SOUVENIRS to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee have been launched by a committee responsible for Northallerton's celebrations.

The town has resisted the temptation to order the requisite mugs and teaspoons and, instead, has commissioned local ceramic artist, Jill Benson, to design dishes, which include the emblem of the Battle of the Standard, fought just north of the town in 1138. "We thought that we would try to do something individual, using the arts," said spokesman John Coulson. An aerial photograph of the town will be available, with proceeds going to the RAF Benevolent Fund. The programme starts on Saturday, June 1, with a market and prizes for the best-dressed shopper and the best turned out stall. A photographic exhibition in the town hall will show the High Street as it was in 1952, with a history trail and competitions for children in the town centre.

RAIL EXHIBITION: The Northallerton branch of the Wensleydale Railway Association will host an exhibition as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations in the town. Individuals or groups who want to display models, Meccano or other railway memorabilia in the town hall on Sunday, September 15, are urged to come forward. For details call (01609) 770317.

FULL MONTY: More than 35 York firefighters went through a Full Monty routine at the Ikon Diva nightclub on Clifton Moor and raised more than £5,000 for the Rosie Henry fund. Rosie, from Northallerton, suffers from a rare degenerative disease and the money raised is going towards improving her quality of life.

Heavy haul: Thieves stole three heavy stone ornaments from the front garden of a house in Hutton-le-Hole on the North York Moors. A stone trough and two stone statues of lurchers were taken.

JAZZ MAN: New Orleans swamp jazz pianist Dr John will play at the York Barbican Centre on July 27. Tickets are £18.50 and the box office can be contacted on (01904) 656688.