More than 200 lots go under the hammer at an auction of promises at the Allertonshire School, Northallerton, tomorrow.

The fundraising event in the West House hall is open for viewing from 6.30pm and starts 30 minutes later, conducted by local auctioneer Mike Darwin. Lots include food and meals in hotels, visits to museums, cinemas, theatres, a brewery, country houses and other attractions, a day on preserved railways, toys and clothes.

LEARNING SUPPORT: A learning support room has opened at Lowfield School, in York, for use by 17 staff.

ROAD CLOSURE: Abbots Road, Whitby, will be closed from Monday to Friday next week while speed humps are installed. Diversions will be in place.

SKATE PARK: Youngsters in Thirsk are getting closer to having a place to skate safely. No one has objected to suggestions to build a park on Newsham Road. The landowner has given his permission and Thirsk Racecourse owners, adjoining the site, have said that as long as noise is kept down, they will not object. Funds will now be raised and planning permission applied for.

POSTAL SERVICE: The pilot postal service for Thirsk with a single rather than twice daily delivery service has proved successful says the Post Office. It has now intimated that the service, with special emphasis on an early delivery for businesses, will continue.

BABY SITTING: The first candidates to complete a British Red Cross baby-sitting training programme in Thirsk will be presented with their certificates next week. The Red Cross has been holding a ten-week course at East Thirsk Community Centre. "This is a first for the area and we were pleased with the response," said organiser Linda Craggon.

FARMING FORUM: The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group is holding its biannual forum at the Sundial at Northallerton's Darlington Road, from 1pm next Thursday, and not Friday, November 29, as previously reported.