Volunteers with muscles are needed to help push pageant wagons through the city when the York Mystery Plays are staged on July 7 and 14. The production will start at noon in Dean's Park, by the Minster, then move to the South Transept, College Green, King's Square and the Museum Gardens. Anyone who is able to help is asked to contact (01904) 632220.

BRIDLEWAY CLOSURE: The bridleway from Sandy Lane and Islebeck Lane, south to Islebeck Bridge, at Dalton, near Thirsk, will be closed for five days from next Monday, to allow for water mains work.

MAST BID: Mobile phone company Hutchison 3G UK has applied for permission to erect a telecommunications mast in woodland off Harrogate Road at Dunkeswick, near Harewood. Harrogate Borough Council will consider the application shortly.

Scheme backed: The Friends of Falsgrave Park scheme, in Scarborough has been selected by the Government as an example of best practice. It will be used by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions to show others how to improve their green spaces.

HISTORY MEETING: Jill Briscoe will discuss the 1901 census when Northallerton Family History Society meets in the reference library on Thursday, at 7.15pm.

RSPCA BOOST: Events during RSPCA Week in Tesco, Northallerton, raised £725 for the charity. Large amounts of pet food were also donated.

Road closure: Motorists are being warned that the village of Haxby, near York, will be closed to traffic from 6am to 11.30am on Thursday to allow roadworks to be carried out.

Appeal dismissed: A planning appeal against Hambleton's refusal of an application for an extension to Brackendale Farm at Huby has been dismissed.

MEDIEVAL MINSTREL: Costumed musician Richard York will bring the medieval era to life at Mount Grace Priory, near Northallerton, on May 25 and 26.