The Appletree Nursing Home in Durham Road, Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a party for staff and residents that was attended by the Mayor of Gateshead and staff from Beamish Museum who brought reminiscence boxes for residents. 

Plans approved: Durham County Council planners have approved a planning application for an extension and a sun lounge at a house in York Terrace, Chester-le-Street.

Coffee morning: A coffee morning featuring Fair Trade produce will be held on Tuesday between 9am and 11.30am in Chester-le-Street Methodist Church, North Burns, opposite the town’s market place.

Groovy moves: People can get fit to the beat at a drop-in session in Zumba musical exercise. It will be held tomorrow (Monday May 20) between 6pm and 7pm at Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle Bank. Admission costs £3.

Pub gig: The Baldy Holly Band will be gigging at the Market Tavern, South Burns, Chester-le–Street, on Saturday, May 25. The gig starts at 9pm and entry is free. Call 0191-3884749 for details.

Drop-in session: A weekly drop-in session in Yoga for people of all abilities will be held at the Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle Bank, tomorrow (Monday May 20) from 7.30pm to 9pm. The cost per session is £5.50.

Signs approved: Durham County Council planners have given Barclays Bank approval to put up a fascia sign and a hanging sign at its branch in Front Street, Chester-le-Street.

Exercise session: An exercise drop-in session for people aged 40-plus will be held tomorrow (Monday May 20) in the Chester-le-Street Community Association’s centre on Newcastle Bank, Newcastle Road, from 1pm to 2pm. The cost is £3.

Tai Chi: A weekly class in Tai Chi aimed at beginners will be held on Tuesday morning from 19.50 to 10.50am in the Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle Bank. The cost is £2.