Dancers are invited to Kiplin Hall, near Scorton, on Sunday, to enjoy the Northallerton Caledonian Society dancers performing on the sunken lawn.

The following Sunday, July 20, the Great North Clog Morris dancers from Darlington will give a lively display on the Hall's drive. Both events start at 2pm and viewing is free. For details, call (01748) 818178.

GM expert: The biotechnology development manager at Monsanto UK, Dr Colin Merritt, will talk about GM crops at a meeting of farmers at the Motel Leeming in Bedale, at 4pm next Friday. The event has been organised by Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh.

Ward project: A design team led by Ian Anderson of HMA Architects has been appointed for the £1.5m refurbishment of the Fitzwilliam Ward at Malton Hospital. The team has previously designed buildings for several other health trusts in the north of England.

Gates back: The memorial gates at Rowntree Park, in York, have been re-installed following restoration. The gates, believed to have been made in France in 1715, were first installed in the 1950s as a memorial to employees of the cocoa works who were killed in the war.

Potter present: The Tory MP for the Vale of York, Anne McIntosh, is to present a copy of JK Rowling's bestselling book Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets to Bedale Library next week to help promote children's literature in schools.

City parade: The crew of HMS York will parade through the streets of their home city of York on Sunday after returning from the Middle East where they have been taking part in Operation Oracle, supporting British and American troops in Iraq. Over the course of the week crew members will attend a series of events in the city.