Council tax in Ryedale should not go up by more than four per cent next year, civic leaders have agreed. Members of the district council's policy and resources committee have set themselves the target, following a nine per cent increase this year and seven per cent in 2001.

Jazz night: The New Noakes Internationals are performing at The Shed, at Brawby village hall, near Malton, tonight, starting at 8pm. Tickets cost £10, telephone (01653) 668494 to check availability.

Mayoral role: Councillor Dalton Peake, a member of Whitby Town Council for three years, has been made the port's new mayor, taking over from Councillor Maurice Hatton. Deputy mayor for the second time in three years, is Councillor Renee Williamson.

heartbeat help: A football match between the cast and crew of TV's Heartbeat and Ryedale police officers has raised cash for a young cancer sufferer. More than £1,800 was raised for ten-year-old Lee McClaren, of Kirkbymoorside.

dive in: Whitby's indoor swimming pool is to reopen today after being closed for six months for structural works. The pool complex has been redeveloped to link in with a £1.8 m sports centre being built by Scarborough Borough Council an an adjoining site, which is due to open early next year.

ENTRIES WELCOME: Entries are being invited for this year's vintage car parade at the Wykeham Country and Angling Fair, near Scarborough. Anyone who would like to be part of the event can contact the organisers for more details by telephoning (01723) 866600 or write to The Estate Office, Wykeham, Scarborough YO13 9QD.

BLOOM TIME: Organisers have announced the results of the spring judging in the regional rounds of this year's Britain in Bloom competition. Darley, in Nidderdale, is leading the large village category while Filey tops the town class on the same points as Ilkley. Pocklington's entry was described as "encouraging".