THIEVES escaped with thousands of pounds after forcing their way into the grounds of a Wensleydale castle.

The intruders forced their way into Bolton Castle's gift shop and broke open the safe. The shop's tills were also targeted. Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area over the past few days is asked to contact police on (01609) 783131 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

Show time: Carlton Miniott is holding its village show on Sunday. The event starts at noon. Activities include a children's fancy dress contest at 1pm, children's races at 1.30pm, five-a-side football at 2.30pm and a tug-o-war at 4pm.

Stubbing out: Clinics to help people to stop smoking are being organised by North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service and the Selby and York Primary Care Trust. For more details, call (01904) 663310.

open day: An open day with various tours is to be held at the Stonefall cemetery and crematorium in Harrogate, on September 7, from 9.30am to 3.30pm. "Cemeteries can often be places of peace and tranquillity and the perfect place to spend time in peaceful reflection," said a spokesman for the council's bereavement services department.

Cake funds: A cake stall will be selling tasty treats in Pickering's Market Place tomorrow, from 9am, in aid of the Wilf Ward Family Trust, a charity for people with learning and physical disabilities. Money raised will help those living in Woodside House long-term care home

Library closure: Northallerton library will be closed on Thursday while essential electrical work is carried out at the nearby college. The work will involve the supply to the library being disconnected.

Local plan: Harrogate's revised planning blueprint will be available for inspection at council offices and local public libraries for the next six weeks.

Show Time: Northallerton Amateur Variety Company will perform Songs from Stage and Screen in the town hall on Saturday, September 28, starting at 7.30pm. For more information, call (01609) 770936.

Coffee Date: The Children's Society is holding a coffee morning in Northallerton town hall on Saturday, September 14, from 10am to noon.