A NEW initiative promoting the health benefits of a brisk stroll, and providing new opportunities to walk in York, was launched yesterday.

The primary care trust, Age Concern and the local council have teamed up to launch the £20,000 Walking the Way to Health Initiative, backed by a £9,000 grant from the Countryside Agency.

DRY PUB: Youngsters in Malton and Norton are to get their own "dry pub". Landlady Pam Langley, of the George Hotel, working with local youth action officer PC Stewart Ashton, have created the facility at the back of the pub, and it will be open for teenagers every Wednesday.

FOOD FAIR: The North York Moors National Park Authority is to hold a food fair at the Sutton Bank visitor centre on Saturday and Sunday, to show off local produce.

VET VIPS: The president and executive vice-president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Joe Howell and Bruce Little, saw how it used to be done in this country when they visited the World of James Herriot centre, Thirsk.

LONGER OPENING: Thirsk tourist information centre is to open all year round. It will remain open seven days a week throughout the winter months and during the run-up to Christmas the centre's shop will be selling cards for local charities.

OFF ROAD: York's mobile library will be off the road from October 28 to 31 for essential vehicle maintenance. Customers may borrow from or return items to any other library.

ARTS WEEK: Students from 55 schools in the City of York area are taking part in a week of arts events, finishing on Friday. The week is based on the theme of Shapes, Patterns and Textures and the pupils will be working alongside musicians, dancers, drama specialists and artists.

ROAD ALERT: Carriageway resurfacing works are to be carried out in Chaloners Road, York, on Thursday and Friday. In order to carry out the work safely, the road will be closed to traffic from 9am to 4.30pm each day.