Lucy Playford, who runs the Harrogate Mama blog and social media channels, has been left devastated after scammers tricked their way into her Instagram account and demanded money to hand it back.

Ms Playford provides updates on family life in the town and visits to local businesses to her 6,000 followers on Instagram.

After recently changing social media software, she received an email from what she thought was Meta, the owner of Instagram, asking to verify her account.

The blogger typed in her username and password and was then locked out the next day. This type of crime is known as phishing.

She then received a WhatsApp message from the scammers blackmailing her.

Ms Playford said:

“I was really shocked and upset, I was devastated really. It’s like a theft of anything but it’s a theft of my family’s memories over the last six years.”

After receiving the message she then blocked the number:

“I just thought don’t engage with them, it’s like all hostage takers, don’t negotiate”.

Messages from the scammers

Read more:

• M&S employee in Harrogate unfairly dismissed after face mask confrontation
• Therapist praises “beautiful energy” of new Knaresborough home

Ms Playford has reported the crime to North Yorkshire Police and Instagram, but so far has had no success in getting her account back, and she fears it may now be lost forever.

The blogger has set up a new account (instagram.com/HarrogateMamaLucy) where she hopes her old followers will find her.

She said:

“My main following was on Instagram, I like to champion local Harrogate businesses and lots of people followed me for a long time but they have been left wondering where I am. It’s hard”.

Ms Playford has urged social media users to be vigilant against scammers.

“My main advice would be to set up two-factor identification. Also have a password that is not easy to hack.”

An inquest into the death of prominent local solicitor Lynda Greenwood heard today that she died of smoke inhalation when her house caught fire.

Ms Greenwood, who founded Greenwoods Solicitors in Knaresborough in 1991, died on April 2 at her home in Brearton. She was 67.

Her home was severely damaged in the blaze, which occurred at about 10pm on a Saturday night.

Assistant coroner Jonathan Leach gave the cause of death at today’s brief opening inquest in Northallerton. He said she was divorced her maiden name was Nattress.

Me Leach added:

“She was at home on April 2 when a fire broke out, as a result of which she died at the scene.”

The inquest was adjourned until a later date.

Ms Greenwood was born in South Shields but grew up in Knaresborough where she attended King James’s School before completing a law degree at Kingston University and becoming a partner in a Surrey law firm.

Read more:

• ‘No suspicious circumstances’ surrounding Brearton house fire, say fire service
• Local solicitor identified as victim of fatal Brearton house fire

After having her daughter, she set up Greenwoods Solicitors in her home town.

A statement on the company’s website says:

“On Saturday 2 April 2022 our colleague, our friend, our Lynda, was taken from us in the most tragic of circumstances.

“Lynda touched the hearts of everyone who met her and we have been overwhelmed by the number of kind messages we have received.”

A Marks and Spencer employee in Harrogate was unfairly dismissed following an altercation with a customer over a face mask, a tribunal has found.

Deborah Daisy, who worked part-time at M&S Food on Leeds Road in Harrogate, went off work with anxiety in late January 2021.

She told her employer it was down to the covid pandemic in general, but was also caused by an incident in which she asked a customer to put on a face mask in the shop. The customer was then aggressive towards her, she said.

The report from an employment tribunal in Leeds said:

“Adjustments were discussed to facilitate a return to work. Specifically, they discuss the claimant not working on the door of the store as a store host which involved controlling the numbers of people entering the store and reminding them to wear a mask.

“[Marks and Spencer] was asked whether or not she could think of any other adjustments and replied that she could not.”

However, Ms Daisy then told her employer she would feel comfortable to return to work once she was fully vaccinated.

She was referred to occupational health and, during meetings with them, referred to a previous armed robbery and an incident when she confronted a shoplifter as making her feel unprotected in her workplace.

Following a meeting in early March, an occupational health officer said:

“This employee is not fit for work in any capacity at present and timescales for recovery are unclear, therefore it is unlikely that a return will be feasible in the reasonably foreseeable future.

“Should the business have exhausted all reasonable support and all reasonable adjustments have proven unsuccessful, I would recommend formal consideration for ill health retirement with submission of the relevant pension scheme documentation.”

Mrs Daisy had several further phone appointments with her employer over the following months, at each reiterating that she did not feel safe to return to work. Company representatives asked if any adjustments could be made to help her, but she said no.

Read more:

• Man sacked by Ripon garage for racism loses unfair dismissal claim
• Ex-Ripon Grammar School matron loses unfair dismissal claim

In a meeting in June 2021, Ms Daisy was told that she could not be given an update about what action had been taken against the abusive customer “due to GDPR”. She asked about the previous incidents which had made her feel unsafe and was told they had been discussed at previous meetings.

