TROOPRS RETURN: More than 100 troops will return to their barracks in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, on Tuesday, May 7, to mark the end of a six-month tour in Afghanistan.

The 108 soldiers, who are all members of the Royal Dragoon Guards (RDG), based at Alma Lines, Munster Barracks, have been deployed to Task Force Helmand under the command of 4th Mechanized Brigade on Operation Herrick 17 since October last year.

The RDG is the North Yorkshire County Regiment and the guards were deployed throughout the province helping to mentor the Afghan National Security Forces as the transition of power continues.

DRIVING SCHOOL: Budding young drivers from York will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel when Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy holds a weekend of mini taster sessions on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12.

The free 20 minute driving lessons will take place at the York Designer Outlet in Fulford between 10am and 5pm, and are designed for anyone over 1.5 metres tall without a UK driving licence. No booking is required, and spaces are on a first come, first served basis. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

For further information visit www.mb-drivingacademy.co.uk or call 0845-123-0055.

BATHROOM FIRE: A fire broke out in a York bathroom after a wall-mounted water heater ignited.

The fire, at a house in Markham Crescent, York ay 9.45am on Monday, May 6, caused 50 per cent heat and smoke damage to the heater and 10 per cent damage to the rest of the bathroom.

Two appliances from York attended the incident, and crews used two breathing apparatus and one hose reel to put out the blaze.

PAPER ART: An exhibition exploring the work of eight artists who use paper as the main material in their work will open on May 18 at the Masham Gallery.

Curated by Rosie Scott-Massie, a papercutter and one of the eight artists taking part in the show, Paperworks, said: “Papercutting has existed for hundreds of years, but very recently has become incredibly popular a fashionable.”

The exhibition opens on Saturday, May 18 and continues until June 28.

For more information visit the gallery's website www.mashamgallery.com.