Birtley and Houghton.

An Auction of donated goods in aid of the Church Development Fund is being held by St Joseph's RC Parish in Birtley at 1pm on Saturday in the Parish Centre.

Houghton Methodist Church has already sent pounds 700 for anti-AIDS treatment to the Maya Methodist Hospital in Kenya - this year's nominated charity.

The Brand News Women's Group meets alternative weeks in Kibblesworth Millennium Hall 7- 9pm. They have make over and pamper nights, self defence classes and guest speakers. Next meeting on Thursday. Tel: [phone].

pounds 1,604 WAS raised for church funds by St Michael and All Angels' Parish Church Christmas fair in Houghton. Joan Bond organised collecting boxes which raised pounds 860 for the Children's Society.

IAN Peele and Craig Smith have set up the Durham Coalfield Caving and Climbing Experience, to take youngsters to local caves and crags. Call 0771 556 8978.

EASINGTON District Councillors Hugh Price, Eunice Huntington and Alfred Collingson are holding a surgery with County Councillor Norman Wade from 10 to 11am on Saturday at Alcote House.

HELEN Douthwaite, year 11, Hetton School, has been selected to play tenor trombone for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. James McLeod, year eight, euphonium, and Becky Stafford, year 7, cornet, will play for the National Children's Brass Band of Great Britain.

ANNE KELLY 0191 492 2575