Alice Kavanagh

Gordon Martin, 54, of Clifford, was sentenced to eight months in prison suspended for 12 months after admitting two threats to commit criminal damage and one count of malicious communications arising from parking disputes. He repeatedly threatened to burn down neighbours’ homes, left an intimidating note with a match, and confronted an elderly neighbour. He must complete 100 hours of unpaid work and comply with a 12-month restraining order preventing him from entering Clifford High Street or contacting victims. Police evidence, including forensic and voice-comparison analysis, linked him to the threats.

North Yorkshire Police are seeking witnesses and footage after a silver car reportedly failed to stop following a collision with a blue Skoda Fabia at the junction of Cayton Low Road and Holme Hill in Eastfield at about 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19. Information, including CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage, can be provided to police via Josh Hocken, the force’s website or 101 using reference 12260161507.

The Millie Wright Children’s Charity, founded by Ceri and Nigel Wright in memory of their daughter Millie, has raised more than £500,000 since its launch in 2022. It has funded 5,600 hours of family support, provided Saturday Suppers to more than 10,000 families and contributed £35,000 annually toward food in hospital parent kitchens. Working with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the charity has also supported hospital play services and campaigned for equal treatment of haematology patients. It plans to continue expanding practical, emotional and financial support for families of children with life-threatening conditions.

York Press announces live coverage of GCSE results day across York, North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire, including local school results, photographs and reactions. The publication says it will not print comprehensive student result lists because fewer schools have been submitting them, but will provide an eight-page photo supplement and continuing online updates.

A 10-foot by 5-foot Graham Edwards 3.5 galvanised tipping trailer was stolen from a farm in Plompton, near Harrogate, at about 1 a.m. on August 11. North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information about the trailer’s whereabouts and asks anyone with information to contact the force, PC Fiona Marshall, or Crimestoppers, quoting reference 12260155673.

Emergency services rescued a person who became trapped inside a concrete tank in Husthwaite, North Yorkshire, on August 17. Three crews from Thirsk, Ripon and Acomb attended after being called at 12:57 p.m.; the person had self-extricated before their arrival, and firefighters provided immediate medical care until paramedics arrived.

A man was allegedly racially abused and had his car attacked while driving along Ripon Road in Harrogate. North Yorkshire Police released an image of a man they believe may have information and asked the public to provide information by email, phone, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Thousands attended the inaugural Symphonic Ibiza concert at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, where DJs Alex Bowen and Vernon Kay performed alongside a 40-piece orchestra and vocalists including Heather Small, Rebecca Ferguson and Alison Limerick. Organized by Sound & White with the Great Yorkshire Events Centre, the event revived outdoor concerts at the venue and generated support for the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the David Brown Foundation and the Harrogate Theatre Trust.

Emilie North escaped unharmed after a large tree branch fell onto her red Fiat 500 while she was driving along Haxby Road in York. She believed the branch was dislodged after a passing lorry struck overhanging branches. The car sustained roof dents and scratches but remained driveable, while members of the public, workers and police responded quickly. North said City of York Council, which maintains the trees in Clarence Gardens, should cover the damage and trim the trees to prevent similar incidents; the council was contacted for comment.

Andrew Mearns, a former director of Knaresborough luxury-car dealership Gmund Cars Limited, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to 14 fraud counts. Between 2006 and 2019, he sold vehicles on commission for clients but kept the proceeds, leaving them financially and emotionally harmed. The offending was uncovered after 14 reports were made to North Yorkshire Police, and civil cases remain ongoing to recover vehicles and address victims’ losses.

Students across York, North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire are preparing to receive their A-Level results, which may determine university, apprenticeship or employment opportunities. The Press will provide live coverage, local school results, photographs and reactions, along with an eight-page souvenir supplement, but will not publish student result lists because fewer schools have been submitting them.

A 13-year-old was reportedly followed by a man acting suspiciously on Doncaster Road in Selby at about 3:30 p.m. on July 20. North Yorkshire Police released a CCTV image and asked anyone who recognizes the man or has relevant information to contact the force, quoting reference 12260138501.

