A CHEF who lost his sense of smell following a vicious random attack has spoken of his anger after his assailant was spared a jail sentence.

A SUPERMARKET has started selling local interest books.

AN annual music festival is to return to the North-east this summer.

SUPPORTERS of a charity which helps community groups are urgently seeking more funding to save the long-standing organisation.

A FEMALE patient who went missing from a North-East mental hospital has been found fit and well.

A CAR wash firm has been devastated by fire.

AN ARTWORK which began life as a chestnut tree in the grounds of Durham Cathedral before travelling to a Papal college in Rome finally came home today (Thursday, May 23).

A MULTIPLE Sclerosis sufferer raised £1,200 for charity with a sip-slide from Tyne Bridge.

TALENTED young footballers hoping for a career in the game are being offered the chance to sign up for a new course.

SIX fire crews have been called to a large blaze in a commercial unit near the A167 in County Durham.

SCHOOL pupils visited a French restaurant to celebrate Europe Day.

The Baldy Holly Band play the Market tavern, South Burns, Chester-le-Street, on Saturday (may 25). The gig starts at 9pm and entry is free. .

MORE than 200 choristers from across northern England and Scotland descended on Durham for a day of sport today (Wednesday, May 22).

THE line-up has been confirmed for a tribute band pop festival on the banks of the River Wear.

POLICE are warning people to be on the look-out for fake banknotes.

DETAILS have been announced of the make-up of the new cabinet at Durham County Council.

A NEW scheme to ensure that older people are eating enough has been launched by Age Concern.

A CHEF lost his sense of smell as a result of a random attack while walking home after watching a televised football match.

A TEENAGE swimmer identified as a potential future Olympian has won the support of senior citizens who are keen to see her achieve her sporting ambitions.

LADIES have just a few days left to register to take part in an annual midnight walk.

The charity Small Steps – Seize the Day, for children with epilepsy, is holding a family fun day on Sunday (May 26) at the Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium, Chester-le-Street, from 11am to 4pm.Admission is £2 for adults, £1 for children. For details visit seizetheday.webs.com

Home Group Developments are asking Durham County Council for planning permission to demolish the former Fencehouses Fire Station at Woodstone Village, near Chester-le-Street, and build 18, two and three-bed, affordable homes on the site.

TWO men are facing possible prison sentences after admitting carrying out a robbery in which £41 was taken from the victim.

OVERSEAS visits to the North-East and North Yorkshire have dropped amid fears the region’s tourism economy is suffering from a cut in global marketing.

A DEVELOPER has sought to reassure residents amid fears building more houses in a rapidly expanding village could increase the risk of flooding.

HOSPITALITY and catering trainees have been presented with special awards.

A LIBRARY is on track for a week of railway-themed family activities.