A retired university lecturer is the latest member to be appointed to serve the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. Dr Malcolm Petyt was appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment for a term of three years and takes up the position vacated by Alice Amsden, who resigned last year. Dr Petyt is a member of the Council of the National Trust, the Council for National Parks, the Council of Management of the Yorkshire Dales Society and holds several posts in the Ramblers' Association.

RECRUIT SOUGHT: A volunteer is needed by Richmondshire Citizens' Advice Bureau to handle social policy work. The task involves spending a few hours a week looking at how legislation affects clients, and gathering evidence of how laws and local government decisions work in practice. Anyone interested should contact the manager, in writing, at Richmondshire Citizens' Advice Bureau, 23 Newbiggin, Richmond, DL10 4DX.

ART REVIVAL: An exhibition celebrating the revival of the etching in the mid-19th Century will be held at Scarborough Art Gallery from April 20 to June 9.

ROAD CLOSURE: Motorists in the Scarborough area are being warned of the temporary closure of a section of Irton Moor Lane at Irton from Wednesday to Sunday for resurfacing work.

OLD WILLS: Elizabeth Berry will give a talk on 18th Century Swaledale wills at the next meeting of the Northallerton Family History Society, in the town's reference library, at 7.15pm, on Thursday.

HOSPITAL BOOST: Richmond's 41 Club has handed over £300 to the town's Friary Hospital to help cover the cost of new equipment. The money was raised by members who arranged a series of events over the past 12 months.

JUST CHAMPION: Darts champion Phil Taylor takes on the district's best at the Richmond Cricket Club on Sunday. The ten-times world number one plays 16 top local league players from 7pm. Tickets for the evening are priced at £5 and include a pie and peas supper. More details are available by telephoning (01748) 824573.

CROSSING CLOSURE: Motorists in the Northallerton area are being warned about the temporary closure of Long Lane level crossing, south of Deighton, for maintenance work. The work is expected to be carried out between 10pm on Saturday, April 20, and 10am the following day.

JUMBLE SALE: Hundreds of bargains will be on offer at a jumble sale in aid of two leading charities. Bargain hunters from throughout the area are invited to the event at the village hall in Flaxton next Saturday, at 2pm. Profits made will be donated to the chairman of Ryedale District Council's charities - North Yorkshire Music Therapy and Marie Curie Cancer Care. Contributions towards the sale will be welcome and the village hall will be open to receive donations from noon. If collection is required, telephone (01904) 468430.