FESTIVE opening times at sports centres and council offices in Richmondshire were confirmed yesterday.

Staff begin their break at 5.15pm on Christmas Eve and return on January 2. However, emergency cover is still available via the council's hotline, on (01653) 690738.

The tree recycling scheme runs between Wednesday, January 2, and Sunday, January 13, with collections at Nun's Close car park, Richmond; Gayle Lane car park, Hawes; Reeth village green; Shute Road car park, Hipswell; Moor Road household waste site, Leyburn and Brompton-on-Swale household waste site.

Refuse collection will run two days later than usual until January 12.

Because of maintenance work, Richmond Pool will be closed from Monday until Saturday, December 22