AN extension to Catterick Village cemetery has been approved subject to the Environment Agency being satisfied with anti-pollution measures.

Richmondshire District Council's environment committee accepted proposals for the extension into pasture and quarry land to the north-west of the cemetery. The need for more burial space would override the fact that the development would be outside the village boundary, planners said. Peter Featherstone, the council's development control team leader, said a wall and landscaping would address the concerns of a resident that the cemetery would be visible from her home.

POLICE SESSION: North Yorkshire's chief constable, Della Cannings, will attend a public meeting at Northallerton Town Hall later this month. The session is being organised by the county's police authority. The meeting will discuss police-related issues and fficers and police authority members will be present. Police authority spokeswoman Lynne Cook said: "We want people to come and have their say. We want to hear their views about policing - good or bad." The meeting will be held at 7pm on Tuesday, January 28.

STONE ORDER: Yorkshire Water is to be asked to stone-clad a new control kiosk in Richmond. Councillors backed a planning application for the 4ft structure at Riverside Road but favoured a stone finish rather than the proposed dark green fibreglass. The kiosk will house electrical control panels.

GREEN COURSE: Tourism businesses in Nidderdale will be able to learn more about green issues when the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty hosts a one-day green advantage course at Grantley Hall, near Ripon, on Tuesday, January 28. To take part, call organisers on (01423) 712950

WHIST NIGHT: A whist and domino drive will take place in Marske in Swaledale Village Hall on Friday, January 17, at 7.30pm.