A NEW man has taken over the reins of future events at North Yorkshire's World Heritage Site.

David E has been appointed as events and fundraising manager at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, near Ripon. His background is principally theatrical, with a four-year period working in Perth, Australia. Next year, the site will be celebrating 20 years of National Trust ownership and David said: "We want to make our anniversary a celebration to remember."

AIDS HELP: Aids Action is seeking volunteers to help it raise awareness about the condition. For details, call (01904) 640024.

SKATE PARK: A £21,000 skate park is to be built at the village of Green Hammerton. It is being paid for by local fundraising and a number of grants from different agencies.

YOUTH SHELTER: Youngsters in the village of Skelton, near York, have been provided with their own shelter. The £1,500 cost was met by the parish council, the local recreation association and the city council.

OPERAFAVOURITES: York Opera will host an evening of music from Madame Butterfly, Aida, Lucia and Turandot at the city's Guildhall tonight, from 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 and available at the door.

BOOK FAIR: Crime, detective and spy books will be featured in a book fair being held at the Crown Hotel, in Harrogate, on November 23, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

FATAL CRASH: The man who died in a two-car collision in Wighill Lane, near Tadcaster, has been named as Christopher Hemingway. The 44-year old, from Sheldale View, Ripon, was involved in the accident at about 8.20pm on Thursday.

FITNESS GIFT: Leisure staff across the Hambleton district are offering the gift of fitness this Christmas. Swimming passes, exercise sessions and gym memberships are available from any of the district council centres in Northallerton, Thirsk, Stokesley and Bedale. Leisure gift passes start at £10.

CLASSICAL EVENT: Music buffs can hear a selection of classical favourites at St James' Church, in Grewelthorpe, North Yorkshire, on November 30. The event starts at 7.30pm and admission is free. All donations will be handed to the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, bowel cancer ward.