York Christmas Market will run from November 12 to December 21, opening from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Monday and closing on Tuesdays for a weekly rest day. Organized by Make It York, the market will feature independent traders selling gifts, crafts and seasonal food in the city centre. Shambles Market and Shambles Food Court will remain open daily, while the final market day will close early at 5 p.m. The Tuesday closure is being trialled to improve access and balance the needs of visitors, residents and local businesses.

Scissor Sisters delivered a high-energy performance at Scarborough Open Air Theatre, opening with “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’” and “Laura” before performing major hits including “Take Your Mama,” “I Can’t Decide,” “Fire with Fire” and “Let’s Have a Kiki.” Reviewer Alice Kavanagh praised Jake Shears’s vocals, the band’s camp staging and the enthusiastic audience, though she felt their cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” briefly slowed the set. Support came from The Hidden Cameras and Bimini.

Fire crews attended three separate open-air fires on Water Lane in York on August 8. The first involved a small grass fire that had already gone out, followed by a blaze involving wood and tree branches. A later callout concerned approximately 200 square metres of grassland, which crews extinguished using a hose reel and beaters; police also attended.

The M&S café inside the Beverley Food store will close permanently on Saturday, August 8, as Marks & Spencer repurposes café space in 11 smaller food-only stores. The company says affected employees will remain in-store, while the changes form part of a £300 million investment and store rotation programme intended to expand its food-store network to around 420 locations by the end of 2028.

More than 60,000 homes and businesses in rural Yorkshire and Lincolnshire can now access gigabit-capable broadband through the UK Government's Project Gigabit scheme and Quickline's rollout. Coverage has expanded across communities near Barnsley, Huddersfield, Hull, Bradford, York and other rural areas, while Quickline says its full-fibre network now reaches about 260,000 premises in the region. The initiative has also supported STEM workshops and career engagement for more than 1,700 young people.

Nineteen-year-old gymnast Georgina Gibson, who has trained at Harrogate Gymnastics for a decade and competed at British and English championships, has received a multi-year athletic scholarship to study kinesiology and compete for the University of Alaska Anchorage. Gibson credits her coaches, family and club for helping her achieve the opportunity, while her parents and club founder Chloe Carey praised her determination and commitment. She is due to move to Alaska to continue her academic and gymnastics career.

Campaigners and councillors raised concerns about pollution in York's River Ouse and River Foss at a City of York Council scrutiny meeting. Rowers reported foul water and illness, while residents highlighted sewage discharges into Osbaldwick Beck and unusually high discharge levels at several combined sewer overflows. Yorkshire Water said spills had fallen since 2020 and pointed to increased investment and more than 1,500 active projects, but campaigners and councillors questioned the accuracy of monitoring and called for stronger action to rebuild public trust and improve river quality.

The Beagle pub on Foxwood Lane in York was burgled between 11:45 p.m. on August 2 and 8:30 a.m. on August 3, 2020. North Yorkshire Police appealed for witnesses who saw suspicious activity or vehicles, including a white Mercedes van, and provided contact details and the crime reference number.

A dog walker was treated in hospital after being bitten on the arm and leg while trying to separate a fight between his dog and another dog at the Community Centre field on Foxhill Lane in Brayton, near Selby. North Yorkshire Police are seeking information about the man who was with the other dog and have provided a police reference number for witnesses.

York River Art Market’s first weekend in Dame Judi Dench Walk, beside York’s Museum Gardens, attracted hundreds of visitors and was described by new organizer Caroline Turner as exceeding expectations. The market featured artists, ceramicists and jewellery makers on both sides of the River Ouse, along with creative workshops. Traders reported strong sales and a positive atmosphere, while the event’s remaining weekends were scheduled for August 8–9 and August 15–16, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

York College art and design technician Joe Bailey has submitted his handmade “Workshop in a Toolbox” model to the LEGO Ideas platform. The design contains 18 miniature creative-workshop spaces and has surpassed 1,000 supporters, with nearly 200 positive comments. Bailey must reach 5,000 supporters within just over a year and then 10,000 within six months for the LEGO Group to formally review the concept. He built the model over two to three months at York Hackspace and hopes it will eventually become a commercially produced LEGO set.

