A SCHEME to help develop the eight voluntary museums within Hambleton and Richmondshire has received financial backing.

Hambleton District Council's cabinet has approved a £2,000 grant for the project and Richmondshire District Council is expected to match that figure. The money will help to unlock £48,000 from the Yorkshire and Humberside Museums Council, which will be made available over the next four years. The project aims to improve educational opportunities and create a programme of activities targeted at specific audiences.

NOTEWORTHY EFFORT: The musical talents of the Hawes Silver Prize Band and the East Witton Male Voice Choir have helped cancer patients to the tune of £1,005. The Alistair Bullen aromatherapy fund, set up to provide cancer patients at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, with the comforting treatment, received the boost after a fundraising concert in Hawes. It is the second time the combined talents have proved beneficial to the hospital's Mowbray Suite. They provided a therapy chair, improving comfort for patients, after a concert two years ago. Sister Susan Whitehead said: "We are grateful for the much-appreciated donation and would like to thank both groups for their continued support."

OPEN FOURUM: Folk group Fourum will perform a concert at Richmond Town Hall tonight. The band has agreed to play to help raise cash to cover the costs of the installation of closed circuit television cameras at St Agatha's Church at nearby Easby. Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets priced at £6, including wine and refreshments. More details are available by telephoning (01748) 850243.

HEART DISCO: A disco dance at the village hall in Kilburn, near Thirsk, organised by local woman Lib Pennock and her family, raised £1,200 for the British Heart Foundation. Charity representative Pat Le Masurier said: "It is wonderful when a family who are well aware of the problems of heart disease decide off their own bat to do something so constructive."