ABOUT 200 publicans and bar staff joined the 17th North Riding Dales Licensed Victuallers Association Charity Cycle Ride yesterday, following a route from Hawes to Leyburn.

Money raised through this year's event will be donated to local doctors' surgeries, the Bainbridge ambulance station, schools, fire stations and services for the elderly. A woman was taken to the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, after she fell at the beginning of the ride. Her injuries were not thought to be serious.

NEW BASE: The Wilf Ward Family Trust, which helps learning and physically disabled people, has taken over a former nursing home in Pickering's Westgate. The Mayor of Pickering, Councillor Judy Dixon, will open the offices next Thursday, at an open day from 1pm to 3pm.

WITNESS APPEAL: Police are seeking information about a fire which destroyed a barn full of straw and barley at Long Field Farm, North Moor Road, north of Easingwold, on Sunday night. Police can be called on (01609) 789355.

GALLERY SESSIONS: York Art Gallery is holding three drop-in sessions relating to the Gwen John to Freud exhibition this Sunday.