RICHMONDSHIRE residents have just a few days to try to win £500 by opting to paying their council tax by direct debit. A free draw is open to everyone who pays or agrees to pay their bill direct from their bank by the end of April. There is also a second prize, a microwave oven donated by Tesco. Bills for this year's tax were sent out in March and the draw takes place on May 31. Those who already pay by direct debit will be automatically entered. Anyone wishing to sign up, can contact the council on (01748) 829131 or (01748) 829100, ext 316 or 234.

LOTS TO WIN: The Buck Inn, in Maunby, near Northallerton, is holding an auction and race evening on Saturday, from 9pm. Proceeds from the event will go to Northallerton Diabetes Club and Hambleton Club for the Blind and Partially Sighted. Other items going under the hammer include clay pigeon shooting, massages, a day's fly fishing in Wharfedale, shopping vouchers and a bottle of House of Commons whisky. Companies that donated prizes include Richmond Ice Cream, Barker's and Maxwell's, at Northallerton and Sunderland Football Club.

PLAN SUNK: A family's plea to retain a leisure building housing a swimming pool at their home in Olive Grove, Starbeck, Harrogate, has been turned down by planners. Officers said the size of the building and large expanse of "unsightly flat roof" would be damaging to the visual amenities. Also, because details of the pool's plant room were not submitted, there were fears that noise could affect neighbours.

POPULAR WALK: The Grand Nidderdale Charity Walk in the Pateley Bridge area, on May 12, provides an opportunity to raise funds for walkers' favourite charities. Information is available from organisers Harrogate Rotary Club Charity Walk, Ascot House Hotel, 53 King's Road, Harrogate.

MINI LIBRARY: People unable to access the main library in Masham town centre are being offered the chance of an outreach mini library in the common room at Maple Creek housing development on the first Friday of each month, from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Golf bid: Holiday company Griffon Forest is hoping to build an 18-hole golf course, gym and tennis courts, just off the A64 York to Malton road near the village of Flaxton. The company, which already has 29 holiday cabins at the site, has submitted plans to Ryedale District Council.

New role: Ryedale Voluntary Action Group has appointed Ian Curtis as its new funding adviser. His job will involve helping community groups find the cash to support their work.

School row: Local residents are protesting at plans to sell off half of the Oaken Grove primary school site in Haxby, north of York, for housing. They plan to lobby councillors at a site meeting tomorrow.

Grab your partner: The Guisborough Quoit Club starts a series of country music acts next month. Club nights are on Wednesday, from 8.30pm, with a cover charge of £1.50. For more details call (01287) 633041.