Church sees the light

NEW floodlighting has been fitted to the church of St Felix, at Felixkirk, near Thirsk. The work was made possible thanks to a donation from Robin Bosomworth, in memory of his parents and son, Colin. The lights are designed to illuminate the south front at the east and west ends of the church, and will operate automatically each day after dark. They were installed by Mike Scatchard, of Thirlby. The Reverend Toddy Hoare and parishioners thanked Mr Bosomworth for his gift and a plaque is to be placed in the church porch to commemorate the event.

BUNKHOUSE OK: A bunkhouse is to be created from redundant outbuildings at Abbot's House Farm, Goathland. The North York Moors National Park authority has approved the plan to create the bunkhouse to accommodate ten to 12 people. The plan has the support of the parish council, which wants to see the facility created to replace the closed Wheeldale youth hostel. The site already has established use as a 30-pitch seasonal camping and touring caravan site.

ACCUSED BAILED: A man accused of harassing his former partner for almost a month appeared in court yesterday. Jason McLean, 29, pleaded not guilty to pursuing a course of conduct which put Marianne Wrightson in fear of violence in August. The hearing was adjourned so a trial date can be fixed. McLean was released on bail.

CARE POST: The Community Care Association, in Stokesley, has made a successful bid for funding for a coordinator/volunteer bureau manager. It is hoped it will enable the association to expand the use of the service and attract new volunteers.

FLOOD GEAR: Firefighters in Malton have taken delivery of new equipment, including an inflatable boat and chest waders to help them deal with any future flooding in the town. In the past, they have had to borrow from the Environment Agency and the RNLI.

STROKE FUNDS: A table top sale will be held at the Mencap Centre, off Quaker Lane, Northallerton, on November 10, from 11am to 4pm, in aid of the stroke unit at the town's Rutson Hospital. Tables are available at £5 each and must be booked beforehand by contacting (01347) 868738