THIEVES have stolen eight miniature ponies from an isolated field.

The animals were taken from the outskirts of Pickering between April 18 and Sunday. The ponies were each about 44in tall and included a number of prize-winners. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact police, on (01723) 509612.

FLYING VISIT: Healthcare students from Northallerton College will be given a boost with one of their projects tomorrow when the Yorkshire Air Ambulance pays a visit. The helicopter, which costs £1m a year to run, will be landing on the college playing fields and students will be allowed to view the equipment.

ANYONE FOR TENNIS? The Lawn Tennis Association is trying to encourage youngsters to take up the sport in primary schools in Bedale and Crakehall. They are among the first in the county to take part in mini tennis, which is played indoors.

CHIPPED PETS: The Vale of Mowbray branch of the RSPCA is offering identity microchipping of pets at the reduced price of £12.50. Vets taking part in the scheme include Forest House, of Bedale and Masham; Galtres of Alne, near Easingwold; Kebir House and Link, of Northallerton; N G Nash, of Leyburn; and Toft Lodge, of Easingwold.

LOTTERY CASH: Members of the Ryedale branch of the University of the Third Age are celebrating after they were awarded a £3,000 grant from the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme. It will buy a sound system.

TRACTOR THEFT: A tractor worth £8,000 was stolen from a property in Piercy End, Kirkbymoorside, between 5pm on Sunday and 8am on Monday.

PUB RESTORED: The front of the 400-year-old Black Swan pub in Kirkbymoorside has been restored with the help of grants from English Heritage and North Yorkshire County Council.

ART SHOW: The Newton-on-Ouse Art Group is holding a selling exhibition at the village hall on May 4 from, 2.30pm to 4.30pm, and on May 5 and 6 from 10.30am to 4.30pm.