Spotlight on local issues

RESIDENTS have been invited to air their views on community issues at a meeting of the Central Area Forum, covering Haswell, Peterlee and Shotton, on Wednesday, February 27, at 6pm, in the Infants Hall, Shotton Colliery Primary School, Grange Terrace, Shotton. Easington District Council officers and representatives from the town, parish, district and county councils will answer questions. Anyone wishing to include an item on the agenda should write to District of Easington, Democratic Services and Administration, Council Offices, Seaside Lane, Easington, County Durham, SR8 3TN, before Monday, February 18.

FOLK CONFERENCE: Folk-works, the traditional music development arm of North Music Trust, is organising a conference for teachers who use or wish to use folk music and dance in their work, as well as folk artists who work or would like to work in schools. The conference takes place from March 22 to 24 at the College of St Hild and St Bede, Durham. For details, ring Folkworks on 0191-222 1717.

WOMAN RESCUED: Fire-fighters were called to First Street, Watling Bungalows, Leadgate, at 10.15am on Saturday to release a pensioner trapped in her bathroom following a fall. She was given first aid at the scene, and taken to hospital by ambulance.

HOLIDAY FUN: Gateshead MetroCentre is organising a programme of activities to keep children entertained during half-term, from February 11 to 17. Throughout the week, MetroGnomes Herbert, Sherbert, Maggot and Rusty will be in the town square hosting interactive workshops and running competitions. Other entertainers will join them for displays.

CANCER GROUP: Coping with Cancer (North East) Sunderland and District Group will meet in Meeting Room 1, Education and Training Centre, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Chester Road, Sunderland, at 6.30pm on Wednesday. Cancer patients and their relatives are welcome.

PUBLIC MEETING: Lifelong Learning in Chester-le-Street will hold a meeting in the town's library to discuss developments in both the future of the group and the introduction of a Learning Shop. The event, which includes a light buffet, at 4pm, on Wednesday.

JOINT LECTURE: The Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland and the Prehistoric Society have jointly organised a lecture by Professor Geoff Bailey, called Coastal Shell Middens and Agricultural Origins in Atlantic Europe, at Room 141 Elvet Riverside, Durham City, on Saturday, at 2.30pm.

PIES AND PEAS: The Derwentside branch of the Alzheimer's Society will hold a pie and peas supper on Tuesday, February 19, at 7pm in the Steel Club, Consett. Anyone interested in attending should contact the branch before Wednesday on (01207) 591835.

FITNESS SESSION: Sunder-land City Council's Newcastle Road Baths is offering users the chance to sample an aquafit exercise session free of charge from 6pm to 7pm tonight. For further details, call the baths on 0191-553 5375.

ART COMPETITION: People who paint, sculpt or photograph people are invited to enter the People Show art competition being run by Northumbria University. Entry forms are available by calling 0191-227 4424, and the deadline is February 18. The winner will receive £1,000