A former councillor and retired farmer has died at the age of 80.

John Tindale, of Mill Farm, High Hawsker, Whitby, was a member of Scarborough Borough Council, representing the Fylingdales ward for several years. He also served on the former Whitby Rural District Council and was a member of Hawsker-cum-Stainsacre Parish Council for 40 years.

CYCLE TOUR: Cyclists are being encouraged to raise money for Alzheimer's sufferers and their families in Richmondshire by taking part in a charity bike ride. The tour will leave the swimming baths in Richmond on Sunday, August 3, at 11.30am. For details, call (01748) 825817.

WILDLIFE CHIEF: Victoria Chester-Kerr has been appointed chief executive of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

CHARITY GROUP: The Chamber of Trade in Thirsk is to set up a corporate charity group to run a three-day "winter wonderland" event in the market square at Christmas next year.

SOCCER FEST: A football festival will be held on Sunday, July 27, to celebrate 50 years of league football by the Thirsk Falcons club. The celebration will be held at Thirsk Athletic Club, with matches throughout the afternoon.

ROAD CLOSURE: Masonic Lane, in Thirsk, will be closed to traffic for drains maintenance from Saturday. The closure is scheduled to last for five days, but work is expected to be completed on Sunday.

SCHOOL GRANT: Ripon's Holy Trinity CE primary school has won a £39,000 partnership grant to boost links between state and private education. It will use the money to broaden a two-year scheme with the independent Malsis School.

ROTARY PRESIDENT: Terry Brimelow has taken over as president of Thirsk Rotary Club. The theme for Mr Brimelow's presidential year will be Lend a Hand.