A WOMAN died and four other people were injured in an accident on the A169 in North Yorkshire yesterday.

A Vauxhall Cavalier and a Peugeot were involved in the collision, near Eden Camp Museum, Malton, just before midday. Three people in the Cavalier needed hospital treatment. The 40-year-old woman who died was in the Peugeot. The 20-year-old male driver of the Peugeot was taken to York District Hospital, but later released. Police are withholding the dead woman's identity until her family have been informed. Police are appealing for witnesses.

DRIVER HUNTED: The driver of a Ford Fiesta who failed to stop after being involved in an accident in Harrogate on Saturday left the car number plate behind at the scene. Police have confirmed they want to speak to the owner of the blue car, registration E792 MJX, in connection with the incident at 11.45am in the town's King's Road. Anyone who can help is asked to contact police on (01423) 505541 or the witness line on (01423) 539474.

LAVENDER FARM: Ryedale councillors have given their backing to plans to create a lavender farm on the site of a former piggery at Wintringham, near Malton. Steve and Anne Jaques hope to convert it into a tourist attraction.

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY: A Hunmanby nursing home now has a second centenarian. Emma Clarkson, of Pinfold Lodge Nursing Home said: "I feel just the same now as I did when I was 20." She puts her longevity down to a regular glass of sherry. Among the guests at her birthday party at the home was fellow centenarian Elsie Davies.

FLATS GO-AHEAD: Plans to build sheltered homes for elderly people in the Esk Valley, near Whitby, have been given the go-ahead by Danby Parish Council. Abbeyfield House aims to provide the village of Castleton with flats as well as communal facilities and a resource centre for single people and couples.

CHILD'S PLAY: A York sports centre is introducing a new form of tennis specifically designed to bring on the next generation of Tim Henmans and Annabel Crofts. Mini-tennis uses smaller racquets and special balls, designed for use by youngsters. Sessions are to be introduced on Saturdays at the city's Oaklands Sports Centre. For more details, contact (01904) 782841.

POTTER ABOUT: Harry Potter fans will soon be able to see the young wizard's latest escapades at Thirsk's volunteer-run cinema. The Ritz will be showing Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets from Friday until Thursday, January 30. The box office can be contacted on (01845) 524751.

SCHOOL CASH: Queen Ethelburga's College, at Ouseburn, near Boroughbridge, has raised more than £1,200 for Macmillan Cancer Relief through a series of events, including a sponsored run and cake stalls.

VIEWS SOUGHT: Scar-borough Borough Council is seeking the public's views on its £1.5m coastal strategy for four miles of coast, from Hundale Point to Scalby Ness. A copy of the report can be viewed at the town hall, or on the council website at www.e-sbc.co.uk