The search for missing Harrogate woman Jo Paines continues, with police now carrying out extensive searches around ponds, quarries and becks in surrounding rural area.

Police have asked the public to help by looking in sheds or garages, and to notify them if they have seen a woman fitting her description getting into a vehicle in the Harrogate area. Mrs Paines is 39, 5ft 6in, slim, with short dark curly hair. She was last seen on November 19, wearing black trousers, a dark-tanned sheepskin jacket, a black jumper with grey hoops and a single red hoop. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (01423) 505541.

CHARITY SHOP: The Richmond branch of dry-cleaning chain Johnson's has been helping to raise money for needy children. The shop has been selling Save the Children Christmas cards. The initiative ends on Sunday. The cards will be available between 10am and 4pm until then.

RAMBLE ON: Northallerton Ramblers meet on Sunday to cover eight miles of countryside between Swainby and Carlton Bank. Anyone interested can join walkers in Swainby, near the church, at 10am. For details, call (01642) 701539.

TA AWARD: Territorial Army soldier Private Matthew Loose, 19, of Sutton-on-the-Forest, near York, has been awarded the Paul Simpson Memorial trophy in recognition of the fact that he "excels at all aspects of military life". The award is given annually in memory of a TA soldier who was killed in a car crash.

CHARITY GIFT: York charity Snappy, which helps children with special needs, has been given £740 for multi-sensory equipment. The cash was raised by Rotoract, the younger arm of the Rotary Club.

TEEN'S PRIZE: Philip Lickley, 16, of Acomb, York, came fourth in a Channel Four inventors competition after developing a hand-held computer which connects online and can download books, music or films.