HUNDREDS of York City fans took advantage of an opportunity to get a close-up look inside the walls of Bootham Crescent.

They poured through the gates when the club held its first open day and had the chance to watch the first team training. Youngsters also took part in a skills challenge, organised by the club's Football in the Community department, before fans were given a look around the dressing rooms, boardroom and hospitality areas.

ROAD STUDY: Ryedale councillors will decide this week whether to spend £5,000 employing a consultant to push their case for widening the A64 and turning it into a dual carriageway. It is claimed that businesses in the area are suffering because of jams on the sections of the road which are still single carriageway.

JAZZ SOUNDS: Music fans from across the region descended on Pickering Castle for an outdoor concert featuring some of the country's top jazz and blues musicians.

FLOWER FEAST: A four-day celebration of flowers will take place at St Peter's Church, Norton, near Malton, from September 19, opening at 7pm with live music by the Trout Trio.

YOUNG LENSMEN: Impressions Gallery in York is hosting an exhibition, Reframing the City, showing the work of a group of 12 to 16-year-olds which was produced during a week-long photography workshop.

GUIDED WALK: Expert Steve Sherlock will lead a guided walk to the Roulston Scar hill fort and other archaeological sites from the visitor centre at Sutton Bank, near Helmsley, on Friday, at 10am. There will be a charge of £3. For further details contact (01904) 430680.

FARMER'S MEETING: The Tory MP for the Vale of York, Anne McIntosh, will be holding a meeting for local farmers to discuss agricultural issues at the Three Tuns Hotel, in Thirsk, on September 12, at 4pm. The corporate affairs director of the Morrison supermarket chain, Chris Blundell, will address the meeting.

COUNTRY NIGHT: Irish singer Curtis Magee will be taking part in a country and western evening at the Wensleydale Rugby Club, Leyburn, tomorrow, from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Tickets cost £3 at the door.

FAMILY FUN: A country and equestrian extravaganza will be taking place at Camp Hill, Kirklington, on September 15. The event will include the Jeep National Riding Festival - a touring display of activities aimed at beginners and anyone interested in equestrianism. For more information call 0870 241 1481.

HOMES APPEAL: An appeal has been lodged against Hambleton District Council's refusal of outline planning permission for eight homes and domestic garages at Ainderby House Farm, Ainderby Steeple.

FLASH TRASH: An exhibition of innovative and contemporary work by artists using recycled materials is being held at the Henshaw Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough from Saturday until November 3.