AT long last, a 29-mile section of the A1 through North Yorkshire is to be turned into a three-lane motorway.

That it has taken so long for such a vital route through our region to be upgraded is nothing short of scandalous.

After years of lobbying by business leaders and roads campaigners, investment in the long-awaited link, between Bramham, near Wetherby, and Barton, near Darlington, is finally expected to be confirmed today.

The economic regeneration of our region depends on effective road and rail links and today's announcement represents an important step forward.

But the pressure for safer, more efficient roads - befitting a region as strategically important as this one - must be maintained until the entire stretch of the A1 is upgraded and the disgraceful delays over the dualling of the A66 are ended.

We welcome the news that another 29 miles of the A1 are to become three lanes. It means motorists will be safer and the region will have a more competitive edge.

But we must not overlook the fact that the Government is only so far up the road.

An inspiration

IT is very easy to knock the younger generation. But it is a pleasure to highlight the story on Page 5 today about 12-year-old Nikki Blenkinsopp.

Nikki has earned the praise of Home Secretary David Blunkett, as well as police chiefs and community leaders, for his courage and initiative in helping to fight crime in Southwick, Sunderland.

As Britain's youngest Neighbourhood Watch leader, he has braved the ridicule of some of his peers, and the anger of criminals, to help clean up the streets.

While others have been afraid to report offences, Nikki has ignored accusations of being a "grass" and linked up with police.

Instead of turning a blind eye, as so many do, he has got off his backside and responded positively to problems on his estate. The result is a reduction in crime.

Thank you Nikki - you are an inspiration to young and old.