A NEW performing arts studio has been dedicated to a former teacher who died from cancer earlier this year.

Christine Elsam was a media and theatre studies teacher at Scarborough Sixth Form College. She had previously worked in television and the theatre and at Yorkshire Coast College. The complex was opened by playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn.

STEADY RISE: The peak time shuttle service between Harrogate bus station and Hornbeam Business Park off Hookstone Road made a tentative start in September. But now it is established, passenger figures are showing a steady increase.

BEST SHOW: A combination of beautiful weather and record breaking crowds meant that last month's Nidderdale show was the best so far. However, to prevent certain livestock classes being dropped, event organisers would like to see more entries in the pig and goat classes next year. The Nidderdale Agricultural Society also needs a goat steward for next year's show.

CANCER DONATION: Members of the Lions Club, of Thirsk and Northallerton, are donating £500 to help cancer patients. The money was raised for patients in the Mowbray Suite at the Friarage hospital - a medical day-unit that mainly treats cancer sufferers. The money will help to fund the provision of an aromatherapy service for the welfare of patients, which will work alongside their medical treatment.

SAFE SCHOOL: A 20mph school safety zone is to be created around Our Lady's primary, in Acomb, York, this week. There will be special signing and surfacing as well as speed tables.

PET PICTURES: The winners and runners-up of a competition in which the RSPCA asked people to take pictures of their pets will be on show in Harrogate library for two weeks from Monday.

CHURCH BOOST: A church hall has been given a grant of nearly £6,000 from the proceeds of landfill tax. The congregation and officials of St Mark's Church, Newby, Scarborough, are trying to raise the remaining £25,000 needed to renovate the 70-year-old hall.