THE new chairperson of the board of governors at York Theatre Royal is to be Professor Dianne Willcocks.

Prof Willcocks, principal of York St John College, is taking over following the retirement of the Dean of York, the Very Reverend Raymond Furnell, who has held the post since 1995. Prof Willcocks said: "Over the recent period there has been a new sense of excitement and creative challenge in the programmes of work that we in York have enjoyed. It will be a privilege to join with Board members in contributing to this agenda."

ORE CHARGE: A man arrested as part of Operation Ore, the trans-Atlantic investigation into internet child pornography, appeared before magistrates in Harrogate yesterday. Jaynus Luke Suttill, 30, of Forest Lane, Harrogate, was remanded on bail until June 3 at the request of his solicitor Geoffrey Rogers. Mr Suttill faces five charges claiming that at Harrogate between July 7, 1999 and July 13, 2002, he made an indecent photograph of a child. He did not enter any pleas and reporting restrictions were not lifted.

SALE VIEWING: Two sales will take place at Tennants auction centre in Leyburn, next week. Viewing for the stamps, postcards, cigarette cards and coin sale will take place on Monday, between 9am and 7pm, and on Tuesday, between 9am and noon. The sale will begin at 12.30pm on the Tuesday. Viewing for the books sale will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, between 9am and 4pm, before the sale next Friday at 10.30am.

TRIBUTE BAND: New Age Jam will be performing at the Hambleton Forum in Northallerton on Friday, May 30. It is the latest of a series of concerts in the town by tribute bands. Next in line are La Vida Santana, on June 27.