THE horticultural department of Askham Bryan College near York has won the regional round of a national landscaping competition.

It now goes forward to the national finals of the UK Landscape Skills competition in September. If successful, it will then go on to the 2007 World Skills Contest, in Japan.

Music star: Father-of-three James Lancaster, head of music at Ripon Grammar School, has been nominated for the Classic FM best music teaches awards. He was nominated by the parents of pupils and his school, could win £10,000-worth of equipment if he wins.

Police beats: PC Chris Gill and PC Rich Houghton have taken up their posts as the newly appointed neighbourhood policing officers for Norton and Malton respectively.

US voices: The North Carolina Boys Choir and Chamber Choir from Durham, USA, are giving a free concert in Ripon Cathedral on Thursday at 7.30pm. Donations will be invited for charity.

Gala date: The annual Hawes Gala will be on Saturday, June 25. Celebrations will begin in the town from 12.30pm and the parade to the field sets off at 1pm. Tory MP William Hague will open the event.

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