THE World of James Herriot, in Thirsk, has won an accolade in a national business awards scheme.

The museum received a gold SCOOT Headline Awards following the Herriot Country Tourism Group overseeing a rise in visitors to the attraction.

Ian Ashton, the group’s managing director, said: “To have been successful against such stiff national competition is testament to the tremendous efforts that our team at The World of James Herriot make in delivering a quality visitor experience.”

ON TRACK: The final meeting of the Northallerton branch of the Wensleydale Railway Association 2013/14 season will hear a talk by Nick Bielby and Mark Sissons about the history of Pickering station, on Monday, May 19, at 7.30pm, at Northallerton Cricket Club, Farndale Avenue.

CONCERT DATE: Sowerby Music’s annual Countess of Munster Musical Trust concert will feature violninist Adelia Myslov and pianist Craig White performing Ravel's 2nd Sonata. The concert will be held at St Oswald’s Church, Sowerby, on Saturday, May 17, at 7.30pm. For tickets, costing £10, visit White Rose BookCafé or sowerbymusic.org.uk

CHARITY THANKS: Rural Arts, in Thirsk, has thanked residents and businesses in the town, including GSM Graphic Arts and Madeira Threads, for supporting the charity. Hannah Stroud, of Rural Arts, said: "People often come to us with craft materials they no longer need – we can put them to good use.” For details about the charity’s workshops, call 01845-526536 or email hannah@ruralarts.org

FRIENDSHIP LUNCH: A friendship lunch will be held at the Friends Meeting House, in Kirkgate, on Friday (May 2), from noon to 1.30pm. Entry costs £3.

REVIVAL SHOW: The Sixties will be celebrated with a live show of Beatles, Rolling Stones and Searchers songs at the town hall on Friday (May 2), from 7.30pm to 10pm. For tickets, costing £10, call 01845-571457 or visit the Artist’s Palette, Millgate.

RACE MEET: The Thirsk Hunt Cup meeting will be held at Thirsk Racecourse on Saturday (May 3), with racing starting at 5.40pm. For details, visit thirskracecourse.net

GUITAR FOCUS: North Yorkshire Guitar Fair, which will include live music, will be held at Thirsk Auction Mart, Thirsk on Sunday (May 4), from 10am to 3pm. Tickets, which cost £3 for adults and are free for accompanied children, are available on the door.

MOVIE TIME: The Ritz Cinema, Thirsk, will screen Muppets Most Wanted (U), at 7.30pm, from Friday, (May 2) to Thursday, May 8. There will be showings at 2.30pm tomorrow (Saturday, May 3) and on Sunday (May 4). For details, call 01845-524751 or visit ritzcinema.co.uk

FUNDRAISING DINNER: The Black Lion, in Thirsk, will hold a three-course dinner and quiz to raise funds for Thirsk Community Care on Thursday (May 8), at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £23.50. For details, call 01845-523115.