FIREFIGHTERS were called to tackle a blaze in a derelict building at the waterside, Frankland Lane, Durham, just along from the National Savings and Benefits Agency offices, at about midnight yesterday. They extinguished a small fire on the first floor.

SPIRITUALIST MEETING: A spiritualist meeting will be held on Monday, starting at 7pm, in Vane Tempest Hall, Gilesgate, Durham, when Pat Parry will be the guest medium. Everyone is welcome.

SLIMMING CLASS: Marion Hoyle will open a new Slimming Unique class today at Chester-le-Street United Reformed Church between 11am and noon. She is also taking over the Wednesday evening class held, which starts at 6.45pm. For details call 0191-388 1461.

HOMES PLAN: Derwentside District Council is being asked to grant planning permission for 12 houses, seven apartments and a mini-roundabout to be built at The Bridge, Burnmill Bank, Shotley Bridge, near Consett.

FISHY COURSE: A ten-week course in pond and aquarium management, aimed at budding fishkeepers, will be run by the Chester-le-Street Community Association at its centre on Newcastle Bank on Tuesdays between 10am and noon. It costs £30 and will start on April 23. For further details and enrolment call the centre on 0191-388 4752.

EXTENSION PLAN: Durham City Council is being asked to grant planning permission for a second-storey pitched roof extension to be built above a garage at a house in Edmund Court, Bearpark.

FREE COURSES: Dipton Community Centre has teamed up with Derwentside College to offer the following free courses, each lasting five weeks and based at the centre. Holiday French will run on Wednesdays, from April 17, between 7pm and 9pm; child psychology will run on Thursdays, from April 25, from 1.15pm to 3.15pm; and cake decorating will run on Mondays, from April 22, from 1pm to 3pm.

SOLARIUM PLAN: An application by J Noble and Sons to open a solarium, care and amusement arcade at 1, Mason Street in Consett has been received by Derwentside District Council.

FIRE AWARDS: Durham and Darlington fire brigade will recognise fire officers who have served the brigade for 20 years with exemplary conduct at an awards ceremony at its headquarters, in Durham, at 7pm, tomorrow. It will be followed by a presentation of commendations.

BRIGADE DISPLAY: An exhibition of photographs and memorabilia of Durham and Darlington fire brigade dating back to before the First World War is being held at the brigade headquarters, at Framwellgate Moor, Durham, until 5pm tomorrow.