VALUABLE jewellery and oil paintings were among items stolen from a Topcliffe house while the owners watched television in another room, between 7pm and 8.30pm on Thursday.

Silverware and glassware is also missing. Police are anxious to talk to anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously in the village that evening. Anyone with information is asked to contact Northallerton CID on (01609) 789131 ext 4457.

TEA DANCES: Stokesley Leisure Centre will stage, weekly tea dances aimed at experienced dancers and beginners. Two-hour sessions will be held every Monday, at 2pm, from January 20, costing £1.80 per person. For more details, call (01642) 711140.

MAYOR'S CHRISTMAS: Santa will visit the Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Bernard Bateman, today, at 11am. It is part of the Mayor's charity Christmas fair, taking place in the Town Hall from 10am to 2pm and youngsters are invited to come and meet Santa.

SCHOOL PLAN: A North Yorkshire girls' public school has secured planning permission to create an underground car park in its grounds. Queen Ethelburga's College at Thorpe Underwood Hall has also been given permission for an activity area near the coach house.

TOO BIG: Planners have turned down a scheme for a first-floor extension at 9 Lodge Yard, Minskip, near Boroughbridge. Council officials said the extension was too big and would harm the character of the building.

MASTS APPROVED: A mobile phone company has been given the go-ahead for five telecommunication equipment poles on top of Knaresborough Police Station, in Castlegate. Planners have approved the scheme by Hutchison 3GUK Ltd, although the firm has been told it must remove equipment immediately if it ceases to be used.

QUIET CHIROPODY: Part of a first-floor flat on Boroughbridge High Street is to become a chiropody and beauty salon, although applicant Alison Little has been told no amplified music can be played from 6pm to 9am Monday to Saturdays - and never on Sundays or bank holidays.