OWNERS of a fortified manor house who threw open their doors to the public for the first time have been amazed by the response.

Hundreds of visitors descended on Markenfield Hall, near Ripon, and its opening was such a success that it will be repeated next year. But owners Ian Curteis and Lady Deirdre Curteis say next year's opening will not clash with Wimbledon or the Great Yorkshire Show.

FIRE HERO: Eleven-year-old Robert Hodgson, of Millfield Lane, York, was presented with a table football game by the Outfit shop in Monk's Cross for raising the alarm after he spotted a fire at the shop. No one was hurt in the incident, which was dealt with by firefighters, but sales manager Sue Redman said: "Without Robert's quick-thinking it could have been a lot worse."

CATTLE ALERT: Police were called to round up three bullocks which strayed onto land near the East Coast Main Line at Biggin Crossroads, near York.

SHAKING MAESTRO: Cocktail ace Max Shaw, deputy bar manager at the Old Orleans, Low Ousegate, York, came third in a competition to find the UK's most innovative and knowledgeable bartender.

DES RES: The old police house and station in Kirkbymoorside has gone on the market with estate agents Boulton and Cooper. The £135,000 asking price includes two cells.

SPIDER-KIDS: Youngsters as young as ten will be able to watch the hit film Spider-Man at Pickering if accompanied by an adult. Ryedale district councillors made their decision after watching a special showing of the film, which has an age limit of 12.

OPEN GARDENS: Several gardens in Carperby, west of Leyburn, will be open to the public on Sunday to help raise funds for the British Red Cross.

WRITERS' DATE: Members of Harrogate Writers' Circle, many of whom are published authors, will make their contribution to Harrogate Arts Festival at a reading on Saturday of some of their works. The event will be held at St Robert's Centre, St Robert's Street, from 7.45pm. Tickets are £2.50 at the door and include wine and refreshments.