Lighting in Tollerton and Danby Wiske will be upgraded in a £25,000 project. In Danby Wiske, 16 streetlights will be installed and 11 lights upgraded.

In Tollerton, three streetlights will be erected in Forge Lane. Both schemes will be finished by February.

PLAN REFUSED: Owners of a Grade II-listed building on the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park estate, Ripon, can not replace an existing conservatory. Harrogate Borough Council's planning officers said the proposal for Wheatbrigs House would be harmful to the listed building.

CHRISTMAS HERITAGE: Costumed entertainers will reveal how modern festive celebrations evolved and how many have their roots in pagan times at Mount Grace Priory, near Northallerton, at the weekend. For more details, call (01609) 883494.

VOLUNTEER CALL: Northallerton Volunteer Bureau is looking for drivers who can help older people and those with disabilities get to medical appointments, daycare centres and social occasions. Mileage costs are refunded. Anyone who can help is asked to call Dawn Carter on (01609) 780458.

TURNED DOWN: Extensions at 64 Southfield Avenue, Ripon, have been turned down by Harrogate Borough Council because they would overshadow neighbouring houses.

TEAM VICAR: The Rev James Stewart, vicar of Catterick and previously curate at Grewelthorpe, near Ripon, has been appointed team vicar at Ludlow, Hereford.

BATHS SHUT: Ripon's Spa Baths will close from next Monday until December 21, for maintenance and redecoration.

SING ALONG: Northallerton Methodist Church will stage Sing Carols With Us on Friday, December 20, at 7.30pm, featuring the Methodist Choir, an instrumental group, and a young people's singing ensemble. There will he a collection in aid of National Childrens Homes.