PEOPLE are invited to spruce up Broompark picnic site, near Ushaw Moor, on Sunday, May 26. Durham County Council’s countryside service will hold a community conservation event and roadshow at the site from 10am to noon. Volunteers will replace bird boxes and seats, remove old tree guards and pick up litter. Tools and gloves will be provided but people are advised to wear old clothes and sturdy shoes. For more information, call 03000-264-589 or email: countryside@durham.gov.uk

FUN DAY: A free family fun day will be held at Ushaw Moor Children’s Centre on Saturday (May 18) from 10am to noon. There will be a raffle, tombola, face painting, planting, storytelling, messy play and refreshments. The Sure Start Centre, on Durham Road, Ushaw Moor, is run by Durham County Council. For more information, call 03000-269-839.

FAIRYTALE WEEK: Crook Hall and Gardens, a visitor attraction in Durham City, will hold a Fairytale Week from May 26 to 29. There will be activities featuring fairytale characters each day from 11am to 5pm. Children are invited to dress as their favourite fairytale character. Entry costs £6.50 for adults, £6 for concessions, £5 for children and £19 for families. For more information, call 0191-384-8028.

MP’S SURGERY: Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods will hold a surgery at the Community Association Hall, also known as the Welfare Hall, on Brandon Lane, in Brandon, on Saturday (May 18) from 10am to 11am. No appointment is needed.

HISTORY TALK: Dr David Butler will give a talk titled ‘A plan so replete with advantages to the traveller – the building of Durham’s North Road, 1828-1830’ at St Cuthbert’s Church, on North Road, Durham, as part of the church’s 150th anniversary celebrations on Thursday, May 23, at 7.30pm. Entry is free and open to all.

YFC SHOWCASE: Durham Youth for Christ will hold a showcase event and family barbecue at St Nicholas’ Church’s youth centre, on The Sands, Durham, on Tuesday, June 18, from 5.30pm to 8pm. All are welcome to find out more about the group’s current work and future plans. For further details, visit durhamyfc.co.uk