Herriot centre revamp insight

THE first stage of a £104,000 revamp of a flagship tourist attraction is to be unveiled to the public this Easter. The changes to Thirsk's World of James Herriot Centre are part of a five-year plan to expand the £1.4m museum, particularly to appeal to the educational market. New-look veterinary science rooms will be equipped with interactive games and a bigger shop will be opened because of the town's Tourist Information Centre moving to Market Place premises. The leader of Hambleton District Council, Councillor June Imeson, said: "This investment will help maintain its status as the leading centre in the history of veterinary science in the UK."

ANTIQUES FAIR: An Easter antiques and collectors' fair will take place in the village hall at Ravensworth, near Richmond, on Sunday, March 31, from 10am to 4.30pm.

POLICE PLAN: The public is welcome to attend a meeting in Knaresborough next week where North Yorkshire police will decide their priorities for the year. Extensive consultation has taken place on the areas officers should concentrate on, with the outcome to be confirmed at the town's Boathouse on Waterside on Monday morning. The North Yorkshire Police Authority meeting starts at 10.30am, although the public will be invited to ask any questions they may have at 11.30am.

ON SONG: A concert by the Stockton Male Voice Choir at the St John of God Hospital, in Scorton, on Friday, raised £574 for the Richmondshire Branch of the Alzheimer's Disease Society. For details of the support group call (01748) 825817.

FLORAL DISPLAYS: Firms in Boroughbridge are invited to support the area's floral image by sponsoring one of five roundabouts in and around the town. The scheme has brought in more than £60,000 since it was started two years ago. For details call Helen Astbury, on (01423) 322956.

MP'S PLEA: York MP Hugh Bayley is calling for the new strategic health authority for North and East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire to be based in York. He said the city was at the geographical centre of the health authority's area and that York University was a major centre for health and social care research.