HOUSING schemes for people with learning disabilities will be on show in Northallerton next week. The Living Options day will take place in the Mencap centre, Goosecroft Lane, on Friday. The event is open to anyone in Hambleton and Richmondshire who has learning disabilities or lives with someone who has difficulties. The event aims to help people make an informed choice about their future accommodation needs. Organisations taking part include Adult Placements, Mencap, and the Hospitaller Order of St John of God. For further details, contact Sue Lear on (01609) 778894.

cHURCH VOLUNTEERS: A Lower Dales churchyard, admired by hundreds of visitors a year, has issued a plea for help to keep it neat and tidy. Officals of St James's Parish Church, at Grewelthorpe, near Ripon, want to build up a rota of grass cutters for the once-a- fortnight task. Anyone who can help is asked to contact John Shardlow on (01765) 658186.

SCENTING SUCCESS: Hopes of success in the Yorkshire in Bloom contest are soaring at Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, after judges made complimentary remarks about the area's colourful and well cared for gardens. A group of litter pickers had ensured there was not a scrap of paper to be seen.

BOOSTING SKILLS: Tutors are preparing to help anyone who wants to improve their English and maths skills. Wensleydale Community Education is marking Adult Learners' Week by launching drop-in sessions at Middleham Town Hall, on May 16. Sessions will then be held every Thursday, from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Czech visit: Pauline Buchanan, from York, will be travelling to the Czech Republic shortly to carry out scientific research with the environmental charity Earthwatch after winning a Millennium Award. She will be working on a project to restore vital links in forests damaged by acid rain.

IMPROVED crossings: Nine pelican crossings in the Scarborough area are being replaced with puffin crossings.