A DISEASED ash tree in the grounds of a school is being given a new lease of life as a piece of sculpture.

The tree, at Thornton-le-Dale village school, is to become the focal point of a story-telling area after David Gross a sculpture from Seaham, County Durham, completes his creation of a host of characters from Enid Blyton's book, The Magic Faraway Tree. Pupils have created the characters in the form of paper sculpture and Mr Gross, a professional sculptor for 15 years, is incorporating them into the tree trunk. A special seat has been created at the foot of the tree for a reading area. Teacher Sue Flack, who masterminded the idea, said: "The children have been really enthusiastic and it has given the tree a whole new meaning for the school - and saved it from being felled."

LANDOWNER'S GOLD: Lord Middleton, who owns the Birdsall Estate, Malton, has been awarded the Royal Agricultural Society's Gold Medal for Landowners by Prince Charles. Society spokeswoman Angela Lea said Lord Middleton had been chosen because of the high standard maintained on his estate. "He personally overseas the repairs to his properties and maintains excellent relations with his tenants," she said. The estate covers about 12,500 acres.

ROAD CLOSURE: Motorists in the Northallerton area are being warned about the temporary closure of a section of the B6271 Yafforth road for resurfacing work. Although scheduled for five days, the work is expected to be completed between 10pm and midnight on Thursday.

HOUSING BLOW: Plans to demolish the function room and other parts of the Carlton Lodge Hotel, Helmsley, to make way for housing seem likely to be rejected by the North York Moors National Park Authority. Moorside Development, of York, was hoping to build ten houses on the site, but officials say it is out of keeping with the area. A decision will be made on Thursday.

SCHOOL SHOW: Helmsley Primary School will hold its jubilee summer fair today, starting at 2pm, on the school field. Events include various stalls, games and a raffle competition.