A NEW face has stepped in to lead the Northallerton Ladies Choir into their new season. Following the recent retirement of founder and musical director Bob Barratt, there had been fears for the future of the choir, but local teacher Alec Jackson stepped in. He will make his debut at the spring concert, which will be held at Hambleton Community Centre on Saturday at 7.30pm. The choir will perform a light-hearted selection of music, from show tunes to spirituals. The evening will also feature a guest artist, John Sharrocks, who will perform two tenor solos. Tickets are £4 for adults and £3 for children and senior citizens, and are available from Greensleeves, Northallerton Bookshop, John N Smith Florists, and choir members. Interval refreshments will be served.

FORUM TALK: Knares-borough Men's Forum meets tomorrow, at 10.15am, in Knaresborough House, to hear a talk on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

CONCERT DATE: Kirkby-moorside Brass Band will perform in Ryedale District Council chamber, in Malton, on Saturday, at 7.30pm. The concert has a space theme and will include an extract from Holst's Planet Suite and the theme music to Star Wars. Tickets cost £6 for adults (£4 OAPs, and are available on (01751) 432813.

COUNCIL PLEA: Husthwaite Parish Council is seeking to co-opt a new member. Anybody wishing to stand for the position should make a written submission to the clerk, Sarah Harper, Black Bull Cottage, Husthwaite, YO61 4PY, by Saturday.

SEASON STARTS: Sowerby Flatts Bowling Club opens its green on Saturday for the start of the new season. A bowls drive is planned for the afternoon and all members, as well as potential new players, are invited to attend. Further details are available from club secretary Dorothy Sleights on (01845) 524603.

TOWN ASSEMBLY: Easing-wold Town Council will hold its annual parish assembly at the Galtres Centre tomorrow, at 7.30pm. Members of the public are invited to attend.

SALE DATE: The 2nd Boroughbridge Rainbow Guides' unit is staging a table top sale on Saturday, April 27, to raise money for the group. The event, in the Methodist Church schoolroom, will run from 9am to noon.