Off work for 24 weeks

At the end of the meeting, Ms Daisy was dismissed on the grounds that she had been off work for 24 weeks and was not able to return.

She submitted an appeal the following month, but another M&S employee concluded her dismissal had not been unfair. However, the tribunal held in Leeds in May found it had been.

The report published at the end of June said:

“Although the respondent [M&S] has produced a standard operating procedure for dealing with external crime, there was no evidence of specific training in this, or in handling abusive customers, in the claimant’s case. There is no evidence before of recording threats to staff or any specific processes for reporting abuse to staff.”

In the report, Employment Judge Knowles said M&S had said Ms Daisy had not submitted an official complaint about any of the incidents. However, the report said Ms Daisy had not been trained in making these and it was unclear why, when she reported them to her manager, they were not treated as official complaints.

The report added:

“Although the number of meetings is indicative of [Mrs Daisy] being adequately consulted from the interview notes it can be seen that they did not discuss the investigations due to vague reasoning concerning GDPR.

“Throughout the process, the claimant [Mrs Daisy] raises incidents, workplace violence, and the respondent [M&S] clearly failed to establish the facts and investigate those incidents which led to the absence and perpetuate the absence.

“This was not even close to a reasonable investigation. The respondent failed to consider reasonable adjustments, stopping shoplifters, locking the doors after hours, investigating her complaints, and there could have been a return to work.”

Judge Knowles found M&S could have engaged more with its employee over its investigation into the incidents and ways of overcoming her safety fears, saying the company could have been expected to wait longer before dismissing her if that process failed to enable her to return to work.

He said:

“It is not for me to comment upon how the respondent might have taken steps to address [Mrs Daisy]’s safety concerns.

“I am surprised that those matters were not explored with [Mrs Daisy] given that [M&S] is a well-resourced retailer in the UK and given that the plight of shopworkers and the abuse they suffer at work is generally well known.”

The compensation to be given to Ms Daisy will be decided at a future date, but will be reduced by 25% on the grounds that she could have been dismissed in future anyway.

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Therapist praises “beautiful energy” of new Knaresborough home

A therapist from Harrogate has relocated to Knaresborough to join its “thriving” business scene.

Karen Smith of The Balance Smith has taken new treatment space at the Town House in Jockey Lane.

From there, she is offering advanced clinical massage, clinical reflexology and scar release, helping clients to reduce pain, improve function and relieve stress.

She said:

“There is a beautiful energy here in Knaresborough and a thriving independent business community.

“I want to create a space to empower those wanting to take action and invest in themselves on their journey out of chronic pain and stress.”

As well as the treatment space, the new venue has a courtyard garden for post-treatment relaxation.

Ms Smith also plans to offer a series of self-care workshops in future, helping people to take more control of their health and well-being.

Read more:

• Harrogate business backs trio’s 15,000-mile trek to India
• GC Motors owner completes £250,000 property refit

Belated celebration for gallery’s Harrogate opening

An art gallery has marked its opening with a celebration at its Harrogate premises — two years after it made the move.

Bils & Rye took on the premises on John Street at the rear of Hotel du vin in 2020, following eight years near the North York Moors.

Its opening was muted because of the pandemic and, after two years trading, owner Nick Bentley threw a party on Saturday afternoon.

It was an opportunity for customers old and new to discuss the work of artists from the Harrogate district and around the UK on show in the gallery. Among those represented were Erin Ward, Joanne Tinker, Jo York, Gary Canning and Robert J Wyatt.

A chef shot his underling baker in the eye with an air pistol, “effectively” blinding him, a court heard.

Brad Tristan Plummer, 25, fired the gas-powered ball-bearing gun at Aidan Corbyn at their workplace, the Nelson Inn gastro pub in Killinghall, a jury at York Crown Court was told.

Mr Corbyn was taken to hospital for a procedure to remove the ball bearing from his eye, said prosecutor Howard Shaw.

He said the horrific incident on September 29, 2020, began innocently enough but turned into something more sinister.

Mr Shaw said:

“The defendant came into the kitchen and said, ‘I’ve got an air pistol’,”

“(Plummer) was bragging to Aidan Corbyn about the gun, telling him…he wanted to go outside and shoot at some bottles. He asked Aidan Corbyn to join him.”

Mr Corbyn later said that he agreed to go outside because he was scared of Mr Plummer, his boss.

The two men went outside to the back of the pub where they lined some bottles up as targets. Mr Shaw said:

“Both (men) had a go, using the air pistol (to shoot) the bottles.”

Mr Plummer kept firing at the bottles until it appeared there were no more pellets left inside the magazine. They returned to the kitchen at about noon and Mr Corbyn went back to work. Mr Shaw said:

“By this time one of the waitressing staff arrived at work.”

Mr Plummer started pointing the pistol at Mr Corbyn, “pretending to shoot him”, added the prosecuting barrister.

