Heading for the heights

STUDENTS bidding to climb to the top in the tree surgery world face a daunting ascent on a charity challenge this weekend. A party of 14 staff and students from East Durham and Houghall Community College's arboriculture department sets off today for Dunkeld, in Scotland, where they will attempt to climb a 61m tall douglas fir tree. Money raised from the sponsored stunt will go towards reforestation projects in the area.

DOC DONATIONS: Down-at-heel wearers of Doc Martens footwear are invited to do their bit to help a children's charity collection at a North-East shoe shop. They are asked to donate old pairs of Air Wear shoe and boot brand for a "Doc Martens Graveyard" being created on the ceiling of the Scorpio shoe shop, in Newcastle's Grainger Market. They are asked to pay a pound to pick their spot in the display, in aid of the NSPCC.

JAZZ SUNDAYS: Following the success of resident trio Jazz Girl at Durham's new Gala Theatre on Saturday afternoons, similar sessions are scheduled on Sundays at the Millennium City development. The Latin and bossa nova sounds of rising North-East instrumental jazz trio The Bicycle Thieves can be heard every Sunday at the Gala Theatre's caf-bar, from 1pm to 4pm.

EASTER OPENING: A Medieval manor house attraction opens to the public for the spring and summer season over the Easter weekend. Crook Hall, dating in part to the 13th Century, and its four acres of decorative gardens on the banks of the River Wear, off Sidegate, Durham, will open over the Easter weekend, from Friday, March 29 to Monday, April 1, between 1pm and 5pm, with egg hunting events for young visitors.

MARQUEE ROCK: Five North-East rock and pop bands will play in a marquee at the Mill House pub, Springwell Village, Washington, on Saturday, May 4, from 2pm to 11pm. Money raised will go to the Disabled Services Centre, at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital. Tickets are £5, from the Star Clinic, on Elvet Bridge, Durham, on 0191-375 0120.

BRASS AND VOICES: The 16th annual Brass and Voices concert will be held at Stanley Civic Hall, on Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14, featuring the Ever Ready Band and the Newcastle Male Chorus. Both concerts start at 7.15pm. Tickets cost £5 or £4 concessions and are available at the box office on (01207) 232532.

OLEY DAY: The beauty spot Oley Meadows, at Shotley Bridge, near Consett, was given a make-over this week. The Acorn Trust teamed up with volunteers to tidy the area and plant bluebells. The trust is now looking for volunteers for a scheme funded by CVS Whitbread Action Earth. The team will clear a stream in Caribees Community Woodland at Delves Lane, near Consett. Anyone interested in helping should meet at The Old Fire Station, Delves Lane, on Tuesday, March 26 at 10am.