A plan to convert a former public house into a home has been refused by Harrogate Borough Council.

The owners wanted to convert the King William IV Inn, in Church Hill, Spofforth. Refusing the application, planning officials said the scheme would mean the loss of a community facility - against council policy.

CARS CRASH: Two men were cut from the wreckage after a car crash involving two vehicles on the back road between Stockton and Darlington, on Saturday. Rescue crews from Stockton were called to the accident near Whinney Hill, at about 8.15am. The men were freed from the damaged cars and taken to hospital.

HOUSE FIRE: Firefighters from Middlesbrough were called to a house fire in the early hours of Saturday. Two people were taken to hospital by ambulance suffering from smoke inhalation following the blaze at Aubrey Street at about 4am.

CHARITY RUNNERS: Marie Curie Cancer Care is looking for runners already accepted for the Great North Run on September 7, to run for the charity. Anyone wanting to get involved is asked to call on 0191-382 3311.

MAKING A SPLASH: Eston Sports Academy, near Middlesbrough, is offering free swimming for under 16s living in east Cleveland during the summer holidays. This is thanks to a grant for £22,688 from the Redcar and Cleveland Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

LEWIS LINKS: Ripon's links with Lewis Carroll will be brought to life by a guided tour of the city on August 11 called Ripon Through the Looking Glass. Tickets are available from Ripon Information Centre (01765 604625).

CLOTHES SHOW: An exhibition of Victorian clothing is on show at a North-East museum until August 3. What Weardale Wore is open to the public between 1pm and 5pm every day at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, in Upper Weardale, County Durham. For details, call (01388) 537505.