Jack Laugher is bidding for further Olympic glory this morning.

A superb series of six dives took him into the men’s individual three-metre springboard final, which can be seen live on BBC TV from 7am.

The former Ripon Grammar School student, whose family home is in Littlethorpe, finished in third position behind China’s XIE Siyi and Wang Zongyuan in today’s semi-final.

Early-bird television viewers, who tuned in a 2am UK time, saw Laugher score 514.75 points in a stylish and controlled performance at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

It all started here – Spa Baths, Ripon where Jack Laugher was taught to swim at the age of 3 by Sylvia Grice MBE

If he can repeat the highly-disciplined display of diving excellence that he achieved in the semi-final, he has an outstanding opportunity to add to the Gold and Silver medals that saw him make history five years ago.

He and then partner Chris Mears, became the first-ever GB diving medallists, when they fought off a challenge from China to claim Olympic Gold at the Rio 2016 games.

Six days later, Laugher added Silver in the men’s individual springboard event, finishing behind China’s Yuan Cao.

The challenge from the Chinese pair of XIE Siyi and Wang Zongyuan, cannot be under-estimated, but it’s all to play for when the 12 finalists take to the springboard in Tokyo.

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Ripon’s history-making Olympic diver Jack Laugher, has earned his place in tomorrow’s semi-final of the individual three-metre springboard event.

He finished sixth in this morning’s preliminary competition at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, with a points tally of 445.05, raising hopes that he can add to the gold and silver medals that he won at the Rio 2016 games.

This morning’s improved performance follows last week’s disappointment when Laugher – a former student of Ripon Grammar School, who was born and bred in Littlethorpe – finished seventh in the synchronised three-metre springboard final with new partner Daniel Goodwill.

In the synchronised event, Laugher and Goodwill  showed mental toughness to achieve their highest points in their sixth and last dive.

With a tariff of 3.9, it is classed as the world’s most difficult dive.

Jack Laugher in action at this year’s European Aquatics Championships where he won silver Picture: British Swimming.

The hint of better to come for Laugher in the men’s individual springboard, was realised in this morning’s preliminary competition, where he competed against 28 of the world’s elite.

This morning, the 26-year-old got off to an excellent start, with his first dive of six – carrying a tariff of 3.4, giving him an early lead.

By the half way stage, with three rounds behind him, Laugher was placed 11 on 198.90 points, with the dominant Wang Zongyuan and XIE Siyi placed first and second – the ranking the China pair finished in at the end of the preliminaries.

At the Rio games, he and then partner Chis Mears became the first GB divers to win a gold Olympic medal when a world-beating performance saw them crowned champions.

This prevented China from making a clean sweep of gold in the overall diving competition.

Six days later in the Rio Aquatics Centre, City of Leeds club member Laugher – who was taught  to swim at Ripon’s Spa Baths and took up diving at the Harrogate Hydro Pool – won silver in the men’s individual three-metre springboard event.

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Tomorrow, followers of Littlethorpe and Ripon’s local hero, can watch the semi-final on the BBC starting at 2am UK time. The final will be broadcast live at 7am UK time.

A total of 18 divers will take part in the semi-final and from this, 12 go on to the final.

Nidderdale Community Welcome (NCW), is exploring an investment option, as it looks to support a refugee family’s re-settlement in the Pateley Bridge area.

The scarcity of suitably-located two and three-bedroom homes available for rental in Nidderdale, has prompted the move.

NCW’s treasurer, John Tarrant, told the Stray Ferret:

“Finding a home is fundamental and here is an opportunity for an ethical investment that will help a family currently in a refugee camp in the Middle East in appalling circumstances, who may have lost everything.”

Mr Tarrant pointed out:

“Before we do further planning we need to know whether we can find enough potential investors to finance a house purchase.

“They will not be making a donation to to NCW, but providing the means of purchasing a property outright.”

As well as receiving a 2% annual return on their investment, after five years the investors will have the option of selling the property and having monies returned to them.

The investment scheme is separate from the almost £11,000 that has already been raised through donations and pledges.

