A WOMAN whose weekly whist drives have raised thousands of pounds for her local community during the past 30 years has been honoured by the local parish council.

Kath Armitage has been awarded the Killinghall Award, named after the village near Harrogate where she lives, at a surprise ceremony. The award is given annually to the local person that does the most to help others. During the past 12 years, Mrs Armitage has donated almost £10,000 to the local village hall, raised from whist drives.

STONEMASON: Bob Weatherill has died at the age of 72. Mr Weatherill, of Ainthorpe, near Whitby, was responsible for many landmark works, including the millennium stone above Rosedale, the millennium sundial at Castleton, and a cross at Westerdale. He joined his stonemason father Frank in the family business after leaving school. The business is now run by his son, Michael.

SEATRS LEFT: Some seats are still left for the next two nights of Northallerton Operatic Society's show Sing Something Seasonal. The show has been running at the Hambleton Forum, in Northallerton, since Tuesday. The show is on tonight and Saturday. For ticket details, ring (01609) 770936, or arrive on the night.

MOVING UP: North Yorkshire police have announced that John Lacy has been promoted to chief superintendent and confirmed as the commander for the force's central area covering York, Selby and Tadcaster.

FIRE UPGRADE: Plans to equip 14 fire engines in North Yorkshire with hydraulic rescue equipment to help them free trapped accident victims more quickly have been approved.