DURHAM County Council hopes to reduce its electricity bill by installing 10,000 energy efficient bulbs.

The bulbs, which are being distributed free to council buildings, could cut about £480,000 off the council's electricity bill during their lifetime. Two years ago Durham was the first county council to be accredited by the Institute of Energy for achieving high standards in the management and use of energy.

Photo challenge: Robert Middlemiss, landlord of the Church Mouse pub in Chester-le-Street, is urging customers to capture the pub on film for a chance of winning a weekend in Europe. Vintage Inns is looking for 12 photos to feature in a calendar of historic pubs. The best photograph will earn the photographer a holiday.

MARTIAL ARTS: The Song Moo Kwon Academy of Tae Kwon Do holds classes for adults at Belmont Community Association, Sunderland Road, Gilesgate Moor, Durham, on Mondays, at 7pm. Junior classes are held on Wednesdays, at 7pm. For details call 0191-383 3570.

DIPTON RECALLED: Local amateur historians Jack Hair and Hylton Marrs will be signing copies of their book, Dipton Remembered, and hold a slide show of old Dipton in Dipton Community Centre, today, from 7.30pm.

PARTNERSHIP OPEN: North Durham MP Kevan Jones has opened the Tanfield Lea Community Partnership, at Tanfield Lea Workingmen's Club. The partnership has been supported by Durham County Council, councillors and local businesses.

MOVING ON: Commanding officers of the Consett branch of the Salvation Army are moving on after eight years. Stephen and Hilary Naylor are moving to Shildon. New officers at Consett will be John and Lesley Jeeves, who will take up their post on Tuesday.

Forum meeting: The homework support forum at Durham Clayport Library, in the Millennium City complex in Claypath, will hold an open evening today, between 3.30pm and 6pm. The forum is aimed at youngsters aged 11 to 14. Admission is free.

JUBILEE WEEKEND: Tanfield Railway, off the A6076 Sunniside to Stanley Road, near Gateshead, is marking the Queen's Golden Jubilee, from June 2 to June 4, by running two steam trains through Causey Woods from 11am to 4pm each day.

OPEN DAY: Boulmer Court Sheltered Accommodation, in Chester-le-Street, will hold an open day on Friday, June 7, from 10am to 2pm.

SAMSON STORYTELLER:

Sunderland Football Club's Samson the Cat mascot will visit St Joseph's RC Primary School in Gilesgate, Durham, next Wednesday as part of a book week celebration, when he will read to reception and year one pupils.

CHEQUE PRESENTATION: Students from New College, Durham, will present a cheque to St Cuthbert's Hospice next Thursday after raising funds through a charity walk and quiz.