PLANS to build homes on a field in Masham have been approved despite opposition.

Two homes are to be built at Rodney Terrace, despite parish council fears over visibility at a road junction. Members of Ripon area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council approved the outline scheme following a recommendation by planning officer Mike Warden. But councillors insisted on a condition that an adequate turning area for traffic is provided. The application was tabled by the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds Board of Finance. A similar application for the site was refused last year.

DREAM REALISED: Seven years of planning and effort will pay off at the weekend with the opening of a £22,000 pavilion. Harrogate Bowling Club was first formed in 1931 when its old thatched pavilion was all that was needed. But modern times meant new facilities were needed and in 1995 fundraising got under way. Local Liberal Democrat MP Phil Willis will open the facility on Saturday.

ANTIQUES FAIR: An antiques and collectors fair will be held at Danby village hall on Monday, June 3, from 10am to 4.30pm. Admission is 30p and proceeds go to local charities.

DIARY DATE: The annual meeting of the York branch of the RSPCA will be held on Tuesday, June 18, at the society's animal home in Landing Lane, Clifton. All branch members are welcome to attend. The meeting starts at 7pm.

TONNE-UP: The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has achieved its target of collecting one tonne of aluminium cans and foil for recycling. It won £500 worth of vouchers to buy specialist tools through the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation's Make Things Happen appeal.

FLOWER POWER: Pickering and District Flower Club will hold its May meeting tomorrow, at 7.30pm, in the Over-60s Club, Hungate.