A DERELICT estate plagued by young hooligans has suffered an arson attack.

Three fire crews battled to control the blaze in two boarded up semi-detached houses in Slessor Road, Acomb, York. Police believe petrol was poured on to one of the back doors and set alight. Dozens of former Ministry of Defence houses in the area, many of which have been boarded up for some time, are gradually being demolished, but the site has become a magnet for hooligans.

FOLK NIGHT: Richmond's King's Head Hotel will host an evening of folk music in aid of the Easby Footpath Restoration Project this weekend. Nebula, John Wilson, The Dalesfolk and The Back Room Band will perform from 8pm on Saturday. Tickets cost £5 and are available on (01748) 823076 or (01748) 825041.

RIDING OUT: Camp Hill, near Kirklington, has been confirmed as the venue for Jeep's Horsepower Day, sponsored by local dealer John Gill. The event, which is being held on Sunday, October 12, includes the chance to drive an off-road course, as well as mounted games staged by the Pony Club, a jousting competition, a country fair and equestrian displays. The gates open at 11am.

PARTY NIGHT: The story of the chaos sparked by a night of revelry is told by Knaresborough Players this week. The group starts a three-night run of Abigail's Party at the town's Fraser Theatre from 7.30pm on Thursday. Tickets for the show are available from the Book Shop, High Street, priced from £4.50.

ROAD CLOSURES: Motorists are being warned about the temporary closure of a section of Little Lane, Easingwold, from Monday for five days. The closure is due to gas supply installation work. The road between Spencliffe Grange and Beckside Farm, Oldstead, near Coxwold, will also be closed for five days from Monday for drainage works.