THE man who held the purse strings at the Green Howards regimental headquarters in Richmond for ten years has retired.

Maj Bill Laws, who has been with the regiment for 44 years, stepped down at the end of July and was succeeded by Maj Brian Metcalfe.

Maj Laws, of Skeeby, was originally from Guisborough and joined the Green Howards in January 1957 as a national serviceman.

He completed his initial training as a private at the Richmond depot and, during his national service, converted to a regular soldier. During 34 years in the regiment he became a commissioned officer and a member of the skiing team.

He served in several places round the world, including the Far East, North Africa, Germany, Norway, Canada and Cyprus as well as many tours of duty in Northern Ireland.

He left active service in 1991 and became treasurer of the Green Howards and assistant regimental secretary. He was also responsible for the Green Howards associations of retired servicemen, organising their reunions and helping their development.

A keen golfer and sailor, Maj Laws looked forward to having more time to pursue these activities and travel.

Lt Col Neil McIntosh, regimental secretary, said: "For ten years, Bill Laws has been a firm hand in control of our finances and, for 44 years, one of the most faithful members of the regimental 'family.' We wish him well in his retirement but we shall certainly see him in future at reunions, bearing out our saying 'once a Green Howard, always a Green Howard'."

Focus on natural healing

TALKS about the healing powers of aloe vera will be given at the Cleveland Tontine hotel on Sunday, between 2.30 and 5pm.

Aloe vera is said to help people with a variety of ailments, such as skin disorders, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, bowel disfunction, insomnia and sciatica.

Admission to the talks is free but donations will be collected for the Dytsrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research association, a charity which studies the painful skin blistering condition. It also operates the Butterfly Children charity.

More details are available from Mrs Elizabeth Noon on 01642 711356.

Hotline up and running

DURHAM university has a small number of course vacancies left for A-level students rushing to apply for places following yesterday's results.

Applicants should contact the clearing hotline service on 01642 335320 for a list of places still available.

The hotline will open from 8am-7pm today and tomorrow, and from 10am-3pm on Sunday. Normal operating from 9am-5pm applies from Monday.