THE helmsman of Filey lifeboat, Neil Cammish, has been honoured by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for his part in the search for a man who was thought to have been missing at sea.

Mr Cammish masterminded the search after the alarm was raised, searching the sea between Brigg End and Cayton Bay. Both Filey's lifeboats, the offshore and inshore craft, were launched. Mr Cammish has been praised for his handling of the inshore boat in heavy seas. The missing man was later found on shore safe and well.

MOVING ON: Scarborough's "flying doctor, Nick Morton, is leaving to become a medical officer with the Cunard shipping line. Dr Morton, 55, is to retire from the practice in Falsgrave Road, Scarborough, where he has been a GP for 25 years. He has worked as a voluntary flying doctor for the British Association of Immediate Care, which provides GPs to attend road accidents and other emergencies.

ROAD CLOSURE: Motorists in the Northallerton area are being warned about the temporary closure of the level crossing at Station Road, Brompton, from 10pm on Saturday, January 4, until 9am the following day. The closure is needed for essential track maintenance. Access for pedestrians will be maintained throughout the road closure. An alternative route for vehicles will be signposted.

VIEWS SOUGHT: People living in Hambleton are being invited to discuss the district council's cultural strategy. Exhibitions detailing the authority's proposals will be held at the Galtres Centre, Easingwold, next Monday; Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall on January 8; Bedale Hall on January 9; Hambleton Forum, Northallerton, on January 13, and at the Friends Meeting House, Great Ayton, on January 16.

SUPPER DANCE: A supper and dance will be held at the Memorial Hall, in Carlton-in-Coverdale, at 7pm, on Thursday, January 9. Tickets costing £10 are available from June Utley on (01969) 640239. Proceeds will go to the Breast Care Unit at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.

MOBILE LIBRARY: The mobile library will visit Carlton Husthwaite next Monday. The library will be at the Green from 2.40pm to 2.55pm, and at the post office from 3pm to 3.15pm.

SHOW TRIP: Easingwold's University of the Third Age group is planning an outing to see the musical Cats in Sunderland, on April 30. To take part in the trip, call (01347) 811206.

JOINT SERVICE: There will be a joint service of family communion at All Saints' Church, near Picton, at 10.30am on Sunday. Holy Communion will be at 2.30pm.

GROUP MEETING: The Julian Group will meet at the Friends' Meeting House, in Grove Square, Leyburn, at 7pm on Thursday.