RYEDALE District Council has chosen to work in partnership with Agilisys to improve services for customers and help meet the council's e-government requirements.

The improvements will range from one-stop receptions to contact centres and Internet services. Agilisys was chosen ahead of others as part as a 14-month bidding process.

SPONSORED SWIM: Bedale Leisure Centre will host a sponsored swim to help the DalesCare day centre, which helps older people in Bedale. The event will take place on Sunday, April 27, and entry forms are available from the day centre and the leisure centre. The swim will take place between 2pm and 10pm and completed entry forms should be handed in to the day centre by Sunday, April 6.

ARTISTS WANTED: Artists of all abilities are being invited to take part in the third St Gemma's Hospice Arts Exhibition, at Leeds Grammar School, from July 17. Last year's show featured more than 500 exhibits from more than 140 artists. It was the largest of its kind in the UK and raised more than £5,000 for the hospice. To take part, call Giles Hall on (0113) 2185559.

TOWN DANCE: A barn dance is being held at Northallerton Town Hall tonight, from 7pm to 11pm. Music will be provided by the Mayflower Band. Tickets cost £4.50 and include a buffet supper. People are asked to bring their own drinks. Tickets are available by calling (01609) 775381.

SLIDE SHOW: At the next meeting of the Allertonshire Civic Society, Jane Hatcher will show slides and talk about the Aske Estate and its owners. The event will be held at the WI hall, Romanby, on Thursday, April 10, at 7.30pm.

BOOK SIGNING: Gervase Phinn will be signing copies of his new book, Head Over heels in the Dales, on Saturday, April 5, from 10.30am to noon, at White Rose Books, in Thirsk Market Place.

RIPON RAMBLE: On Wednesday, Una Blears and Val Coombs will lead a seven-and-a-half mile walk from Askwith to Clifton and Dab Park. To take part, call (01765) 607885.