The Streets performed their 2004 album A Grand Don't Come For Free in full at Scarborough Open Air Theatre during a special UK tour. Led by Mike Skinner, the group played a 90-minute set featuring hits including “Dry Your Eyes,” “Fit But You Know It,” and “Blinded By The Lights,” with Skinner also performing from within the crowd and crowd-surfing to the stage. Casisdead and Jimothy Lacoste appeared as special guests, while the venue’s summer programme continued with a later Sex Pistols performance featuring Frank Carter.

Barbican Road in York has reopened at its junctions with Kent Street and Heslington Road after a crash at about 1 p.m. on August 2. The incident is believed to have involved at least one car and a motorcyclist, although emergency services had not officially confirmed the details. An air ambulance attended, and police cordons and investigation vehicles remained at the scene for much of the day.

More than 10,000 runners took part in the 2026 Arla Protein York 10K, which began at Knavesmire and passed landmarks including York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, the City Walls and Rowntree Park. Samuel Roberts won the men’s race in 30:40, while Hannah Hobbs was the fastest woman in 34:56. Participants ran for personal goals and numerous charities, including the RSPCA, the Meningitis Research Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support and local York causes. Organizers described it as the event’s largest York 10K, with strong participation from runners, spectators, volunteers and fundraisers.

North Yorkshire firefighters climbed Clifford’s Tower in York 343 times to honour the firefighters killed in the September 11 attacks. The event served as preparation and a fundraiser for nine firefighters travelling to Atlanta, Georgia, to take part in the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Memorial Stair Climb, where participants will climb the equivalent of 110 floors in full fire kit. Donations will support the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, The Fire Fighters Charity and the Blue Light Card Foundation, with Hilton York helping provide accommodation.

Whitby Swing Bridge will close to cars from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends during the school holidays, beginning August 1 and continuing through early September. The bridge will remain open to pedestrians and buses, with additional closures planned for the Whitby Regatta, the summer bank holiday, October half term and Whitby Goth Weekends. North Yorkshire Council says the measures are intended to improve pedestrian safety and support Whitby’s economy.

A large crop fire near Hunmanby affected approximately 20 acres and prompted nine crews from eight fire stations across North and East Yorkshire to respond. The blaze temporarily blocked train lines between Bridlington and Scarborough, but firefighters and local farmers brought it under control and later confirmed that remaining hotspots had been dampened. Graffitoe Farm Campsite reported that its animals, wildflowers and campsite were unaffected, everyone was safe, and the business was able to reopen.

York Outer Labour MP Luke Charters has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, serving alongside Angela Rayner. He said he welcomed the opportunity and highlighted plans to build more council homes and address rough sleeping while pledging to prioritize constituents in York Outer. The article explains that PPSs support ministers, advise departments, liaise with backbench MPs and promote government policy, and reports proposals to give the role greater visibility and responsibility.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway is offering a programme of Christmas experiences departing from Pickering, including the family-focused Santa Express, the Christmas North Yorkshire Pullman dining journey, festive fish-and-chips services, adult singalong events, afternoon tea, private charters and short accommodation breaks. Prices range from £29.50 for the Santa Express to £1,595 for a private charter, with bookings available through the railway’s website.

A crash on the southbound A1(M) near Tadcaster closed two of the four lanes between junctions 44 and 43. National Highways reported delays of up to 45 minutes, with congestion stretching for about five miles back to junction 45 at Boston Spa. Traffic officers were working at the scene.

Channel 4’s music programme The Piano will feature an episode filmed at York Railway Station, airing on Sunday, July 26, at 9pm. The York filming attracted large crowds and included hosts Claudia Winkleman and Mika, guest pianist Hiromi, and contestants including Manchester pianist Harri Kelly. The episode is expected to showcase amateur musicians and stories behind their connection to music, with station staff describing the filming as an unusual and welcome musical event for passengers.

