Police said three people were lucky to escape with only slight injuries when a car in which they were travelling mounted a drystone wall and rebounded into the road on its roof.

The accident happened in Cutlers Hall Road, Blackhill, near Consett, at 7.30pm on Thursday. Two men, including the driver of the Vauxhall Astra GTE, were treated at the University Hospital North Durham, while a pregnant passenger remained in hospital for observation.

Gig date: James Cannon and Rick Booth will be appearing at the Beamish Mary Folk Club, in the Beamish Mary pub, on Wednesday, April 10 at 8.30pm. Admission to the club, in No Place, near Stanley, costs £2. For more details, contact 01207 504882.

PLAYGROUND CLOSED: The children's play area at Tyne Riverside Park has been temporarily closed. However, when it reopens it will have £15,000 worth of new equipment paid for by the National Grid. It is hoped the equipment will be in place for the August bank holiday.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Derwentside Mind is looking for caring and compassionate people to become volunteers. Full training is provided and expenses are paid. Anyone who can help is asked to contact (01207) 591705.

COMPLEX OPENS: The Stanhope Complex in Gresford Street, South Shields, will reopen some of its facilities on Wednesday. Both West Park Community Association and South Shields Activities Centre will use the ground floor of the premises until essential repairs and maintenance work has been completed to the gym, woodwork rooms and youth contact centre.

WILDLIFE EVENTS: The Durham Wildlife Trust is staging a series of Easter events at Rainton Meadows, Chilton Moor, Houghton-le-Spring. Children have been invited to make their own kites from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday and to join a Countryside Cluedo Nature Trail on Friday. Admission is £1 per child, adults free. Children under eight must be accompanied by a parent. To book a place contact 0191-584 3112.

hospital venue: Coping with Cancer (North East) Sunderland and District Group meet at the Education and Training Centre, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Chester Road, Sunderland at 6.30pm on Wednesday. Cancer sufferers and their relatives are welcome.

WARD SURGERY: Labour councillors representing the Cleadon Park ward, on South Tyneside Council, will be holding a ward surgery session for residents at the Lonnen Day Centre, in South Shields, from 10am to 11am today. They will be joined by the community police officer.

DONOR SESSION: A blood donor session will be held at the Red Lion pub, in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, from 2.30pm to 7pm on Monday, April 8. A further session will be held at the Methodist Church Hall, in Station Road, Consett, from 2.30pm to 7pm on Tuesday, April 9.