From this newspaper 100 years ago. - A remarkably good display of Christmas stock is on show by the butchers of Richmond. The beasts and sheep hail from the rich agricultural districts of Swaledale, Wensleydale and the Vale of Mowbray.

Elsewhere, there is no diminution in the annual gaiety of the shops in Northallerton in salutation of the festive season. With regard to the purveyors of epicurean and gastronomical demands, Messrs Lewis and Cooper are addressing themselves to Old Father Christmas's eating and drinking proclivities. Their window is filled with currants, spiced loaves, bon-bons and bottles of spirits.

In Hawes, one of the brightest displays is Milner's, which is gay with laces, silks, ribbons, flowers and fans.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - The manager of the Royal Astoria Theatre in Darlington has placed a Christmas tree in the theatre foyer and asked people to help less fortunate children in homes.

Mr Felix McCoy said: "For every present put around the tree by patrons and the public, the management will also give one. It is a sincere wish that every child receives a present, so whether your gift is large or small, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have brought a little happiness to a child."

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Just days before Christmas, the Rev David Whittington has taken up his new appointment as Vicar of Stockton.

Mr Wittington, 31, is single and from Monmouthshire. He hopes to make the most of the historic church, built in 1711, which has a prominent position.

However, he already has a problem because the church boiler room has flooded.

He said: "There is a peculiar drains system and one of the outlet pipes is blocked. The result is that the boiler room has filled up with water."

Mr Whittington believes his desire to join the Ministry could have stemmed from the days when his village church had no electricity. He had to pump the organ at the age of ten.