Crackdown on fraud cheats

A NEW partnership has been launched in Richmondshire to clamp down on benefit fraud. The district council has linked up with the Benefits Agency, using Government money to cover the costs of a new officer appointed to lead the liaison between the two. Richmondshire District Council has already clawed back more than £70,000 in the last 12 months through a savings drive and four successful prosecutions. Spokesperson Pat Wilson said: "This will complement our on-going work to prosecute offenders and recover fraudulently claimed benefits. The council is fully committed to helping people claim the benefits to which they are entitled, but is equally determined to crack down on cheats."

CRASH VICTIMS: Three people needed hospital treatment after an accident on the road between Richmond and Brompton-on-Swale. A Ford Fiesta and a Ford Escort van were involved in a collision at the Easby junction on the B6271 at about 11.30am on Tuesday. The van driver had to be cut from the wreckage by firefighters from Richmond and was taken by ambulance to the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, suffering from whiplash. A couple in their 40s were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital with suspected spinal injuries.

RECTOR'S LECTURE: The vicar of St Mary's Church, Richmond, will give an insight into life as a man of the cloth next week. Canon Richard Cooper is the last speaker of the current season of talks arranged at the Town Hall by Richmondshire Museum. Life as a County Vicar begins at 7.30pm next Thursday. All are welcome.

HOLD THE LINE: Richmond Middle School will host an evening of line dancing in aid of school funds next week. The event begins with instruction for beginners, who should be proficient enough to join in with the fun once the dancing proper gets under way on Friday, March 22. Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost £3 each. More details are available by telephoning (01748) 884366.

HELPERS NEEDED: North Yorkshire Forum for Voluntary Organisations is running an election to find two representatives to join a county council committee. Members of all voluntary groups are invited to make a bid for a place on the social services overview and scrutiny committee. Anyone interested must contact the forum - on (01845) 525997 - before March 31.

FARMERS' MARKET: The first of a new fortnightly farmers' market is to be held in St Helen's Square, Scarborough, today, following the successful introduction of a similar event in Whitby last week.