Anne McIntosh will be back in her constituency to launch a factory next week.

The Conservative MP for the Vale of York will perform the opening ceremony at the Industrial Textiles and Plastics plant at Easingwold on Friday afternoon. Established in nearby Husthwaite in 1990, the company has outgrown its old works. The new factory employs 14 people, making building membranes and netting for the scaffolding and construction industry.

ON AIR: The Great North Air Ambulance team will be in Northallerton on Tuesday, December 10, to tell the public more about its work. A presentation will be held in the town hall from 7pm.

MUSICAL BONANZA: Young musicians who meet on Saturdays at Allertonshire School will put their talents on show at 11am next Saturday, at Stokesley School. Admission is free and mince pies will be available during intervals.

BUS BOOST: A Blue Peter appeal has helped raise the money for a community minibus in Whitby. The programme's Wheel Help Appeal has assisted Help the Aged with a attempt to provide the town's Trinity Centre with transport. The bus will be handed over at 11.45am next Friday. The remainder of the cash was raised by staff, clients and supporters of the Trinity Centre.

WILL POWER: Easingwold's Galtres Centre has arranged a brush with The Bard, hosting a workshop by the Royal Shakespeare Company. The RSC team will be in town on February 5, taking time out from a performances of the Merry Wives of Windsor and Coriolanus in Northallerton the same week. Subjects covered will include costumes and make-up, scenery and lighting. There will be a fee of £3. To book call (01609) 767149.

ROAD CLOSED: Dalton residents are warned that the road between High and Low Lane will be closed for up to three days to motorists from Thursday. Contractors will be working on the water mains in the area.