That money will be used to ensure that the family is established in their new Nidderdale home with part of it used for rental costs.

Before refugee families can come to the this country, where they will have the same rights as UK citizens, they have to go through a detailed vetting process.

The popularity of Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale as a place to live, means the demand for rental properties outstrips supply

The community support group also has to receive approvals from the Home Office and the local authorities.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees selects a family suitable for the size of house that the community group is able to find.

As the search for a rental property is proving difficult, the investment route may provide a better short and longer-term option.

Mr Tarrant, said:

“Full details have not yet been finalised but there are several such community investment schemes helping refugee families throughout the country and we will be using a well-tried model.”

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One such scheme was successfully launched in the Cambridgeshire town of Godmanchester, where a community welcome group raised £300,000 to buy a house for the family that has re-settled in their area.

NCW is looking to raise a similar amount from up to 20 investors who may wish to invest anything from £5,000 to £45,000.

Mr Tarrant is in liaison with the charity Hope into Action, which has experience of working with community groups within the Community Sponsorship Scheme.

Anybody wanting to know more about the NCW investment scheme is asked to contact: johntarrant@leakhb.plus.com

Ripon rocked last night, as a large crowd massed on Market Square for an evening of music and entertainment.

The finale was a spectacular fireworks display that lit-up the night sky above the city’s elegant town hall.

A five-hour programme started with talented local singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary and ended with a convincing Freddie Mercury sound-alike.

Tribute acts had the audience singing along to Elton John’s ‘I’m Still Standing’ Amy Winehouse’s ‘Rehab’ and Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody‘ among many other iconic British pop songs.

In a county where Tykes are known for their care when it comes to money — the icing on the Yorkshire Day Weekend cake, was the fact that it was all for free.

With the covid lockdown lifted, hundreds came to let their hair down on Market Square.

The day of fun for all the family, organised by Ripon City Council, was the first large-scale event to be held in the city since the coronavirus pandemic brought an abrupt end to all public gatherings.

From 2pm until 8pm, children with their parents and grandparents had Market Square North to themselves, as two free fairground rides and a climbing wall ensured enjoyment for all families, without the need to reach into purses and pockets.

The rides were still spinning as the music started on the stage in front of Ripon Town Hall.

Ripon-based singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist Freddie Cleary was the opening act.

Freddie Cleary, singing some of his own songs and a selection of favourite tunes, was followed by the Elton John tribute act, with white piano in what was a fitting celebration of one of Britain’s best-known musical Knights.

The tribute performed hit after hit from Sir Elton’s songbook.

Before the Elton John tribute did his second set, an Amy Winehouse look and sound-alike sang in the distinctive style of the late legend.

Then came the finale and a scintillating rendition of the songs made famous by rock legend Freddie Mercury.

An emotional and power-packed tribute to Amy Winehouse, who died ten years ago

The Queen tribute act front man had the audience wrapped in the palm of his hands, as he sang ‘Don’t Stop Me Now.’

For the citizens of Ripon, the free entertainment continues today as the fairground rides and climbing wall will be open from 10am until 4pm.

Rock and rockets around the Ripon Town Hall Clock

And parents who saved money on the free rides may be spending some of it at the Little Bird Artisan Market, that will be open on Market Square South from 10am until 3pm.

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Ripon’s first major event since covid restrictions eased on July 19 was welcomed by bright sunshine this afternoon.

From the opening of the Yorkshire Day Weekend at 2pm, there were queues of excited boys and girls waiting for their go on the roundabouts and climbing wall.

Two free fairground rides for young children, provided courtesy of the city council, proved a magnet to attract families onto Market Square.

Children had to wear harnesses and safety helmets to go on the climbing wall

The climbing wall for older children, was also free of charge, giving an opportunity for budding Chris Boningtons to try out mountaineering skills.

The rides and wall were attended by stewards to keep the children and other visitors safe.

Nikita, with daughters Lexie (centre) and Octavia, after the children enjoyed a spin on one of the fairground rides.

