THREE Durham pubs are said to be bucking the national trend that is seeing more than 20 pubs close every week across the country. Andy Hughes, manager of The John Duck, The Elm Tree and the Angel Inn, all in Durham City, said all three were doing well.

SPRING LECTURE: Dr Muriel Sawbridge will give this year’s City of Durham Trust spring lecture in Antioch House, Crossgate, Durham, on Saturday, March 22, at 2.15pm. Dr Sawbridge is chair of the new City of Durham Neighbourhood Planning Forum and she will discuss whether this body represents a new approach to democracy.

HOMES PLAN: Durham County Council is being asked to grant planning permission to partially demolish the former cinema on The Avenue, Coxhoe, and build five houses. For further details, visit durham.gov.uk/planning