Countryside help needed

THE hunt is on for people willing to help with conservation projects in the Yorkshire Dales. Woodland management and footpath restoration work is planned in the Nidderdale area in the run-up to spring and the area's Countryside Volunteers are on the lookout for more manpower. Details of the days when projects are planned are available by contacting the organisation on (01423) 712027.

AUDITION DATE: Potential thespians are welcome at auditions for the Bedale and District Amateur Dramatic Society's next show next week. Casting for the production at Bedale High School in April will be based on the talent which turns up at Askew Methodist School Room from 7.30pm next Tuesday. Anyone interested in a back-stage role will also be welcome. Further information is available by calling (01677) 423320.

DRIVING EXAM: Members of the Northallerton branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) will be putting themselves to the test at their next meeting. Members who gather at The Lodge at Leeming Bar on Wednesday, February 13, will be scrutinising sections of the driving manual as well as traffic law and the IAM test. New members are welcome. For details call (01748) 823288.

SHOW TIME: The amateur dramatic society in Dalton, near Richmond, stages Cinderella in the village hall from Tuesday, February 12, to Saturday, February 16, excluding Friday. Performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4, £2 for children, from (01833) 621236/621412.

ROAD CLOSED: Drivers have been warned about temporary closure of part of Riverside Road, Richmond, until tomorrow for sewer repairs. An alternative route for vehicles will be signposted and the one-way traffic order in Millgate is suspended while the work is carried out. Pedestrian access is available throughout.

Festival date: Great Ouseburn's spring festival will be on Sunday, April 21, organisers have announced. The event will include an open gardens scheme, a flower festival and a children's butterfly hunt