Students in York will be able to choose their accommodation with confidence in future with a new code of conduct for landlords launched tomorrow. The voluntary code will promote good standards and ensure safety. The City of York Council has worked in partnership with private sector landlords and educational institutions to prepare the code.

DRIVER PRAISED: A bus driver who flagged down an ambulance after one of his passengers fell ill has been praised for his actions. The ambulance was flagged down as it approached the Independent pub in Haxby Road, York, and an elderly woman was taken to hospital for treatment. "It was a combination of quick thinking and fortunate timing," said a spokesman for the ambulance service.

SOAP STAR: Actor Chris Chittell, who plays rogue Eric Pollard in television's Emmerdale, yesterday hosted an auction at antiques trader's Tomlinsons in Tockwith, near York, in aid of the Leukaemia Research Foundation.

RAID PLEA: The police are appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Bulmer, near Malton. In particular, they would like to speak to ramblers who were passing through the village late on Sunday afternoon and a man who was with two boys walking a dachshund and a Highland terrier.

MOTORISTS WARNED: Car owners in the Malton area are being urged to be safety conscious after incidents over the weekend when vehicles were broken into.

BOOK BANKS: Oxfam bookshops in York are relaunching their book banks in an attempt to attract more donations in the run-up to Christmas. They can be found across the city, near recycling facilities.

BRIDGE CLOSURE: Motorists in the Hambleton area should be aware of the closure of Elphin Bridge, near Husthwaite, for safety works. Traffic will be diverted on an alternative route while work is carried out from Monday, November 25, until Friday, November 29. Access for pedestrians will be maintained at all times.