From our archives:

85 years ago

For wrestling fans, a scheme was under way for the institution of the first Free-style Wrestling Board of Control in this country.

Leading the way was Lord Lonsdale, who planned to create a safer and more disciplined rule book for many anxious Northern wrestlers.

Kilnwick Percy Estate, once owned by the late Mr Harry Whitworth, was now up for auction at the Royal Station Hotel, York.

With no takers for the estate as a whole, the property was then offered in lots.

And a policeman on duty in St John’s Street, Bridlington, had to arrest a large billy goat for the disturbance of traffic, after causing several motor cars to swerve to avoid hitting the animal.

The goat however did not want to go without a fight, becoming violent and butting the door before been placed at the local cattle market for its own safety.

50 years ago

A team of seven doctors made the final preparation for the first surgical operation ever performed on a Pope.

Pope Paul VI, who had recovered from an attack of fever which caused him to miss the close of the Synod of Bishops, was to undergo an operation to remove his enlarged prostate gland.

All hands were on deck for the early arrival of Father Christmas to York Station.

The white whiskered children’s favourite boarded a British Railways Santa Special before transferring to a waiting vintage Rolls open tourer to head to the fairyland grotto at York Co-operative Society’s Railway Street store, his “home” for the next seven weeks.

And the Derwent Hunt which usually met at the kennels, Snainton, had to postponed due to the outbreak of foot and mouth in the area.

20 years ago

A housewife from Barlby had won more than £99,000 in the biggest ever win at the Walkers Bingo Club in Selby.

The 45-year-old, who did not want to be named, said this was the first time she had played bingo for seven months.

As French hauliers began their first full day of strike action, North Yorkshire was bracing itself for the inevitable knock-on effects as French drivers used their vehicles to close the entrance to Calais Channel port.

And The Evening Press Cancer Care Haven was three quarters of the way towards its £100,000 target, thanks to the generosity of readers.