MOTORISTS are being given the chance to comment about how a city's traffic system could be improved. As part of Sunderland City Council's pledge to improving the transport infrastructure, surveys will be conducted on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They will involve brief interviews with drivers at key locations around the city, carried out in a way to minimise disruption. At busy areas, drivers will be given questionnaires to fill in. As encouragement, everyone returning their forms within ten days will have their names entered into a prize draw.

CHARITY EVENT: Christ's Hospital, otherwise known as Sherburn Hospital, in Durham, has asked The Northern Echo to point out that proceeds from its open day on Sunday will go towards the residents' welfare fund, not the hospital's running costs as incorrectly stated in Wednesday's edition of the newspaper.

SWINGING SHOW: Leah Bell and company will perform their Fabulous 50s and Swinging 60s Show on Friday, April 19 at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham. Tickets, cost £30 and includes dinner and a disco. They are available by calling 0191-386 1170. Proceeds will go to St Cuthbert's Hospice Capital Appeal to build a ten-bed in patient unit.

ANNUAL MEETING: Dipton Residents' Association will be holding its annual meeting on Wednesday, April 17, in Dipton Community Centre, at 7.15pm.

CONDOLENCE BOOK: The Asda store, in Stanley, has opened a book of condolence for those wishing to pay their respects to the Queen Mother. It can be found at the store's entrance.

STAMPS APPEAL: A member of Guide Dogs for the Blind is hoping to collect any used stamps, postcards and picture phone cards for the registered charity. Diana Ashton has asked that all stamps and cards be sent to her at 66 Highbank, Roe Lee, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 9SX.

VACANT PLOTS: Gardeners are invited to take up vacant plots at Newton Hall allotments. Anyone interested should ring Derek Norris on 0191-386 7549.

Bus passes: Pensioners in the South Pelaw area of Chester-le-Street will be able to renew their free concessionary bus passes on Monday, in the Communal Room, Holyoake, from 9am to noon, and between 1pm and 3.30pm.

Council surgery: Chester-le-Street district councillor Keith Potts will hold a surgery for people in Urpeth ward, on Tuesday, in Edenfield Communal Rooms, West Pelton, between 6pm and 6.30pm.

HOSPICE TONIC: Asda in Washington raised £230 towards the building of a children's hospice in Sunderland with its Easter egg tombola. It also held an Easter bonnet competition, awarding prizes to Laura Wilson, nine, of Washington, Laura Bell, four, of Easington Lane, and Torri Collings, eight, of Washington.