A newly opened fine dining restaurant, Inlamentation in Boston Spa, has been added to the Michelin Guide, with inspectors praising chef Michael O'Hare’s creative tasting menu and intimate dining setting. The guide highlights the restaurant’s evolving dishes, Asian influences, and complementary wine flights, while bookings are encouraged through its website.

Holgate House, a residential care home in York, received a ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission, reflecting major improvement since its previous inspection. Inspectors highlighted kind, person‑centred care, a safe environment, and strengthened leadership and governance. Management and Milewood representatives praised staff dedication while acknowledging remaining areas for improvement, including care planning, risk assessment, and refurbishment needs. Residents and relatives reported feeling safe and well supported, and the service was noted as progressing positively.

A resident on the Staynor Hall estate in Selby criticised housing developer Persimmon after dog waste and rubbish bins were reportedly left unemptied for weeks, causing overflowing waste and attracting rodents. He said the estate’s facilities are poorly maintained and that residents have resorted to litter‑picking. Persimmon stated that additional bins were installed and that a new contractor is now emptying them twice weekly while long‑term management is arranged with North Yorkshire Council.

Delta Goodrem will perform at York Barbican on February 23 as part of her 2027 Pure World Tour, following the release of her singles Hologram and Eclipse, the latter having placed fourth for Australia at Eurovision. She describes the tour as marking a new creative chapter that blends classic hits with material from her upcoming album Pure. The tour follows a run of sold‑out UK and EU shows and her recent signing with Universal Music. Tickets go on sale July 24 via the venue’s website.

Police are seeking information to identify a man linked to an investigation into outraging public decency at a children’s play park in Strensall on June 28, 2026. North Yorkshire Police issued an appeal with contact details for anyone with relevant information, including anonymous reporting options through Crimestoppers.

York is ranked the second-best student city in the UK in a study by Canvas Student, surpassing Oxford and Cambridge. The ranking highlights affordability, student amenities, and access to universities and libraries. Aberdeen takes first place for its balance of cost, nightlife, and career opportunities, while Cambridge follows for strong job prospects and study resources. Other cities in the top ten include Dundee, Oxford, Cardiff, Coventry, Nottingham, Norwich, and Reading.

A burst water main on Leeman Road in York caused significant flooding, road closures and low water pressure across Acomb and Holgate. North Yorkshire Police advised the public to avoid the affected area while emergency services assisted residents. Yorkshire Water reported reduced pressure in YO24 and YO26 postcode areas and is involved in the response, with updates expected.

A family-run Scarborough shop, John Wherritt, has closed after 181 years as its owners retire, prompting strong community nostalgia and support. The owners extended the closing date to allow more visitors, and the property has been sold, though the brand is not expected to continue.

Fire crews responded to a fire on Hob Moor in Acomb, York, with eyewitnesses reporting the incident occurred behind a Lidl store where livestock continued to graze. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment, and updates are expected to follow in a live blog.

A new lifestyle, homeware and gift shop called Wonder is preparing to open at 24 Fossgate in York, replacing the former Remedy Café, which closed in 2025 due to significant debts. The shop is currently being fitted out with a new design, and an accompanying Instagram account announces its upcoming launch, with further details to follow.

Yimu Tea Space, a café on Walmgate in York, has closed less than a year after opening, with the premises now emptied except for a single lantern. The business had promoted Chinese tea culture and offered a range of teas, coffee and cultural experiences. Future plans for the site are unknown pending comment from the owners.

Firefighters investigated a woodland fire in Sand Hutton after members of the public had already extinguished the blaze. Crews confirmed the area was safe using a thermal imaging camera and advised the public to contact emergency services when fires are spotted in woodland areas.

Contestant Martha Rothwell, originally from York, was eliminated from the current season of Love Island after 15 days in the villa. She entered during Casa Amor as one of the new arrivals, coupled with several contestants over the course of the show and was eventually voted out on Day 38. Rothwell described the experience as surreal and positive, highlighted her background and personal life in pre-show interviews, and follows a line of previous Love Island participants from York.

