A 10-year-old from Harrogate will start a 100-mile cycling challenge today to raise funds for Henshaws.

Ewan Clarkson is a keen cyclist and wants to use his hobby to help others.

He will split the distance over three consecutive days, cycling at home on an electronic bike. During training, Ewan said he has watched TV “to keep me going”.

He said:

“I’ve been on the indoor bike building it up – over the past few days I’ve been doing 50km.

“Cycling is my passion. When I was little I went round the garden and the arts and craft centre which I loved. I wanted to raise money for them because how they help disabled people is amazing.”

Ewan’s initial fundraising target was £100 but by Friday he had already raised more than £240. To support him, click here.

Ewan often cycles with his dad, Ian Clarkson, and his parents were always supportive of his pledge. Ian said:

“We’ve always told him it’s not a race – it’s about getting the distance done. When he saw the challenge he wanted to do it straight away.

“He knows he can do the distance as long as his legs don’t give up. He’s taken his training seriously and he was determined. I think he’s ready.”

The charity said lockdown has left it struggling financially, initiatives like this are helping.

The Henshaws Hundreds challenge is a new fundraising initiative launched by the charity to raise vital money. It has experienced shortfalls this year which it attributes to coronavirus and the lack of charity events taking place.

Gemma Young, Henshaws’ fundraising manager for Yorkshire, said:

“Launching at the start of National Eye Health Week on September 21, for 10 whole days we are challenging supporters to do ‘your hundred, your way!’

“Inclusivity really is at the heart of this challenge. It’s possible to cover your chosen distance in a wheelchair, using a walking frame, walking on your hands, or by running, walking swimming or cycling.”

Read more:

• Henshaws launches its Henshaws Hundreds challenge to raise funds. 
• Children’s author uses his first book to raise money for a cancer charity. 

A new barbers is opening in Harrogate town centre next week.

The Scissors Project will open on John Street on Tuesday. The salon was an idea that came out of lockdown for experienced barber, John Scott.

Following months at home, John was eager for a new challenge and found the “perfect spot” in the town centre. Since receiving the keys two weeks ago he has renovated the space to function as a barber shop, ensuring appropriate distancing between the chairs.

John said:

“I’ve always wanted my own place but it’s never been the right time. During lockdown I started looking and I saw this place so it’s gone from me not looking for a place to me being here now.

“Even in this time it is still an essential service, people are never going to stop getting haircuts. I think for me personally and the industry as a whole covid is something we’ll have to get used to. Now that the rules have changed slightly it’s helped a lot. I don’t think it’s going to change anytime soon.”

Its owner hopes its central location will encourage business.

Read more:

• After covid cancelled her travel plans, one Harrogate hairdresser fulfilled a different dream and opened up her own salon.
• When hair salons opened in July safety measures had to be put in place.

The Scissors Project has already been building interest before it opens, and John hopes to employ more staff if business gets busy.

“We’ve been generating a bit of interest on social media to get people used to a new place opening. If it gets busy I’ll look into bringing another barber in and an apprentice.”

Knaresborough Christmas market will not go ahead after the county council said it could not safely give permission for the event.

The market was one of the only remaining events still planning to go ahead during the festive season. But with others locally, including Leeds and Harrogate, being cancelled, North Yorkshire County Council was concerned it could attract even larger crowds than usual.

One of its organisers, Hazel Haas, said the decision “wasn’t unexpected” and the residents of Knaresborough are the top priority.

Hazel, chair of the Knaresborough Christmas Market committee, said:

“We planned it all along knowing it may happen. We cut out the parts which attracted queues and crowds and spread the stalls out. It’s really sad for Knaresborough, but if it prevents a single person from Knaresborough getting [covid] we are happy.

“We’ve worked closely with Harrogate Borough Council to find different layouts – we did everything we could to make it work but it couldn’t happen. Next year will be bigger and better.”

The organisers say many of the new ideas will be used next year to ensure a bigger and better Christmas market.

The market was amended to ensure safety by cancelling the annual fireworks display and live entertainment and reducing the number of stalls but Hazel said the risks “were just too great”.

She added:

“We understand the decision, which is being made in everyone’s interests.”

Read more:

• Harrogate Christmas Market organisers “devastated” as the event in cancelled. 
• Harrogate’s annual lantern parade has had to be cancelled following safety concerns. 

This event is another casualty for the festive season, with many annual events unable to go ahead.

The decision comes as coronavirus cases in the district are slowly rising – a further six new cases were reported yesterday. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the Harrogate district since the beginning of the pandemic to 894.

A further three schools in Harrogate have reported confirmed cases of coronavirus in their students.

It comes as six new cases have been confirmed in the Harrogate district in the last day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 894.

St Aidan’s C of E High School, St John Fisher Catholic High School and Bilton Grange Primary School have all sent confirmation to parents that they are following protocol and a number of students have been asked to self-isolate at home for 14 days.

The headteacher of St John Fisher has confirmed two cases of coronavirus among students. Similarly to the other schools, it has asked other students who had close contact with either of those diagnosed to self-isolate at home.

