YORK Theatre Royal is to receive £40,000 from the Arts Council towards a £70,000 project to improve facilities at The Studio.

The outstanding £30,000 will come from the theatre's reserves. Renovations will be carried out to the 100 seats in the performance space, which opened last September in the theatre's old paint-shop. The sound-proofing will also be improved.

MOTOR SHOW: Thousands of visitors are expected to pour into Malton next month for the motor show which will be held on July 21. Actor Bill Maynard, who plays Greengrass in television's Heartbeat, will open the event at 11am.

SKIPPING MP: Labour MP for York Hugh Bayley went back to the playground to take part in a sponsored skip at Scarcroft School. The event was to raise money to replace PE equipment and special equipment for younger children.

ON TARGET: Budding archers will be able to test their skills at Kirkham Abbey, near Malton, on July 6 and 7. Experts will be on hand to demonstrate their art and give lessons.

CROSSING CLOSURE: Motorists in the Hambleton area are being warned of the temporary closure of Harn Hall level crossing at Scruton, near Northallerton, because of track maintenance work. The work is scheduled to take place from Thursday to the following Monday, but should be completed on the first day.

GUIDED WALK: The Bedale Archaeology and History Society has organised a guided walk around the town, led by local historian Jennifer Allison, on July 2. It will start from Bedale Hall at 7.30pm and will cost £1.50 for non-members.

ROAD WARNING: Main Street in Copmanthorpe, near York, will be closed between 9am and 4.30pm on Thursday and Friday to allow resurfacing work to be carried out.