DRESSED IN DENIM: Bexley Council staff dressed down for the day to support Jeans for Genes Day on October 7 and raised £350. Workers paid £2 to wear their jeans to work for the day and staff also raffled a football signed by the Charlton Athletic team. The total was twice last year's effort. Staff in the Bexleyheath contact centre also raised £50.

COOKING ON GAS: The BCU Life Skills Centre based in Pincott Hall, behind Christ Church in Bexleyheath Broadway, is running a free certificated foundation course in food hygiene. The nine-hour course runs on October 31, November 7 and November 14. Call 020 8301 3187.

AUTISM TALK: Leslie Warren will be giving a talk on coping with an autistic spectrum disorder, on October 27, at the Maxim Rooms, St Martins Church, Erith Road, Barnehurst. The talk, which starts at 7.30pm, has been organised by support group Bridging the Gap south east.

MAST FIGHT: Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Derek Conway is backing residents of Torbrook Close, Bexley, who are fighting an appeal by mobile phone company Hutchison 3G (UK) against Bexley Council's refusal of permission for a mast.

MEALS OF THE MED: Memories of the Mediterranean return to Bexley next week with a European market in Bexleyheath Broadway on October 27 and October 28. Produce will include fish soup, cassoulet and croissants baked on site.