Encompassing the vibrant market towns of Thirsk and Northallerton, along with Bedale and Leeming, Hambleton covers a substantial section of the Northern Yorkshire Dales. Here are a few news snippets from across the District.

Christmas comes to Thirsk…

Christmas shopping has officially begun in Hambleton as two of the District's tourist information centres have opened branches of 'Cards for Good Causes' shops.

Hambleton's charity card shops

The TIC's in Thirsk and Northallerton are part of a national network of shops now stocking Christmas cards which will benefit more than 25 major charities. By being able to keep operating costs low, charities receive at least 81p in every £1 from the card sales. Last year they shared more than £5 million.

This is the fifth year that Hambleton has taken this project on board - last year more than £6,000 was raised by the two Information Centres.

Thirsk's shop - in the Market Place - is open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm. Northallerton's shop - in the Applegarth Car Park - is open from 10am until 4pm Monday to Friday and from 10am until 1pm on Saturdays.

Cash for district's musicians…

Budding musicians from across Hambleton can now tap into a pot of gold.

A district council scheme to recognise musical talent is already helping seven young people. But there is still cash available to help more and each can get up to £150 to help with tuition and travelling expenses.

Applicants must have achieved grade six distinction or above in their Associated Board of the Royal College of Music (ABRSM) exams. For more information on the grant scheme contact the council's Arts Development Officer, Kate Staines, on 01609 767203.

Spooky trouble at Thirsk attraction…

Visitors to a Thirsk tourism attraction could be in for some shocks this week as the World of James Herriot takes on a Halloween feel for the school holidays.

Today, (October 24) youngsters can find out all about animal skulls and bones in 'Numb Skulls'. The centre's large collection of skulls will be brought out of storage for the workshop which will culminate in the group making a mythical animal.

Friday (October 27) sees the centre overrun with spooky crafts and decorations for a special family fun day.

The centre is open from 10am until 5pm every day - last admission 4pm.

Haunting moments for jockey…

Champion jockey Dale Gibson will be hoping not to see too many ghosts from past races when he visits one if his old haunts later this month! The jockey - who has ridden several mounts for the Queen - will be guest of honour at a Halloween Ball at Thirsk Racecourse.

Thirsk hosts masked ball

He will be entertaining guests with his anecdotes at the Thirsk, Sowerby and District Community Care Association ball on October 28.

The masquerade ball is being held to raise much needed funds for the charity - which acts as an umbrella organisation to support a number of local community projects. All the cash raised will benefit Thirsk Carers Support; Thirsk Volunteer Centre and Thirsk Social Car Scheme as well as the Befriending Scheme, Specialised Outreach Childcare Scheme; Norby Luncheon Club; and the town's Learning Development Officer.

Tickets - which are £50 each - are available from Gill Burn on 01845 523115, or call into the association's offices at 14a Market Place in Thirsk.

Access review for disabled…

A review of the way in which disabled people access services across Hambleton is seeking the views of local people.

A meeting will be held at Northallerton's Civic Centre next Monday (October 30) to discuss new regulations laid down under the councils' Disability Equalities Scheme and to hear how services can be improved.

"We want to hear everyone's views on this but will especially value those given by the people we are trying to reach - disabled people," said Chief Executive, Peter Simpson.

Anyone interested in taking part in the review should contact Wendy Cockburn on 01609 767014 or Julia Spittle on 01609 767066.