The free rides and climbing wall will be open until 8pm today and again tomorrow between 10am and 4pm, when there will also be an artisan market on Market Square.

Sadie and her children Lewis (centre) and Jack (right) with family friend Catalin and his children Iris and Rafi

Music takes centre stage from 5.45pm today, when local singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist Freddie Cleary performs on a stage in front of Ripon Town Hall.

He will be followed by Elton John, Amy Winehouse and Queen tribute acts, whose respective performances will begin at 7pm, 7.45pm and 9.45pm.

Between the tribute acts, at 9pm,  hornblower Richard Midgley will be present to set the watch, with blasts of his horn at the four corners of the obelisk.

The Yorkshire Day Weekend is the largest public event to be staged in Ripon since covid restrictions eased on 19 July

The fairground fun and entertainment will be brought to a sparkling crescendo with a fireworks display.

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This day in Ripon’s calendar is normally dedicated to Wilfrid the city’s patron saint and founder of a church on which the cathedral stands.

The covid pandemic caused the cancellation of the 2020 St Wilfrid’s Day procession and also meant that this year’s event is not being staged.

However, to keep the tradition alive, an unofficial St Wilfrid’s Walk was conducted around a route taking in Ripon’s streets which, in non-convid times, would normally be lined by thousands of people.

The covid pandemic has put paid to official celebrations in honour of Ripon’s patron saint, but St Wilfrid will still be represented on the city’s streets on Saturday.

The tradition, which goes back decades, is being kept alive in the hope that things will be back to normal next year.

Sue Simms, secretary of the St Wilfrid’s procession committee, said:

“Our unofficial St Wilfrid walk is going ahead.”

Actors playing the parts of the patron saint, his monks and followers, will leave from the Spa Gardens gates at 2pm.

The walkers will head for Market Place, North Road, Princess Road, Allhallowgate, Kirkgate, Bondgate, Harrogate Road and finish back at Market Place.

The gate at Spa Gardens, where St Wilfrid walkers will gather at 2pm on Saturday before their tour of the city.

Until 2019, St Wilfrid’s Day was one of the city’s biggest occasions of the year, marked by events and a large procession.

Thousands of people would, pre-pandemic, line the city streets and congregate on Market Square.

In addition to causing the cancellation of the 2020 event, the covid lockdowns also affected this year’s activities.

Organisers are looking to use Saturday’s walk as a platform to promote festivities for next year and beyond and will be handing out leaflets along the route.

As well as being the 1,350th anniversary of St Wilfrid founding a church on the site of Ripon Cathedral, 2022 marks the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

In May, Ms Simms told the Stray Ferret:

“We did not feel running a large-scale procession this year would be a responsible choice.

“The situation was complicated by the fact that we would have needed to start applying for road closures back in October.

“Because of the coronavirus crisis, we couldn’t plan ahead with any degree of confidence at that time.”

Ripon City Council is staging Yorkshire Day Weekend activities on Market Square.

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These will include free children’s fairground rides, musical entertainment from 5.45pm on Saturday and a fireworks display.

On Sunday, there will also be an artisan Market starting at 10am on the square.

Police are warning beekeepers in Nidderdale to ‘bee vigilant’ following the attempted theft of hives.

It comes after a thief wearing a beekeeper’s suit tried to steal six hives recently. It is believed the culprit dropped one of the hives, which enraged the bees, and fled empty handed.

PC Bill Hickson, who is based in Patelely Bridge, warned “there may be criminals out there with an eye on your hives”.

PC Hickson revealed more about the sting operation in a report in the August edition of the Link magazine for the Parish of Dacre with Hartwith & Darley with Thornthwaite.

PC Hickson said:

“Last month a thief, or thieves, unsuccessfully tried to steal half a dozen beehives at a location not far from Nidderdale.

Police in Pateley Bridge have recorded 15 crimes in the last month.

“They wore a beekeeper’s suit but nevertheless managed to drop one of the hives, thereby enraging the bees, and fled empty handed.

