and other Middle-East folk dancing classes start at Chester-le-Street Community Centre from June 11. Beginners classes take place on Tuesdays between 5.45pm and 7pm and improvers classes start 7pm. The six-week course costs £18.

TEDDY CHALLENGE: Brave bears are wanted to take part in a Queen's jubilee teddy bear parachute jump, in Durham Market Place, on Monday, June 3. Each bear will receive a bravery award. Proceeds will go to St Cuthbert's Hospice. There will be treasure hunts, a raffle and tombolas. For details, ring 0191-386 1170.

ROYAL PARTY: The Royal Air Force Association will be holding a jubilee party night from 7.30pm, next Saturday, at the club in Crossgate, Durham. Former members of the RAF and their family and friends are welcome.

QUIZ MASTERS: Cestria Primary School has won the recent Chester-le-Street Primary Schools Quiz Knowledge trophy. The finals took place earlier this month at the town's civic centre when Cestria played Newker Primary School. The winning quiz team Christopher Clarke, Bree-Anna McDonald, Charlotte Conaboy, Andrew Emerson and Danielle Rayner were presented with a trophy.

Walk off: The eight-mile Pier-to-Pier Ramble Sunderland City Council was planning to hold between the Roker and South Shields piers tomorrow has been cancelled.

JUBILEE PARTY: St Andrew's Mother and Toddler group, at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Carr Avenue, Brandon, will be celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee with a jubilee party next Tuesday from 9.30am to 11am. The children will be dressed in red, white and blue, refreshments will be served and party games will be played.

RAMBLERS' WALK: Chester-le-Street Ramblers will meet at 9.30am on Sunday, June 2, at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre for a walk to High Force with John Armstrong. For more details, ring 0191-388 9573.