A FORMER manager of Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal is returning to the boards as a director and actor. Les Jobson, who managed the theatre from 1987 to 1992, will direct the town operatic society's production of The Good Companions, from August 20 to 23.

He will also play two minor walk-on parts in the J B Priestley musical. Mr Jobson was born in 1922 in a colliery village near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and served in the RAF during the Second World War. He then qualified as a teacher and became involved with presenting professional shows. Mr Jobson worked for the Forum Theatre, Billingham, from the 1960s to early 1980s. Since retiring as manager of Richmond's theatre, he has presented four Gilbert and Sullivan weekends in the town. Performances of The Good Companions start at 7.30pm and tickets are £3 to £7. The box office can be contacted on (01748) 825252.

NEW FACE: A new officer has been appointed to Richmondshire District Council's economic, cultural and leisure unit. Abi Bromirskyj joins the authority as assistant economic development officer. Her role makes her the first point of contact for businesses and organisations wanting to relocate to the area.

NURSING RECRUITS: There are places left on a University of York course for people living in the Harrogate area interested in taking up mental health nursing as a career. It is a full-time, three-year course starting in October, with half the study taking place at a practice in Harrogate. Help with travel will be provided. Interested candidates can contact Joyce Johnson on (01904) 321314 for an application form.

ANTIQUES FAIR: The village hall at Danby, near Whitby, will host an antiques and collectors fair on Wednesday, August 13 - Danby Show Day. The fair will be open between 10am and 4pm. Admission is 30p in aid of Esk Valley Lifeline. Home-made refreshments will also be available with profits being donated to Holistic Cancer Care.

DANCE DATE: The Double AA line dancing team returns to the Civil Service Club, Catterick Garrison, tomorrow. The Gibsons are also back by popular demand with doors opening at 7.30pm. For further information, contact (01748) 833844.