Geoff Walmsley has become the president of the Nidderdale Agricultural Society following the retirement of John Houseman.

Mr Walmsley, who suffered a stroke 11 years ago, said he was deeply touched to be offered the position. He will be helped by his family during his two years in office.

VOLUNTEERS WALK: A four-mile walk around Aysgarth Falls takes place on Sunday to mark volunteers' week, meeting at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre. The walk is open to everyone wanting to find out more about volunteering for the National Park Authority. For details, call the volunteers co-ordinator on (01756) 752748 or (07968) 915860.

OPEN GARDENS: Councillors and leading officers have been shown behind the scenes at how Scarborough Borough Council's gardeners produce the plants for the area's award-winning displays. The council's nurseries in Manor Road were opened to give the group a better understanding of the facilities and equipment used.

ART EXHIBITION: Fine art graduates from the Scarborough campus of Hull University will be holding an exhibition of their work in London, from June 18 until 23. The exhibition, An Art of Our Own, will be held in the gallery at the Oxo Tower Wharf, on London's South Bank. It will be the second time that the Scarborough students have held an exhibition in London.

MIDSUMMER MUSICAL: The sound of galloping hooves at Ripon Racecourse will be replaced by a musical extravaganza on June 28. The midsummer night spectacular will feature music from the overture Light Cavalry, to the show Les Miserables. Tickets, priced £15, are available from Ripon Tourist Information Centre and Marks and Spencer, or by calling (01642) 777778.