THE roof of Northallerton Town Hall is in urgent need of repairs, and taxpayers will have to pay the £26,000 bill.

Councillor Jack Dobson said it would cost £7,000 just to put a net over the roof to prevent tiles from falling. He said: "We have to do this as soon as possible and find the money from other areas of the town council budget." Councillor Rob Kennedy said: "When people look at the precept they should see that this is the proper way of providing facilities for this town." Coun Dobson said: "The town hall is a Grade II listed building and we have to take care of it."

EGYPTIAN DAY: A family fun day at the Mercer Gallery, in Harrogate, on Sunday, will have an ancient Egyptian theme. It will include an opportunity to design a cartouche, make authentic Egyptian food, create a decorative head-dress and learn about hieroglyphs. Fore details, call (01423) 556188.

WINNER TAKE ALL: Carole Weatherald, of Redmire, will be at Leyburn's Quality Fare supermarket next week to collect the top prize from a draw organised by St John's Parish Church, at Bellerby. The store has sponsored a two-minute trolley dash, and Carole will be setting off around the aisles at 7pm on Monday. Money raised will go towards the St John's Church roof

USEFUL EXERCISE: Hambleton residents are being urged to think of their figures before Christmas so they are better prepared for the excesses of the festive season. Council-run gyms and leisure centres will be promoting their facilities over the next few weeks. For details, call (01609) 779977.

TWITCHER SHELTER: A house of straw to shelter bird watchers is scheduled to be completed by the Castle Howard Arboretum Trust before the end of the year.

HANDEL'S MESSIAH: Members of The Schola Centorum, of Ampleforth Abbey, and members of St Aidan's Singers, will be performing the Messiah, by G F Handel. James Morgan will conduct the music at the concert held at Ampleforth Abbey Church, December 8. For details, call (01439) 766777.