Mr Mort said:

“Due to the year group bubble arrangement and fixed seating plans which we have in place, we have been able to identify and contact a small number of students who have commenced a self-isolation period of 14 days. This has meant that we have not needed to close a full class/year group bubble. We are working with Public Health England and following all guidance necessary to ensure the school environment is as safe as possible.”

It is understood at least one of the cases relates to a student in the sixth form, which is joint with neighbouring St Aidan’s.

A letter to parents at St Aidan’s said the school was working with Public Health England and had asked some students to stay at home for 14 days. Headteacher Chris Burt said:

“St Aidan’s works alongside St John Fisher in providing the Associated Sixth Form across our schools. We were informed on Wednesday of a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the schools that has resulted in a small number of students having to observe a 14 day isolation period. The schools across the Association continue to work closely with Public Health England and the Local Health Protection Team.

“We wish the student concerned a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming all students involved back to school as soon as possible.”

Just weeks into the new term some students are being sent home again in order to self-isolate.

Read more:

• Harrogate Grammar School confirms one of its students has tested positive for coronavirus. 
• Harrogate Ladies College is another school confirming a positive case. 

Earlier this week, both Harrogate Grammar School and Harrogate Ladies’ College confirmed they had students who had received positive coronavirus tests. Other students in their ‘bubbles’ are now isolating at home for 14 days.

The additional cases in schools come a day after North Yorkshire county council say it has introduced full emergency status as it deals with the rising number of cases in the county.

The authority said the highest numbers of cases are centred around the Harrogate and Selby districts.

The son of the police officer who lead the investigation in to Dennis Nilsen is running this year’s London marathon for the Harrogate Police Treatment Centre.

Simon Jay is the son of DCI Peter Jay, who is currently being portrayed by actor Danny Mays on ITV’s drama Des.

The programme, whose last episode aired last night, follows the police investigation into the London serial killer which resulted in a life sentence for six counts of murder and two of attempted murder.

Simon speaks of his father as his “hero” and says seeing him on the screen is “strange”. Peter Jay died only a few months before the ITV researchers contacted him, and since then Simon has met them to offer his father’s files and information on the case.

After suffering with his own mental ill health, Simon works within that sector and closely with the Police Treatment Centres charity.

Simon said:

“It’s very strange – he’s always been my hero so it’s nice for everyone else to see him like that – it makes me very proud.

“It took five years to research – although it’s a drama it does tell the story as it would have happened. The only difference is that he wouldn’t have been scared of anything at the crime scene, but it’s to get the drama across.

“He was a little more assertive and would always take control, when Danny says, ‘He gets away with nothing’, that was Dad all over.

“I think he’d have been quite embarrassed by the show, but he would have liked that all the officers were highlighted rather than just him. To him it was just a job.”

Simon, with his mum Linda and dad Peter three months before he passed away.

Simon is running this year’s virtual marathon in aid of the Police Treatment Centres, including its service on Harlow Moor Road in harrogate. The charity treats around 4,000 police family patients each year from across the country, offering support for physical and psychological injuries.

He added:

“I was blown away by their dedication to police officers. They are so passionate and I knew they needed more support and I wanted to help.”

To support Simon, click here.

A spokesperson for the Police Treatment Centres said:

“We are delighted that Simon is taking part in the Virtual London Marathon in aid of The Police Treatment Centres. Simon has worked alongside us for some time now to facilitate a roll-out of the Thrive mental health app for our patients.

“As a charity, we rely heavily on donations. Whilst we had to close our residential facilities during the pandemic, we lost income. Fundraisers like Simon play a key role in raising the funds we need to ensure we are there for future generations of the police family.”

A new drama school for children will open in Ripon this weekend.

Ripon Theatre Arts has been created by Rosie Riley, an actor and graduate of the London musical theatre school, The MTA.

The school, which is for children aged six to 12, will will take place in Ripon Amateur Operatic Society’s hall on Allhallowgate on Saturdays.

Ms Riley said recent months had been “difficult” for young people and hoped her classes would help them build confidence, have fun and make friends. She added:

“We have strictly followed the government guidelines for this. However, I believe it’s really important to help the next generation get back on their feet. It’s been so difficult for all the young people being in lockdown and if we can help with any personal development, I think we have done our job of helping them get back on track with their life.

“I have been itching for a challenging project to get my teeth into and when schools were able to open, we jumped at the opportunity. We were also aware, due to another school closing, that a lot of children now had no Saturday club. I didn’t want this to happen, so here we are!”

Ms Riley, pictured here, said the time is right to open the school.

Ms Riley has over three years of teaching experience and has also performed in several off-West End theatres, as well as appearing in the Channel 4 show The Last Leg.

Read more:

• Brimham Rocks visitors were treated to a concert this week which saw a pianist playing on top of one of its rocks.
• Her terminal cancer diagnosis inspired one Harrogate art teacher to set up her own exhibition to raise money for her cancer centre. 

Children will have to queue to maintain social distancing when they enter the building and wear face coverings while performing. Each child will be given a 2m square space to use.

To get in touch with Ms Riley, email ripontheatrearts@hotmail.com.

