LEADING historian John Rushton, who was awarded an MBE this year, is to head a series of lectures.

The Pickering branch of the Workers Educational Association, whose 220 members come from all parts of Ryedale, is hosting the event.

Mr Rushton is researching a book on Elizabethan Yorkshire and is giving a series of ten lectures on the reign of Elizabeth I - just weeks before he officially receives his MBE from Queen Elizabeth II.

Lady Piercy, the association's joint programme secretary of Fair View House, said: "Pickering is justly proud of John's dedication to teaching and his ability to make history gripping.

"He will be looking at Elizabeth I's reign over half a century of remarkable change, when great Earls lived at Sheffield and Settrington, visited Helmsley and hunted Pickering's deer park, Blandsby Park."

The courses are run at Pickering Memorial Hall. Other subjects to be covered in a series of courses being run by the assocation include wine, art and personal finance.

Further details can be obtained from Lady Piercy on (01751) 431976.