DOWN YOUR WAY...

JEANS FOR GENES SCHOOLCHILDREN learned how wearing their jeans can help children with genetic disorders at a special event to mark Jeans for Genes Day. The 150 youngsters from across Durham donned their denims for an event hosted by Science Learning Centre North East and Durham University. They found out how genes influence our everyday lives - from the colour of our eyes to the way our body works - and about kids who suffer from genetic disorders.

THAT'S A LOTTO MONEY A TRAINING programme for people with learning disabilities has been given a pounds 10,000 grant.

The Big Lottery Fund cash will help the Lawnmowers Independent Theatre Company in Gateshead run a theatre training project.

Dawn Redhead, operations manager, said: "The project examines the differences between laughing with or at a person. It will raise expectations, skills and confidence among learning disabled people."

DOLLY DOUBLE ACT A DAUGHTER is to follow in her mother's footsteps when she takes to the stage.

Kathryn Sabourn, 16, will play Minnie Fay in the Beaconsfield Operatic Society's production of Hello Dolly next week. Her mother Susan played the character in 1990, when the show was last produced by the society. Tickets for the show at Pheonix Theatre, Blyth, are available on [phone].

LET'S DANCERS can train at a brand-new studio in Ashington. Just Dance, on Waterside Court, offers dance and fitness classes for all ages and abilities and is holding a day of workshops on October 30. For more details, call 07805 185 973 or e-mail [e-mail].

MUSIC MARATHON A NORTHUMBERLAND musician's marathon gig for charity is under way.

Big-hearted Derek Allan started the first of his 12-hour sessions at the Black Bull pub, in Warkworth, and he is hoping other musicians will join him on his quest to clock up 84 hours of busking this week. Father-of-three Derek, front man of the band Clear Blue Skies, is aiming to raise funds and awareness for Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal with his Buskathon.