Harrogate Ladies’ College has confirmed one of its students has tested positive for coronavirus.

Other pupils, identified as being in close contact, have also been sent home to isolate.

It is the second time in 24 hours that a Harrogate school has been affected by covid.

The Stray Ferret reported yesterday that Harrogate Grammar School had reported a positive case. The school sent 45 students home to isolate for 14 days.

Harrogate Ladies’ College did not say how many pupils had been affected. A spokeswoman said:

“We can confirm that one pupil at Harrogate Ladies’ College has tested positively for covid. The pupil is well, and isolating at home.

“We are working closely with Public Health England and the NHS track and trace system, and any pupils who have been in close contact with this particular student are now also self-isolating in line with government guidance.”

Despite the two incidents in local schools. coronavirus levels in North Yorkshire county are below the national average.

County council bosses have urged residents to remain vigilant and “avoid unnecessary interactions”.

Read more:

• A Harrogate charity has begun a swap shop for school uniform – where parents can pick up or drop-off second hand uniforms.
• Extra buses are being provided for school children to avoid the spread of covid on public transport. 

A plaque in honour of organ donors has been unveiled on behalf of the Harrogate Network for Organ Donation Support in the town’s Valley Gardens.

The group was formed to offer support to those waiting for a transplant or following the procedure, as well as their families.

The plaque is in recognition of donors and their families for giving the “gift of life”. Following the new opt-out system the group hopes more people will be able to receive organs.

One of the group’s founding members, Kerry Morrison, whose daughter Lynda received a heart transplant 25 years ago, said:

“The plaque is going to be a lovely place for donor families and recipients to come and reflect – it’s somewhere really special. I think it’ll become a focal point for recipients.

“The support group is there to help with the shock that comes from needing a transplant.

“I hope the plaque will stimulate the need to talk about donation with families to learn if it is something they agree to.”

It is hoped this plaque will give donor families and recipients somewhere to come and reflect.

The plaque has been mounted onto a lime tree above the playground in Valley Gardens. The Mayor and Mayoress of the Harrogate Borough, Stuart and April Martin, were invited to unveil the plaque to group members and families.

Read more:

• The number of organ donations at Harrogate hospital falls.
• A plaque to commemorate the town’s wartime efforts for the Spitfire campaign has been commemorated with a new plaque. 

David Kinder, a heart transplant recipient and member of Harrogate NODS, said:

“I was very nervous before my transplant and it would have been good to know there was a group such as ours. I’ll be going there on the anniversary of my transplant, I need somewhere to thank my donor.

“Most people might want to donate but never got round to it, but now you’re in until you opt out and hopefully that’ll be fantastic for people on the waiting list.”

Harrogate Grammar School revealed today that a pupil has tested positive for coronavirus.

The school said it had identified 45 other students who have been in close proximity to the pupil and told them to stay home for 14 days to isolate.

It did not confirm which year group had been affected.

But it said its safety measures had prevented any teachers needing to isolate.

A spokesperson from Harrogate Grammar School, said it had acted on advice from North Yorkshire County Council, adding:

“We can confirm that we have a positive case of covid in our school community. All parents have received a letter.

“We can’t confirm which year group the student is in as that is confidential. Due to year groupings and fixed seating plans for each class we have been able to identify those in close proximity and this in turn has meant the whole year group bubble has not had to self-isolate.”

Read more:

• North Yorkshire’s rate of cases stays below national average. 
• Harrogate hospital says it will increase the number of tests available for staff. 

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, North Yorkshire County Council’s director of public health, said:

“We expect from time to time there will be positive cases affecting teachers, parents or pupils. This may be reflective of the background increase in cases across North Yorkshire. We will work with each school individually to determine the best approach to take depending on the circumstances.

“If you haven’t been contacted by the school, then your child is not a contact of the person who has tested positive and can continue attending school as normal. Please only get a test if you have symptoms or are instructed to by contact tracers.”

An elderly couple were driving for 15 hours yesterday after getting lost on a 40-minute route from Knaresborough to Thirsk.

The couple, a 96-year-old driver and his 90-year-old partner, were trying to drive to a caravan dealer in Thirsk – a route they had driven many times before.

They set off at 2pm on Sunday and were found by North Yorkshire Police officers at 4.40am on Monday morning near Roecliffe.

The officers were initially called to a suspected drink driver on the A168 near Thirsk. The car was reported to be driving all over the road at 20-25mph.

Police caught up with the car just before the Roecliffe industrial estate roundabout. It was confirmed the “lost and confused” couple had not been anywhere else but had been trying to get home.

Officers took the couple home and have submitted forms to the DVLA over medical concerns for the driver. The driver was also strongly advised to stop driving. A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:

“It’s a difficult conversation to have, but be honest with your relatives and friends you have medical concerns over. Tell them to stop and report them to the DVLA.

“This driver was nearly 15 hours into a 40-minute journey. The ending could have been much worse.”

Read more:

• Harrogate Borough Council has said its needs more details before it hires covid marshals.
• Community groups begin speed checks today on district roads.