A CHILDREN’S hospice is urging people to support its annual Light up a Life Appeal.

Martin House Hospice’s appeal is dedicated to remembering and celebrating the lives of lost loved ones.

In return for a donation to the hospice, people can dedicate a light on its Christmas tree in memory of a loved one or to acknowledge a special person in their life.

The tree will be illuminated during a candlelit service at St Mary’s Church, Boston Spa, at 7pm on Tuesday December 9 and the service will include Christmas carols, readings and a time for special prayer and remembrance.

To support the appeal call 01937 844569 or go to martinhouse.org.uk.

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SHORT films about life in Tang Hall, York, will premiere at a special screening at Burnholme Community College on Saturday, November 29.

Filmed during the summer during the Tang Hall Big Local project, the films give an insight into what local people think about living in the area, and have footage of projects like The Big Gig, the award-winning Tour de Tang Hall and Glen Garden’s Digin project.

The screening will take place from 3pm to 6pm and will be followed by a question and answer session. Contact annatanghall@gmail.com or 07801 496247 for more details or to reserve a place.

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RUBBISH bins topped with flowers have helped York Racecourse win a national award.

It was a category winner at the National Racecourse Association Showcase Awards, picking up first prize in the top spot section.

The judges were impressed by York’s flower bed topped rubbish bins, which helped to add a touch of colour to an important if sometimes overlooked piece of the racecourse operation, said course spokesman James Brennan.

York also made the final shortlist in a further two categories. It was nominated in the Corporate and Social Responsibility section for its hosting of the Start of Day 2 of the Grand Départ of the Tour de France and for the Owners’ Experience where the investment in making a day at York Races a truly special experience for owners, as well as for racegoers, was acknowledged.

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THE Labour Party has named its general election candidate for the Thirsk and Malton constituency.

Publisher and former soldier Alan Avery, who lives Pickering, will fight the election. The 66 year old has been chair and vice-chair of the constituency party and sat for the Labour Party on Pickering Town Council. He has also stood for the party at district and county elections as well as being a school governor.

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YOUNG people will today tell the Lord Mayor of York how to make his official residence more attractive to their age group.

The Young Inspectors, who visit York services and prepare reports from a youngster’s viewpoint, visited the Mansion House recently. Today they will give Councillor Ian Gillies their report and feedback on its Opening Doors project which aims to improve the display of its gold and silver collection, restore its kitchens and reduce its carbon footprint.

Suggestions will include to publicise opening times more and use the house to stage theatre for a younger audience.

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STUDENTS at York College will get the chance to work with equipment similar to that used in the top local and national restaurants, thanks to a grant from the Savoy Educational Trust.

The £8,000 funding will be used on updating the college’s training kitchens.

Karen Horsman, team leader for catering, hospitality and business said: “New equipment will give students the skills and experience needed to secure jobs in local, regional or national hospitality establishments.

“The grant will also allow the tutors to modernise their curriculum delivery and keep abreast with the current trends and practices.”

Margaret Georgiou, Savoy Educational Trust administrator, said it was vital for students to work with modern, up-to-date equipment at college if they were to be successful in getting work.

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AN EAST Yorkshire post office worker got an early Christmas present when she was chosen to appear in the Post Office’s 2014 Christmas TV ad.

Gemma Dealtry, of Bridlington Post Office won a competition involving 11,500 post offices nationwide to gain a role alongside Channel 4 Peep Show’s Robert Webb, pop star Pixie Lott, celebrity chef Gina D’Acampo, Jim Carter from Downton Abbey and TV presenter Amanda Holden.

This is the first festive advert the post office has released in five years.

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A BARMAID raised £1,062 for charity when she cut off her hair and auctioned it to the highest bidder.

Clare Jones, who works at the Hungry Horse pub in Shipton Road, organised the fundraising at the Riverside pub in Skelton.

More than 150 regulars and well-wishers bought tickets for the event which included music from Citizen Smith, a local band.

The winning bid was £60, and the money raised will be split equally between St Leonard’s Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Clare said: “Macmillan is close to my heart as cancer has affected a lot of my family and friends. It is about not facing cancer alone.

“There’s a big issue in the countryside where hospitals and treatment are not so easily accessible.

“Kelvin, who organised it with me, has a relative who died at St Leonard’s Hospice and it has also supported other people with illnesses we know.

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NORTH and East Yorkshire doctors are urging residents to become antibiotic guardians by encouraging people to use the vital drugs responsibly.

The Vale of York CCG warns patients against skipping doses, not taking antibiotics at regular intervals, saving some until later and not taking antibiotics as prescribed.

The doctors are trying to prevent the growth of drug-resistant bacteria which render antibiotics ineffective.

Patients are also being warned that antibiotics are ineffective against cold and flu viruses.