THIRSK School has won a national school newspaper competition after impressing judges with its original content. The First News judging panel, which included TV presenter Eamonn Holmes, said the TS Times, was the clear winner of the secondary school category from hundreds of entries. Editor Nicky Cox said: "There was some really engaging content and a mixture of long reads and snippety bits. This showed a real understanding of how newspapers are read, with readers dipping in and out. The team had also produced some of their own content and created their own news story by carrying out a pocket money survey, using Red Nose Day as a hook. Very good effort."

BUILDING PROGRESS: The contractors building the Thirsk Extra Care and public library project, in Chapel Street, Sowerby, have said the project is running to schedule, with the first phase due to be completed by February. Keepmoat Construction Group said they have made progress in the removal of the vacated wing at Cherry Garth Elderly Persons' Home and in laying the foundation of the new building.

BUSINESS CONCERNS: A meeting of Thirsk and District Business Association has discussed a proposal to open a cafe at the former Julian Graves shop premises, in Thirsk. Cafe owners expressed concerns about another competing cafe business opening in the town.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES: Thirsk Clock Youth Café and Community Centre will offer a programme of activities for young people aged over 12 years during the school summer holidays. These include fishing, hill walking, go-karting and power boating, together with visits to the cinema and the seaside. Paintballing, ice-skating, swimming, canoeing and camping, street dance and a Krypton Beat Box tutorial are among other activities on offer. For details, visit thirskclock.com

FOOTBALL CONTEST: Thirsk Clock will hold a football tournament on Saturday, August 24, from noon to 4pm, on the astroturf pitch at Thirsk School and an evening barbecue on Monday, August 12, from 6pm, at Thirsk Clock, St James's Green.

CLUB DATES: Thirsk Hard of Hearing Club will visit the Borrowby Show on Wednesday, (July 31) and hold a coffee morning at St James’s Green Methodist Chapel, Thirsk, the following day. For details or to make transport arrangements, call 01845-537444.

STORY SESSION: White Rose Books, in Thirsk, will hold a free storytime and craft session for children aged two to seven, from 10.30am on Saturday, (July 27). For details, call 01845-524353 or visit whiterosebooks.co.uk

FOOD SHOWCASE: The Yorkshire Welcome Festival, featuring a range of local food suppliers, entertainers and hourly cookery demonstrations will be held in the Market Place, Thirsk, on Saturday, (July 27) and Sunday, (July 28), from 9am to 5pm. For details, visit yorkshirewelcome.co.uk

ON TRACK: A model railway show will be held in Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall on Sunday, (July 28), from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Entry is £3.50 for adults and £2 for OAPs and children. For details, visit expo-thirsk.co.uk