YORKSHIRE Water has pledged to match any money that is raised by its employees' fund-raising organisation, the Waterwheelers.

Since 1995 the Waterwheelers has donated more than £170,000 to charity. Waterwheelers chairman Wayne Christie said: "This is fabulous news for local charities. There are hundreds of employees in Yorkshire Water who willingly give up their time on a regular basis to help their communities."

BUS STATION: Whitby bus station will be closed for 20 weeks from Monday due to building work. The pick-up point for most bus services will be at three temporary bus shelters in Langbourne Road. Leaflets giving details of the proposed changes are available from the Arriva travel office at the railway station or on the buses.

TRIAL OFFER: A junior sports club at Granby Community Leisure Centre, Harrogate, is offering a free trial on Wednesday. Children can take part in tag rugby, netball and badminton, between 5.30pm and 8.30pm. The weekly activities run every Wednesday evening and cost £1.75 per session. For details, call (01423) 502880.

ANNUAL EVENT: A charity event of fine foods, wines, glass and china is being held at Lewis and Cooper, Northallerton, on Sunday, November 3. Tickets cost £2.50. The event raises money for Chopsticks, which helps people with learning disabilities, and St Teresa's Hospice. The store will be open between 10.30am and 4.30pm. Tickets are available from the store, the hospice or from Chopsticks.

ART WORKSHOP: A beginners workshop is being held on tone and collage on Sunday, October 20. The class is run by Shirley Hudson, at Henshaw's Art and Crafts Centre, in Knaresborough, between 12pm and 3pm. The class costs £15. To book, call (01423) 541888.

DANCE DATE: Fearby and Healey village hall stages an old time dance on Saturday, October 19, at 8pm. Music will be provided by the Singalong band.

FOR SALE: A day behind the wheel of a racing car, meals for two, membership of a local gym and even your ironing done for free are among the lots at an auction this weekend. The King's Head Hotel in Richmond is hosting the sale, organised by the Richmond School Parent Teacher Association at 7.30pm on Friday.

DRIVING FORCE: Police officer Gary Lewis will be talking about working with North Yorkshire's youngsters when the Northallerton branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists meets tomorrow at The Lodge, Leeming Bar., at 7.30pm.

TASTE OF SPAIN: Jaleo brings Spanish flamenco to the Zetland Christian Community Centre in Richmond from 7.30pm on Saturday. Tickets cost from £4 and are available by calling (01748) 823021.

COUNCIL NEWS: Hambleton District Council's newsletter is being sent to 47,000 homes and businesses. Talking versions will be available from council offices in Northallerton, Stokesley and Easingwold later this month.