Police released a CCTV image of a man sought for information after a June 27 assault at York Racecourse. Authorities urged anyone who recognises him to contact North Yorkshire Police or Crimestoppers and provided reference number 12260124208 for reports.

Train drivers at LNER are preparing for a strike ballot over a long‑running pay and productivity dispute. ASLEF leaders criticised the breakdown of talks and claimed outside interference halted progress after nine months of negotiations. They also warned that the current timetable relies too heavily on overtime and goodwill. LNER stated it is continuing discussions with the union as the ballot is expected to begin soon.

Fire crews responded to a field blaze near the A1(M) at Hutton Conyers, working with local farmers to create fire breaks and control the perimeter using hose reels and beaters. Drivers on the motorway were advised that smoke might be visible and to avoid the area if possible. A call was made on social media for farmers with water tankers to assist as efforts to contain the fire continued.

Four men from Bridlington, Scarborough and Cottingham admitted roles in a cocaine supply network directed from inside a prison cell. Humberside Police traced a drug line to a wider network of burner phones, leading to arrests following coordinated warrants in March and the seizure of significant quantities of cocaine and cash. Evidence from mobile phones, CCTV and financial records showed coordinated preparation and distribution of drugs, with one suspect running operations from prison. A concealed mobile phone was later recovered from his cell, ending the drug line’s activity. Police emphasised the success of the investigation and ongoing efforts to disrupt organised crime in the region.

A 16-year-old boy died after coming off a motorbike in an alley behind Eastbourne Terrace in Pontefract, prompting a police appeal for witnesses. A 13-year-old boy suspected of being on the bike at the time was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Because officers had prior contact with the bike, the case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and investigators are seeking any footage or information to support the inquiry.

Trading standards officers in East Riding of Yorkshire seized recalled and counterfeit goods, including Needoh toys, Labubu dolls, Squeezy Dumplings, fake perfumes and counterfeit Apple items, during a visit to the Strawberry Fields car boot sale in Bridlington. Officials warned that some seized toys posed serious chemical risks and urged shoppers to be cautious when buying from informal outlets. The council said inspections will continue and encouraged the public to report unsafe or counterfeit products through the Citizens Advice consumer service.

Police released CCTV images of two individuals they want to identify after clothing and laundry detergent were stolen from the Boyes store in Whitby on June 26. Officers urged anyone who recognises the people pictured to contact PC1488 Bell or report information through police channels or Crimestoppers, quoting reference 12260119881.

Police are seeking a potential third victim of a serious assault near the Slug and Lettuce bar on Ouse Bridge in York after two men were already identified and two suspects were arrested and released under investigation. Officers urge the unidentified victim and any additional witnesses to come forward, directing information to DC Alicia Hoyle or to Crimestoppers anonymously, and provide a reference number for the case.

Museum Gardens in York has temporarily closed to the public as preparations begin for the four‑day Live at York Museum Gardens festival, featuring a lineup of major music acts followed by the York Comedy Festival. Organisers highlight the event's growth and strong partnership with York Museums Trust.

Two farm vehicles were destroyed by fire on Station Road in Cayton near Scarborough, prompting two units from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to respond late morning on July 6. The fire, which began in a tractor and spread to nearby grassland, caused complete damage to both the tractor and a hay turner. The cause of the fire remains unknown, with crews using hose reels, breathing apparatus and a thermal camera to extinguish the blaze.

Three people, including two adults and a child, were safely rescued after becoming stuck about 15 feet above the ground on The Big Wheel in Harrogate. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service responded with an aerial ladder platform and used a triple extension ladder to bring them down without injury.

Two passengers were left in serious condition after a crash involving a grey Ford Fiesta on the A19 near Thirsk, leading to the arrest and subsequent release under investigation of the driver. The road was closed for eight hours during police inquiries, and North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to support the ongoing investigation.

An air ambulance was called to a suspected crash on the A170 near Sinnington in North Yorkshire at around 5pm on August 2. A vehicle reportedly appeared to have overturned, but the number of vehicles involved and other details had not been confirmed. The incident followed another crash in Ryedale earlier that day.