GRANTS of more than £8,000 have been awarded to important village schemes in rural Hambleton. The district council has allocated cash to Topcliffe and Pickhill, near Thirsk, and Crakehall, near Bedale. Topcliffe playing fields association was given £1,100 towards the installation of a children's roundabout, while Pickhill parish council will install safety surfacing at its playground with the help of a £2,450 grant. Crakehall Village Hall has received £4,930 towards the cost of a £19,700 to install heating and insulation.

FARCE DATE: A French farce is the next production staged by the Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society. Court in the Act, originally penned by Maurice Hennequin and Pierre Veber, will be performed at the town's Zetland Christian Community Centre from Thursday to Saturday, July 25 to 27, and between Wednesday, July 31, and Saturday, August 3. Shows begin at 7.30pm. Tickets cost from £4, on (01748) 823021.

FAMILY FUN: The NSPCC is holding a family fun day at Newby Hall and Gardens, near Ripon, on Sunday, July 28. The event begins at 10.30am and includes rides, a bouncy castle and displays by the Ripon Old Cars club. Admission is £5 for adults, £3.50 children.

CAFE PLANS: The Pitcher and Piano bar, on Coney Street, York, is seeking permission to use the walkway running along the river front as a pavement cafe area. The plan is expected to be debated by councillors next month.

OPEN DAY: The RSPCA animal home on Landing Lane, Clifton, York, is holding an open day on Sunday, July 21, with a dog show, games and raffles, from 1pm to 5pm.

TUNNEL VISION: The Croft Community, in Old Malton, has been awarded £2,000 by Yorkshire Water to buy a plastic tunnel greenhouse for its garden. The community, which provides care for 34 adults with special needs, relies on the fruit and vegetables harvested to supply villagers. The "polytunnel" means that the growing season can be extended.