Organisers of Consett YMCA's secondhand furniture scheme have asked donors to be careful after receiving reports that others are collecting secondhand furniture in its name. Consett YMCA, which collects furniture to be used by people setting up home, is a registered charity and has only one telephone number - (01207) 588302 - and just one operational headquarters, at Berry Edge Industrial Estate.

School Nurse: An east Durham school for pupils with special needs is to appoint a nurse later this year, using funding from the Easington Primary Care Group. Glendene School, in Easington Colliery, provides places for young people aged from two to 19 who have severe and profound learning difficulties. The nurse will also train staff on health issues and support parents.

Detective's REVENGE: The Cestrian Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society will stage The Revenge of Sherlock Holmes, in Park View Community Theatre, Chester-le-Street on Wednesday, April 10 to Saturday, April 13. Tickets priced £4.40 (concessions £3.50) are available on 0191-584 7706 or from Park View Community Association, on 0191-388 1043.

SHOP CONVERSION: London firm Cairnland is seeking planning permission from Durham City Council to change a shop in the Cheveley Park Shopping Centre, Belmont, into a caf. The company also wants to convert a shop next door into a hot food takeaway.

FIRM'S PLAN: Taylormade Timber Products is seeking planning permission from Durham City Council to erect a timber treatment building at its Colliery Site plant, Sherburn Hill.

ROCK NIGHT: The Scratch Band will perform in the Stable Bar of the Beamish Mary Inn, No Place, near Stanley, tonight. Doors open at 8.30pm and admission is £1.50. For details call the pub on 0191-370 0237.

CHARITY CASH: A coffee morning held by Chester-le-Street Methodist Church last weekend raised £202 for the children's charity NCH. The church also organised a street collection, which raised a further £122.

LONGER OPENING: Robert Fulton is asking Durham City Council to vary a condition of planning permission that would allow a hot food takeaway in Front Street, Framwellgate Moor, to open until 11pm.

Folk night: Louis Killen will perform at Birtley Folk Club, at the ROAB Club, in Sydney House, Birtley Lane, Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, on Wednesday. For details contact the venue on 0191-417 5266.

GROWING ACORNS: The Acorn Trust in Derwentside is appealing for volunteers. Anyone who is able to help the group, which is based at The Old Fire Station, Delves Lane, is asked to call Sarah Young on (01207) 582600.

LIBRARY OPENS: Wingate's new library was opened yesterday by Durham County Councillors Len O'Donnell and Alan Cox