TOURIST information centres across Hambleton are turning their attention to the needs of local people.

The five centres have become ticket agencies for events being staged at the Hambleton Community Centre, in Northallerton.

The initiative is the first step by the centres in Thirsk, Northallerton, Bedale, Easingwold and Great Ayton to sell tickets for a wide range of events and services.

"Often people miss out on some of the productions because they are not able to easily buy tickets. This system will solve that problem," said the chairman of Hambleton's tourism sub-committee, Margaret Skilbeck.

"Eventually, we want all the centres geared up to sell tickets for all manner of things. Our centres are as much information providers for local people as they are for tourists."

Tickets are on sale for the next three shows at the community centre, and discounts are on offer for buying early.

Tribute band Beetles UK, from Liverpool, will perform on September 30, while birdwatching Goodie Bill Oddie will take to the stage on October 7, taking his audience on a journey through toddling to twitching, in Follow That Bird.

Broadcaster John Suchet will present Beethoven -- The Last Master, an evening of comedy, drama and music, on December 1.