PROGRESS on plans to build a conference and exhibition centre at Pickering has been delayed.

Members of Ryedale District Council's northern area planning committee have approved the scheme in principle, but the decision now rests with the authority's policy and resources committee. Pickering businessman Simon Boak wants permission for the project, planned for a site off the A169 Pickering to Malton road which is used for car boot sales. Mr Boak said the venture would be a boost to Pickering's economy, attracting people to the town from all parts of the country. Councillor Allin Jenkins told the planning committee that the plan was against council policy because it was in open countryside. A final decision will now be taken on Thursday next week.

BUILDING LINKS: A Ripon school's plans for a wildlife area have been given a boost by a local builders' merchants. The Builder Center has donated £100 towards the cost of a pond at St Wilfrid's School, which children hope will become a home to frogs and wild flowers.

CATHEDRAL CONCERT: Rip-on Cathedral will welcome the Fairhaven Singers, from Cambridge, later this month. A concert at 8pm on Friday, next week, includes performances of Iberian Renaissance motets, English romantic anthems and part-songs under the musical direction of Ralph Woodward. Tickets cost £7. They are available from Ripon Travel, or by telephoning (01765) 601689.

DOMINO DRIVE: A domino drive to raise funds for Pickering Town Football Club will take place at 7.30pm, tonight at the Recreation Club, Mill Lane.

BINGO NIGHT: A prize and cash bingo evening will be held at the Ings Garth community centre, Pickering, on Monday, at 7pm. Money raised will go towards centre funds.

GARDEN EVENT: The Kirkbymoorside branch of Amnesty International is holding a garden party tomorrow, from 2pm to 5pm, at Hill Top Farm, Spaunton. There will be a raffle and various stalls.