Security boost for traders

DURHAM City Centre's Shopwatch scheme has been relaunched. The shop security scheme is to be expanded and developed to widen its retail radio link network and exclusion notice scheme, and will hold regular meetings with police and shop staff.

The scheme is also developing close links with the North-East Retail Crime Partnership, which operates throughout the region to ensure that travelling shop thieves are known everywhere and that intelligence in all force areas is shared. Traders wanting more information can ring 0191-301 8860.

Council surgeries: Durham City and Durham County Labour councillors for the Gilesgate and Pelaw areas of Durham will hold a surgery in St Nicholas Church Hall, Market Place, tomorrow between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Dance classes: Salsa dancing classes will be starting soon at Chester-le-Street Community Association's centre, in Newcastle Bank. Anyone interested in taking part is asked to call the association on 0191-388 4752 for further details.

Rock night: Rock band Overlooked will be playing in the Stable Bar at the Beamish Mary Inn, No Place, near Stanley, tomorrow, at 8.30pm. For further details call 0191-370 0237.

WARD SURGERY: South Stanley ward councillors Sheila Kelly and Jim Griffiths hold a surgery at Branwa House, 17-19, Kier Hardy Avenue, on the second Tuesday of every month between 11am and noon.

HOUSEHOLD AUCTION: A household auction will be held at Catchgate Methodist Church tomorrow. Viewing begins at 9am and sales start at 10am. Admission is 50p including refreshments.

FOLK NIGHTS: A newly established weekly gathering of folk musicians and singers meets on Sundays at 8.30pm, in the Kings Head pub, Lanchester. For further information contact Ian on (01207) 529286.

BLOOD DONORS: Residents in Stanley have a chance to give blood next week. A blood donor session will be held at Stanley Community Association, Tyne Road, on Monday, between 2pm and 7pm.

CHOIR CONCERT: Stanley Forum Choir will be peforming a concert at Catchgate Methodist Church on Saturday, March 2 at 7pm. Tickets cost £2 at the door.

CAMPAIGN STALL: The Palestine Solidarity Campaign will have a stall in Durham Market Place from 10am to 1pm tomorrow. Members will hand out leaflets and urge people to sign a petition calling on Britain to end its arms trade with Israel