“Despite this apparent incompetence whoever was responsible had planned the raid and were specifically targeting beehives above other more traditional booty.”

In another animal-related matter, PC Hickson called on dog owners to keep their dogs on leads after a sheep was attacked and a lamb killed on Greenhow Hill.

He said:

“However well-controlled you think your dog is, please do not let it off the lead in fields where there may be livestock.”

A total of 15 crimes, ranging from deliberate damage to a parked car in Dacre Banks to graffiti at Brimham Rocks, were recorded in Nidderdale during the month.

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Anybody with information that could help the police in their work, is asked to contact PC Hickson by calling 101, choosing option two and asking for “Bill Hickson” or “0-8-2-0”

He can also be emailed at bill.hickson@northyorkshire.police.uk

There was Olympic disappointment for Jack Laugher and his diving partner Daniel Goodfellow in Tokyo this morning as they finished out of the medals in seventh place.

Laugher, who was born and bred in the Ripon area, still has the opportunity of adding to the gold and silver medals he won in Rio when he competes in next week’s individual three-metre springboard event.

His mother Jackie, who watched with her husband, David, at their Littlethorpe home, told the Stray Ferret:

“From the start it didn’t look like it was going to be their day, but they are a relatively new team.

“I’m immensely proud of Jack, he’s a wonderful son, great sportsman and role model, but above all he’s a lovely person who will always call Littlethorpe his home.”

Jack Laugher (left) and Daniel Goodfellow making their opening dive

Family friend Helen Mackenzie, who was in Rio with Jackie to see Jack’s gold and silver medal performances in 2016, said:

“It is testimony to their determination and mental toughness that, following five below par dives, he and Daniel achieved their best score in the final one which, with a tariff of 3.9, is  the world’s most difficult dive.

“This bodes well for next week, when Jack takes part in the individual event.”

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Gemma Williams, who like Jackie and Helen is a member of Ripon City Netball Club, said:

“I love and feel pride by proxy, seeing Jack and Dan compete – not the result they would want, but still an amazing achievement.”

Leanne Jalland, chair of Harrogate District Diving Club, where Jack used to train, also spoke of its pride in the pair despite today’s outcome.

“It was a high standard competition but unfortunately it was not their day today. That’s diving as a sport for you, anything can happen and it all comes down to the dives on the day.

“That last dive showed a glimpse of what they are capable of and we are confident that both Jack and Dan have got the strength of character to come back stronger from this.”

Ripon will be rocking on Saturday when four musical acts perform in the city’s ancient square.

The Yorkshire Day Weekend will also feature free fairground rides for children, fireworks and a Little Bird Artisan Market.

The weekend has been arranged by Ripon City Council, which is funding the events from the parish precept paid by council tax payers.

It will be the city’s first mass public gathering since the relaxation of covid restrictions on July 19.

In line with the council’s family-friendly policy, two free fairground rides for young children will operate from 2pm until 8pm on Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.

For older children, a climbing wall will be in place for use free of charge.

Ripon’s first Little Bird Artisan Market this year was held on Market Square in May.

Music takes centre stage from 5.45pm on Saturday, when local singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist Freddie Cleary performs.

He will be followed by Elton John, Amy Winehouse and Queen tribute acts, whose respective performances will begin at 7pm, 7.45pm and 9.45pm.

A more traditional performer will be on Market Square at 9pm, when a hornblower’s blasts at the four corners of the obelisk will signal the setting of the night watch.

Ripon’s day of fairground fun and entertainment will be brought to a sparkling crescendo with a Saturday night  fireworks display.

Cupcakes by Ripon-based When the Cake Door Opens will be among the items for sale at Sunday’s market.

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Between 10am and 3pm on Sunday’s Yorkshire Day, the Little Bird Artisan Market will showcase more than 50 businesses, selling goods handmade or produced in the Yorkshire area.

Last month the market attracted many local people and visitors to the city centre, who browsed stalls selling an array of crafts, homeware, skin products, candles, clothing, photography, wood crafts and other goods.