Richmond'S Christmas lights have already been vandalised, even before the official switch-on.

Enamel paint was tipped over three Father Christmas ornaments, which would have been part of the display in the town's Friary Gardens from tomorrow night. Other lights were also smashed some time over the weekend. Police have urged people to keep watch on the gardens and to report any further acts of vandalism.

CHRISTINGLE SERVICE: The Christingle Service in aid of The Children's Society will be held in All Saints Church, Northallerton, on Sunday, December 8. The service starts at 3.30pm.

QUIZ BOOST: A quiz night organised by Hackforth Village Hall committee and held in the Greyhound Inn, Hackforth, raised £80 for the BBC Children In Need Appeal.

COATS STOLEN: Suede coats worth more than £200 have gone missing from a shop in Catterick Garrison. Eight jackets with fur collars are thought to have been stolen from the shop in Gough Road sometime on Monday. Anyone offered similar goods at a cheap price is asked to contact Richmond police.

ART DISPLAY: Two local artists Sue Oswell and Carol Archer will be displaying their paintings at Richmond Library from Monday until Saturday, December 14.

COFFEE CASH: A coffee morning, organised by the Richmond branch of the Alzheimer's Disease Society on Saturday, raised £536 for the charity. The money will be invested in local projects to help those who suffer from the illness.

MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA: The Carol Andrew Singers, in Darlington, will perform festive music at Northallerton Methodist Church on Saturday, December 7, at 7.30pm. The concert will embrace a wide range of Christmas music, from traditional and classics to more modern pieces, with a few humorous moments. Tickets cost £5 and are available from Greensleeves Music, Wesley Coffee Pot or call (01609) 774060.