TV sitcom star Christopher Biggins has been replaced by the equally well-known face of dancer-turned-actor Lionel Blair when the drama Who Killed 'Agatha' Christie plays at Durham City's Gala Theatre next week. Biggins was forced to drop out of the Charles Vance company's production, where he was playing alongside veteran actor George Sewell. Blair, who is no stranger to stage mystery stardom, agreed to take over and will feature in productions starting on Monday through to next Saturday. For box office details, ring 0191 332 4041.

REFUSAL EXPLAINED: Road safety fears were behind a decision by Sunderland City Council's Houghton and Hetton development control sub-committee to reject a plan by Wainholm Yorkshire to build 244 homes in the Murton Lane area of Easington Lane, environment director William Ault has explained in a letter distributed locally.

LAMP-POST CRASH: A motorist had to be cut free from his car by firefighters following a collision with a lamp-post. The 26-year-old man from Wallsend, North Tyneside, was trapped after an accident in Rosehill in the town, at 4.40am on Saturday.

FESTIVAL MEETING: Details of South Tyneside's summer festival will be finalised at an open meeting tomorrow. The meeting will be held at South Shields Town Hall, at 7pm.

ANNIVERSARY CONCERT: Derwentside Choral Society and Orchestra stages a fundraising 40th anniversary concert at Elvet Methodist Church in Old Elvet, Durham, on Saturday. Tickets costingt £6, £5 concessions, are available from the Tourist Information Office, in the Gala Theatre reception, in Durham.

SCHEME BACKED: A scheme that uses offenders on community punishment orders to remove graffiti has been awarded £30,000 by Sunderland City Council. The operation is co-ordinated by Northumbria Police and the council's contracting division.

CHARITY AUCTION: Christian Aid will hold a charity auction on Saturday, May 18, at St Patrick's Church, Dipton. Viewing is from 11am and sale begins at 1pm.