MEMBERS of Hollybush Christian Fellowship have held their Christmas dinner for the first time off church premises, with a three-course meal at the Golden Lion hotel, Northallerton. The meal was provided by the fellowship’s trustees in recognition of the volunteers’ efforts in hosting hundreds of events at the church between Sandhutton and South Otterington.

FESTIVE SERVICES: The Rev Stewart Rigley will lead a candlelit carol service on Christmas Eve, at 6.30pm, at St James Church, Baldersby St James, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. He will also lead a 9.15am communion service in the Mission Room, Baldersby, on Christmas Day. A joint benefice communion service will be held at the church at 10.15am on Sunday, December 29.

LIVE MUSIC: Driftwood will play at the Crown and Anchor, Sowerby, on Friday (December 20), at 9pm and Paul Bumby will lead karaoke there on Saturday (December 21), from 8pm.

SEASONAL GREETINGS: Santa, helped by Rotarians, will visit children in Sowerby on Sunday (December 22) from 3pm. His route will include Front Street at 3.05pm, the Crown and Anchor at 3.20pm, Gravel Hole Lane at 3.40pm, Croft Heads at 4.15pm, Kings Meadow at 5pm, Cocked Hat Park at 5.20pm and Green Lane West at 5.35pm.

FESTIVE ART: The winners of the Thirsk and District Business Assocation festive painting competition, in which children were challenged to paint a Christmas tree, were Maisie Poplett, four, of Sessay, and Josh Fisher, nine of Thirsk Community Primary School.

CHRISTMAS SHOW: Riding Lights Theatre Company will perform Goose Chase at St James Green Methodist Church, Thirsk, on Saturday (December 21), from 2pm. For tickets, costing £6, £4 for concessions and £15 for a family of four, call 01845-523890.

FAMILY PANTO: Pocket Panto will perform Dick Whittington at Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall on Saturday (December 21), from 3.30pm. For tickets, costing £6 for adults and £4 for children, call 01845-526536 or visit ruralarts.org