EARLY BIRD: Opera fans can snap up early bird tickets for an outdoor performance of Rossini’s the Barber of Seville, performed in English.

The show, at RHS Harlow Carr gardens, near Harrogate, takes place on Tuesday, July 14, and until Thursday, July 9, tickets are available for £22.50 for RHS members and £25 for non-RHS members.

After July 9 all tickets are priced £27.50.

Gates open at 6.30pm for picnics, with the performance from 7.30pm.

Call the RHS booking line on 0845-6121253, quoting event code 6604 to book tickets.

ARMY EXERCISE: Businessmen and women from across the region were put through their paces by the army on an exercise to teach leadership and team work values.

85 people from companies, local and health authorities across the North East and North Yorkshire joined the reserve forces for the 24-hour unique course in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

The event was designed to help businesses understand the work and importance of reserve forces in the Army and the active role they play.

MINISTERIAL VISIT: A disused railway station in a North Yorkshire town that was transformed into a community events hub has received a visit from Yorkshire and Humber MEP Diana Wallis.

The Station, in Station Yard, Richmond, was refurbished using money from the European Regional Development Fund, and now includes two cinema screens, a heritage centre, an art gallery and six artisan food-makers on the premises.

Ms Wallis, who met with trustees and business owners at the site, said: "I am delighted to see what a fantastic facility the Station has become.

"It is an enormous tribute to the many people who had a vision for the near derelict building all those years ago."

CAR BOOT: Ripon Community House will hold a family fun day and car boot sale on Saturday, July 18, in the grounds of the house, on Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon.

Entertainment includes a bouncy castle, face painting, live music, martial arts, classic cars and emergency vehicles, between 10am and 4pm.

The Ripon Community Archaeology Project will also hold a ‘finds’ day in the conference room.

To book a pitch for the car boot sale, call Jim between 1-9pm on 01765-603631.

CHITTY BANG BANG: The chance to ride in the original car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is up for auction, with the proceeds going to the National Trust for the upkeep of Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley, North Yorkshire.

The car, made famous in the 1968 film starring Dick van Dyke, will be at Nunnington Hall on Saturday and Sunday, July 11/12 for visitors to see.

An eBay auction is underway for three people to take a ride around Helmsley in Chitty, as well as a free lunch and free admission to the Hall.

The auction closes on Saturday, July 5, and can be viewed on eBay by searching for item number 280363535535.

For information, opening times and admission charges call the Hall on 01439-748283 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.