PERMISSION has been granted for a church to be built on the edge of Knaresborough, against the advice of planning officers.

The Wetherby Road Trust has been given the go-ahead to build a church and 129-space car park in a field by Wetherby Road. Supporters said the building would provide a place of worship for a long-established religious group.

Charity award: Marie Curie Cancer Care has recognised the work of the Ryedale Support Group, which has raised more than £48,000 in six years. Seven members of the group have been presented with long service awards.

Play move: Responsibility for children's playgrounds in Kirkbymoorside is to be transferred from the town council to a newly formed playing field association. It is hoped the move will make more funding available.

Walking cash: Four workers from the Field Investigation Division at Imphal Barracks, in York, raised more than £450 for Macmillan Cancer Relief by taking part in a 20-mile hike from Osmotherley to Blakey Ridge.

Soap star: Emmerdale actress Clare King will open Knavesmire Racing, a licensed betting shop in Albemarle Road, York, on Thursday. The opening coincides with the Ebor Festival Ladies Day at the nearby racecourse.

Turned down: Councillors have blocked plans to build two semi-detached houses next to a pub in the centre of Boroughbridge. Members of Harrogate Borough Council backed a planning officer's recommendation to turn down the scheme by Citywall Corporation to build the houses next to the Malt Shovel, in St James's Square, because of the harmful impact they would have on the character of the conservation area.