THE playground of a Catterick Garrison Primary School has a smart new look thanks to the hard work of pupils, parents and soldiers.

Le Cateau school's eco-committee drew up plans last summer to develop the area next to the key stage two playground. Work started last month when parents and forces personnel gave up an afternoon to help with a variety of jobs around the school. They painted, varnished benches, planted trees and bushes, laid gravel paths and put bark chippings around play equipment.

ART COURSE: Masham artist Ian Scott Massie, whose work has travelled the world, is planning a series of one-day watercolour courses in his home town. To be held at Masham Town Hall on July 12, August 9, September 13 and October 9, the courses are suitable for experienced artists, beginners and those on GCSE, A-level or degree studies. For details, contact Mr Massie on (01765) 689554.

OH ROMEO: An open air production of Romeo and Juliet gets the summer off to a romantic start at Kiplin Hall, Scorton, near Richmond, on Friday, June 14. Heartbreak Productions presents Shakespeare's tragedy at 7.30pm but gates open at 6pm for picnics. Tickets are £10 adults, £8 concessions, £6 children in advance from Dawn Webster, (01748) 818178, or at the gate.

CHORAL VOICES: A 60-strong choir from the US gives a concert at Richmond Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 11, ay 7.30pm. The Hosanna Youth Choir, from Albany, Georgia, includes in its programme sacred and traditional music, drama and testimony. No tickets are required, all are welcome and a collection will be taken.

TEN YEARS: The DalesCare centre in Bedale will mark its tenth anniversary on Thursday, June 20, at 2pm, with a gala afternoon where attractions will include strawberry teas, stalls and the Mike Rose Band. It still has some of its original clients including Grace Naylor, now 100, Geoff Dalton and Walter Pratt.