Bureau in need of volunteers

Thirsk, Sowerby and district volunteer bureau is looking for helpers. Opportunities are wide and varied, and the bureau has information on a range of activities and can arrange no obligation introductions to other organisations.

The bureau also provides direct services and is looking to expand the befriending scheme. For further details, contact Sue Lee or Sue Wright, at 21 Chapel Street, Thirsk, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or telephone (01845) 523115.

DRIVERS MEET: The Northallerton Branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists has confirmed details of its first meeting of the New Year. Allison Butterfield from the North Yorkshire County Council road safety team will give a talk at The Lodge, in Leeming Bar, on Wednesday, January 9. More details are available by telephoning (01748) 823288.

Garage sign: A high level illuminated sign can be erected at Nidd Vale Motors garage at Scott's Corner, Leeds Road, Harrogate, a planning inspector has ruled. The firm's application was originally turned down by Harrogate Borough Council but it has successfully appealed against the decision.

Office conversion:

Planning permission has been granted for the upper floors of a multi-storey office block in Parliament Street, Harrogate, to be converted into 23 flats. The scheme, submitted by Oakgate Group, also includes a four-storey building behind the tower block with shops at ground floor level and offices above.

Health training: New ways of training health workers are to be piloted at York St John College. The School of Professional Health Studies has won a national bid to be a pilot site for the modernisation of education and training.

In voice: Carol singers were in fine voice at the annual Yorkshire Cancer Research carol concert at Aysgarth School Chapel, in Bedale, and raised £1,800 for the charity.