PROGRAMMES for Middleham Festival, which runs from June 28 to July 6, are available throughout the town and from tourist information offices.

The festival begins with open gardens and a plant fair. There is also a flower festival at the church at Coverham.

Race horse training, music, art, theatre and guided walks are also included in the programme, which culminates in a coronation procession and banquet.

Programmes and tickets are available from Domus in Middleham Market Place, on (01969) 623497, 10am to 5pm.

TRAIL LAUNCH: A heritage trail and local walks booklet centred on the Wensleydale village of Thornton Steward is being launched on Sunday, June 22. Local artist Jo Stockdale has provided illustrations of the village and there is an exhibition of her art in the village institute on Thursday, June 19, from 7pm to 9pm.

FOLK FUN: Between Friday and Sunday, Robin Hood's Bay will be playing host to a free weekend of fun and folk music. Singers and musicians from far and wide will be converging for the mostly informal Robin Hood's Bay Folk Weekend. A full programme is available at www.bayfair.co.uk. For more information, call Jim Foster on (01947) 880660.

FESTIVAL RECORD: The Swaledale Festival is celebrating its best ever year for ticket sale and has broken its box office record despite having another five days to run. Tickets are available for the final few days, with highlights including a performance by the Fitzwilliam String Quartet in St Andrew's Church, Grinton, on Thursday. For more information and booking call (01748) 880019.

ART WINNERS: Wigginton Primary School and New Earswick Primary School, near York, both won Silver Artmark Awards from the Arts Council England for their commitment to the arts. Yesterday Anne McIntosh, MP for the Vale of York, congratulated them on their achievement.

CARERS WEEK: Hambleton and Richmondshire Carers Centre will be working with local employers and groups to help raise awareness of opportunities available during Carers Week, from June 9 until 15. For more information contact Andrea Willis on (01609) 780872.