A 15-YEAR-OLD girl from Scarborough is in a critical condition after undergoing a heart transplant operation.

Amelia Scholey, of Roseberry Avenue, Scarborough, underwent the operation at Great Ormond Street hospital, in London, earlier this week, but the new heart failed and she is now being kept alive by a life support machine. Her mother Jackie and grandmother Anne Snarey are mounting a round the clock vigil. Her grandfather, Alan Snarey, said: "She is stable and while the operation team are quite satsified with her, they need to find her another heart. It is a very hard time for us all." Amelia has a hereditary disease of the heart muscle. Her brother Daniel died from the same condition just before his 16th birthday, and her father Harold died in 1988 at the age of 36.

Priest leaves: The Rev Dr Sydney Ugwunna is leaving his position as parish priest at Holy Trinity Church, Briggate, Knaresborough, after four years. He is returning to his native Nigeria to become Dean of St Stephen's Cathedral in Umuahia, in the south east of the country.

Secure homes: A new development of 70 properties in the Seamer Road area of Scarborough has been awarded a Secured by Design safety award by North Yorkshire Police.

Night flying: Night flying for student pilots is taking place at RAF Linton-on-Ouse and Church Fenton from Monday, August 19 to Thursday, August 22, and from Tuesday, August 27, to Thursday, August 29. Flying starts at 9pm and will be completed by 1am.

Organic group: The Whitby Organic Group will be at the 113th Egton Show for the first time. Members include consumers, growers, farmers and gardeners. The show is being held on Wednesday August 21.

Volunteers' plea: York charity Survive, which supports female victims of sexual abuse, is making an urgent call for volunteers. The service is looking for women to staff its helpline and support services. For more information call (01904) 638813