A NORTH Yorkshire firm is offering a rubbish day out this week - literally.

Yorwaste is responsible for waste management across the county and on Friday it will welcome visitors who would like to see its recycling operations at Harewood Whin, near York, and Hessay, between Knaresborough and York. Guided tours and free transport between the sites are on offer while personnel will also be on hand to answer any questions. "The day is all about keeping the public informed about the new developments in waste management," said operations manager Kevin Quigley. Gates open at 10am with guests invited to gather at Harewood Whin for the first tour, where light refreshments will be provided.

MINIBUS APPEAL: Whitby and District Disablement Action Group has launched a £50,000 appeal to buy a minibus for the area's handicapped residents. Manager Nigel Staton said the group's membership had doubled to 200 in the past year, underlining the need for help. "The aim is to use the bus to bring disabled people from the villages into Whitby for their shopping, as well as taking them on trips to the theatre and other attractions in the North-East and all parts of Yorkshire."

GREEN SCHEME: A successful kerbside recycling scheme will treble in size with an extra 40,000 homes in York receiving the popular service from today. The fortnightly kerbside recycling collections now cover three-quarters of homes in the city, taking the total number of homes in the scheme to 60,000.

MINSTREL MERRIMENT: Visitors are invited to enjoy some medieval mirth and merriment at Barley Hall, York, this summer with minstrel group Trouvere. The group will perform at the hall on July 3, 17 and 31, and on August 14 and 28. Concerts start at 7.30pm, and tickets are available by calling 07720 118406.