THE site of one of York's best-known stores looks set to be transformed into shops and flats despite objections.

Planning officers have recommended that councillors approve the plan for the former F R Stubbs building, in Walmgate. The Civic Trust said it would prefer the site to be undeveloped, but if approved, should be landscaped to reflect the open space in the grounds of the Merchant Adventurers Hall across the river. York Georgian Society said the development would destroy an urban open space.

HIGH NOTE: Thirsk School's Grand Concert lived up to its name this year, with strong performances by the sax quartet, the concert band and the string ensembles. The concert gave the sixth form pupils a chance to take centre stage with solo performances provided by musicians including Adam Baragwanath, Jennifer Donald and Caroline Tucker. There were several vocal solos from Kate Soper, Jessie Shakespeare and Rachel Sewell.

BANK BOSS: Retired bank manager and one-time head chorister at York Minster, Bill Cooper, has died at the age of 93. York-born Mr Cooper was manager of Barclays, in Scarborough, for many years.

LOST PLACES: Mark Whymen will give a talk, called Lost Places, at Boroughbridge and District Historical Society, at St James' Hall, above the library, on Tuesday, at 7.30pm. Admission, including refreshments, is £2.

CHURCH DATES: St Oswald's Church, in Sowerby, is holding a pram service at noon tomorrow in the church followed by a lunch in the hall. At the same time a friendship lunch will be held in the Friend's Meeting House, Thirsk.