Two schoolchildren who have won places at the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth are meeting their MP today.

York youngsters Lucy Rawkins and James Washington, both at Manor CE School, will join the rest of Year 8 to put questions to York MP Hugh Bayley when he visits the school. The academy is open to pupils whose academic ability is in the top five per cent nationally.

CANCER SESSION: Cancer nurses at the Friarage Hospital are holding sessions for patients with cancer, and their carers. The next session will be on Wednesday, from 10am to noon, at the Rutson Hospital, in Northallerton High Street. The nurses will give advice and information and there will be a talk from the Citizens Advice Bureau about benefits available to those with cancer.

FLOOD ADVICE: A leaflet covering such issues as assessing the risk of flooding, preparing for floods, interpreting flood warning codes and emergency telephone numbers, has been published by Richmondshire District Council. They are available from the Council's Planning and Development Unit, local libraries and one-stop-community shops or by calling (01748) 829100.

'in-loo' of change: City of York Council has started a £45,000 programme of major improvements to city centre public toilets ahead of the tourism season. The repairs will mean that some toilets will be closed over the next few weeks.

FREE TICKETS: BBC Radio Four's Gardeners' Question Time is being recorded at Great Smeaton village hall on Wednesday, April 23, from 6pm. For tickets - issued on a first-come, first-served basis - send a large stamped addressed envelope to Teresa Crow, 7 Hambleton Court, Great Smeaton, Northallerton, DL6 2HR.