AN event to attract people into nursing takes place in Harrogate on Wednesday, April 10.

The nurse education information afternoon will be held in the lecture theatre at Harrogate District Hospital, between 2pm and 4.30pm, and includes information on the University of York's three-year diploma of higher education in nursing studies. Staff from the NHS and course tutors will be on hand to answer questions. To book a place, call Jane Milsom on (01904) 321392.

PALACE DATE: York Boat Cruise Company partner Denise Howard, who is also a director of the Yorkshire Tourist Board, travelled to Buckingham Palace to be presented with an OBE by the Queen. She was awarded the honour in the New Year in recognition of services to the tourism industry.

CARE BOOST: Pupils from Cundall Manor pre-preparatory school have raised £579 for the special care baby unit at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton.The children were sponsored to take on an obstacle course and raised cash by covering pictures with coins.

CHURCH CONCERT: Askrigg Parish Church will host the Dales Chamber Orchestra on Wednesday, from 7.30pm. A second concert in Bedale Hall will be held on Sunday, April 7. Tickets, priced £8, can be bought from the post office in Askrigg and tourist information offices in Bedale, Aysgarth, Hawes and Leyburn.

SALE RETURNS: Wensley's Easter car boot sale returns on Monday after a year's absence because of the foot-and-mouth crisis. Gates open at Bolton Park at 9am. More information is available by telephoning (01969) 623526.

GARDEN DESIGN: A course in garden design will be held at the Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre, in Knaresborough, from April 10. For details contact (01423) 541888.

Graves thanks: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has written a letter of thanks to Topcliffe Parish Council after the authority took over maintenance of local graves