n AN evening with author Gervase Phinn takes place at Hanley Castle High School on Monday (July 4) at 7.30pm. Phinn has been described as the 'James Herriot of education' for his writing on his experiences as a North Yorkshire schools' inspector. His book, The Other Side of the Dale, was serialised for radio. Tickets are £10, with proceed to St Richard's Hospice.

n UPTON firefighters were called to deal with a blaze on The Malthouse Farm, Welland, where a pile of wood chippings had caught fire. The fire, which caught from a nearby bonfire, started at about 4.30pm on Thursday (June 23). The crew from Upton spent nearly four hours extinguishing it. On Saturday (June 25), an open day at Upton Fire Station raised £250 for the Firefighters Benevolent Fund.

n THE Flower Ring in Upton won first prize in the jazz festival window dressing competition. Runner-up was Frames and Blinds, also on Old Street.

n A GARDENERS' market takes place at Upton Church Rooms tomorrow (Saturday) from 9.30am to 1pm. Entry is free.

n A Guided bat walk takes place at Croome Park tomorrow (Saturday) at 8.30pm. It costs £7, including tea and cakes. Booking is recommended on 01905 371006.