TOP ACADEMIC: Tributes have been paid to Professor Barrie Dobson, a respected historian, scholar and former deputy vice-chancellor of the University of York, who has died at the age of 81. His commitment to preserving the city’s past led to him being one of the founding members of York Archaeological society in 1972, eventually going on to become chairman of the society in 1988.

CITY'S FUTURE: An eight-week city-wide consultation is to be launched next month on a 15-year development blueprint for York which includes some 22,000 new homes. The Labour-led city council claims at least 1,090 new homes are needed each year to tackle York’s “housing crisis”.

YOUNG STAR: James Chen, the nine-year-old pianist who is the current Darlington and Northallerton Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year will feature in a gala concert at All Saints Church, Northallerton, on Saturday May 11. The event starts at 7pm and includes 12 other talented young musicians. Tickets are £5 and available from Greensleeves in Northallerton or, subject to availability, on the evening at the church.