A £2m public appeal towards the new St Catherine's Hospice at Scarborough has reached the halfway mark.

The 20-bed complex, under construction at a cost of £6m at Throxenby on the outskirts of the resort, will replace the present premises in Scalby Road. The balance of the funding is being provided from the sale of the existing building and outside sources.

FLOWER FESTIVAL: The Grand Turk Flower Festival will be held in St John's Church, Brunswick Street, Whitby, from Friday until Wednesday, August 6. Tickets for the opening night at 7.30pm, cost £1.50, including wine. Tickets for a music evening on Saturday, also from 7.30pm, cost £2.50. A combined ticket for both costs £3.50. Further details are available by contacting (01947) 605239.

POLICE BOOST: Scar-borough is to get 24 new police officers, most of whom are to patrol the resort's streets. Janet Jefferson, chairman of the town's chamber of trade, said: "We are delighted at the news. We have been calling for a much needed improved police presence in the town".

TILLTHEFT: Thieves stole £300 from the till of Carpet Discount Warehouse in Water Lane, Malton, while the owner was distracted.

TRAILER TAKEN: A two-axle flatbed trailer, worth about £1,500, was stolen from a farmyard just off the Helmsley to Harome road. The thieves also stole the main gates to the farmyard.

YOUNG FOOTBALLERS: Northallerton Juniors FC under-tens will start training for the new season on Saturday. All eligible players should meet at Romanby Park at 10am. Further information is available by contacting Mike Beswick on (01609) 778334.

PRODUCE SHOW: The Thirsk and District Produce Association is to hold its annual show on Saturday, August 23 at Thirsk and Sowerby town hall.