The NSPCC is holding a family fun day in the grounds of Newby Hall, near Ripon, with falconry displays, bouncy castles, face painters and entertainers.

Gates open at 10.30am on Sunday, July 27 and close at 5pm. Paula Tilbrook, who plays Betty in ITV soap Emmerdale, will be making a guest appearance at noon. Entrance is £5 for adults and £3.50 for children, with all proceeds going to the NSPCC's work in North Yorkshire.

FREE SHOW: The BBC will record One Man and His Dog at Castle Howard, near Malton, this weekend and the public are invited to watch free of charge. Presented by Clarissa Dickson Wright, originally one of televisions Two Fat Ladies, the sheepdog trials will take place on Saturday from 2pm until 5pm and on Sunday from 10am until 5pm. Signs will point motorists to the designated parking areas.

DISABLED CHECK: Changes are being introduced to the way assessments are carried out for disability parking badges in the Harrogate area. Previously checks were carried out by a GP but now those applying for the blue badge will have their mobility assessed by physiotherapy assistants. The move follows concerns raised about the workload of local GPs.

ARSON FEAR: Investigators believe arsonists caused a blaze which destroyed a derelict house, due to be demolished, in Huntington Road, York. Although it had been used by vagrants in the past, the house was empty at the time. No one was hurt.

LOOKING BACK: Reminiscence sessions for people who were teenagers or adults in the 1950s are being held at the Pump Room Museum in Harrogate on July 26 and 30.

NEW LOOK: The McDonald's restaurant in Blake Street, York, re-opened yesterday after a £500,000 facelift which includes a new-style caf.