REFUGE TALK: Lorraine Cross will tell the Birtley Council of Churches about her experiences in Newcastle's West End Refuge Service, at 7.30pm next Wednesday, at Birtley Methodist Church.

HEART CONCERT: A charity concert in aid of the Heart Foundation will be given by the Northallerton Male Voice Choir, at 7pm, on Saturday, at Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle Bank. Tickets are £3.50.

CHARITY RIDE: Sixteen cyclists from the Lambton Worm Hotel, accompanied by a support team of one vehicle with two drivers, will tackle the C2C Cycle Route from May 10 to 12 to raise funds for research into diamond blackfan anaemia.

ROVER DAY: An All Rover Rally will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30, at Beamish Museum. Entry forms can be obtained by calling 0191-388 6872 or via e-mail at www.rover-rally.com

GOOD HAIR DAY: An eco-friendly hairdressing salon, using only "green" products has been opened in Pelton by Michelle Costello.

CIVIC AWARD: A certificate has been awarded to the Barley Mow Inn to acknowledge its work in helping to produce the Crime Prevention Year Book and other community projects.

FUN DAY: A fun day will be held on the sports field by St Joseph's RC Parish Church, Birtley, on Monday.

SHORTLISTED: British light heavyweight amateur champion Tony Marsden, of the Birtley Boxing Club, who is on the shortlist for the Commonwealth Games team, has rejoined the Army. His regiment is training for Afghanistan.

CASH TALKS: Regional museum staff were joined by five local MPs in a discussion on the Renaissance in the Regions report on museum funding, held at Beamish Museum.

NEW ASSOCIATION: New members will be welcome at a meeting of the newly-formed Waldridge Residents' Association to be held at Waldridge Village Hall, at 7pm, on Wed-nesday.

BRANCHING OUT: The Railway, at Birtley, has started a disco from 7.30pm to 11pm on Fridays, karaoke from 8pm to 11pm on Saturdays and a quiz at 8pm on Sundays.

MUSEUM CELEBRATES: Beamish Museum is holding a traditional May Day celebration with May Queen and Morris dancers from noon on Sunday. The Friends of Beamish will present a 1900 Humber Quadricycle to the museum at the same time.