THE Northallerton branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists has paid tribute to chief motorcycle observer Simon Brockbank, who died in a road accident in the Yorkshire Dales in September.

Mr Brockbank was an accomplished all-round rider with a passion for high standards, which he worked hard to pass on to others. A training video, which he helped compile, was shown at the group's meeting on Tuesday at the Coore Arms pub, in Scruton.

BOOK WORMS: An Autumn book fair is being held at Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, this weekend and a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction will be on sale. As well as books there will be tapes, CDs and vinyl. The sale, in Fountains Hall, will be held between 11am and 4pm tomorrow and Sunday. The event is being supported by the tea and coffee merchants, Taylors of Harrogate, with a free sachet of coffee for every visitor.

LOSE POUNDS: Thirsk Swimming Pool is offering swimmers a cheap dip. Every time they use one of the pool's facilities in November they can have a swim for only £1. The offer is to encourage customers to get fit and lose pounds for Christmas.

WINTER WALK: The Richmond Ramblers launch their winter programme this weekend with an 11-mile route around Wensleydale. Anyone who would like to take part can either meet at the Nun's Close car park in Richmond, at 9am on Sunday, or call (01748) 822845.

ON THE CARPET: An exhibition of exclusive oriental carpets, which opens in York tomorrow, will be raising money for Indian school children. Mala Carpets, on Micklegate, hosts the event, organised by UK-based charity, Project Mala, until next Saturday. Focusing largely on inexpensive goods, the exhibition will also showcase Indo-Persian hand-knotted carpets, all made at the charity's workshops, as well as an exclusive range of covered chairs. For details, call (01904) 656774.

SUMMING UP: A group of 13-year-olds from Allertonshire School have proved themselves a match for World Class Tests, an Internet-based international competition to challenge children's problem solving skills in mathematics. Neil Wilson achieved a distinction, merits were gained by Lucy Judd, Stewart Brookes, Eleanor Henderson, Philip Greaves and Laura Kaye, while Rebecca Hall received a creditable pass.