A RECYCLING scheme that was launched two weeks ago has proved a success.

Harrogate Borough Council began placing kerbside boxes and bags outside homes in Knaresborough, East Harrogate and the Vale of York, earlier this month, but already people are filling them. Councillor Les Ellington, the council's cabinet member for environmental health, said: "This is a superb response from local residents and proves that the partnership approach is working. The council and Yorwaste are providing the service and local people are showing their commitment to recycling by their participation." Anyone experiencing problems with the service is asked to contact the helpline, on (01423) 556852.

SCARY WINNERS: Samuel Booth, five, from Sowerby, and Elizabeth McNamara, six, from Richmond, went home weighed down with gifts after a visit to the World of James Herriot centre in Thirsk. They dressed as Dracula and a witch's cat to win the centre's Halloween fancy dress contest.

DOMINO DRIVE: Wharton Bowls Club stages a domino drive at Gilling West Village Hall from 7.30pm on Friday. Admission is £1.

YORKSHIRE MIX: John Bevers, of Harrogate, will give an illustrated talk on A Yorkshire Mixture at the next meeting of the Allertonshire Civic Society, at the Women's Institute Hall, in Romanby, Northallerton, on November 14, at 7.30pm.

MUSIC QUIZ: A music quiz in aid of the Children in Need appeal will be held at Maestro's Bar in Northallerton, on November 19, at 8pm. Entry will cost £3 and teams of up to six can take part. For details, call (01609) 774647.

LIGHTS ON: Police in North Yorkshire are urging motorists to remember to switch on their lights now that the nights are drawing in. The reminder is being issued because one police officer recently had to stop ten vehicles in one evening because the drivers had forgotten to switch their headlights on.