“He kept pointing it at his face several times.”

Safety catch

At that stage, it appeared that Mr Plummer had the safety catch on, but Mr Corbyn was so worried he tried to get away from him.

However, his boss followed him, “laughing and joking and pointing the gun at Mr Corbyn”, which Mr Shaw said amounted to “bullying him”.

Things turned uglier when Mr Plummer pointed the pistol at Mr Corbyn’s face “from a distance of about one metre”.

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• ‘Crazy Russian’ found guilty of murder at Harrogate’s Mayfield Grove
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Mr Shaw added:

“He pointed the gun straight at his face (and) the air pistol discharged,

“Aidan Corbyn was shot in his left eye, the ball bearing lodging in his eye, effectively blinding him.”

Admits GBH

Mr Plummer admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm at a previous hearing but denies a second count of possessing a firearm with intent to cause Mr Corbyn to fear that violence would be used against him. Mr Shaw said:

“The prosecution say that this was not boyish high jinks.

“The prosecution say that this was bullying behaviour by an older, bigger man in a position of power at work, which was picking on a younger, smaller, more junior work colleague and trying to frighten him with a gun.”

Mr Plummer, who lives at the Nelson Inn on Skipton Road, was arrested and taken in for questioning.

He told police he thought the air pistol wasn’t loaded at the time he aimed it at Mr Corbyn. Mr Shaw said:

“He thought the safety catch had been on and said he hadn’t aimed at Mr Corbyn.

“He said he and (Mr Corbyn) got on well and that this was an accident.”

Mr Shaw said the safety catch was “clearly not on” when Mr Plummer shot the baker.

The trial continues.

Extreme hot weather affected the Harrogate district today. Here’s a look back at today’s heatwave news.

It’s supposed to be even hotter tomorrow — please send details of travel problems/cancellations etc to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

6.49pm – Harrogate Grammar School to close tomorrow

Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is to close tomorrow due to the extreme weather.

In an email to parents, headteacher Neil Renton said:

“The classrooms seem to be tracking at least 2 to 3 degrees above the external temperature.

“The forecast for tomorrow from 1pm is 36 degrees with this rising to 38 degrees by 2pm. We have found even the temperature today to be an unbearable temperature for children to learn.

“Despite our best efforts to cool the building over the weekend, closing all the blinds, we now have high levels of residual heat in school from a very warm day today.

“Despite giving out free bottles of cold water to the children at lunch, our site team making outdoor spray stations and adjusting uniform expectations, the school has been very uncomfortable.

“The fact that we have a very strong remote learning offer, developed through two lockdowns, means that we can maintain the continuity of provision.

“As a result, we have made the decision to close the school due to the extreme weather conditions forecast.”

Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.

If you have details of other school closures tomorrow, message us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

5.25pm – Help a hedgehog during the heatwave

HAPPY (hedgehog appreciation prickly pals Yorkshire), based in Ramsgill, has asked people to leave a bowl of water out for hedgehogs during this week’s heatwave.

5.25pm – Fountains Abbey to open tomorrow – but no guided tours

National Trust-owned Fountains Abbey has said it will open tomorrow but urged people not to bring dogs and to consider coming on Wednesday, when cooler temperatures are forecast.

1/3 Whew! Today was a scorcher and tomorrow is set to be even hotter. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal will be open tomorrow but we would really recommend visiting on a different day if you can.
The site is very large with steep hills and few shady spaces. Visitors should prepare pic.twitter.com/AmhpXcSMQX

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

2/3 for walking for long periods in the direct sun and bring plenty of water and suncream. Please don't bring dogs with you if you're planning a visit tomorrow.
The weather is due to break on Wednesday so we should be back to normal then. For now, we wont be running

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

3/3/ guided tours and we may have to close some areas early for the welfare of our team.
Stay safe and cool – we'll be posting about ice and snow before you know it!

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022

3.45pm – Some bin collections delayed

Harrogate Borough Council has said not all of its scheduled bin collections have been completed today because of the rising temperatures.

It has asked anyone whose collection has been missed to leave their bin out and crews will aim to return when the weather is cooler later this week.

Some collections from today (Monday) are also outstanding as our crews deal with the rising temperatures. Please continue to leave your waste or recycling out as we'll aim to return later in the week.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022

3.15pm – No London trains from Harrogate tomorrow

LNER has confirmed that no trains will be running from Harrogate to London Kings Cross tomorrow.

The company is running a reduced service due to extreme heat.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840

2.25pm – Temperatures reach 34 degrees in Knaresborough

The temperature has reached 34 degrees in Knaresborough, according to local weather stations.

Areas in Harrogate are currently at 32 degrees.

2.05pm – New caves keep people cool at How Stean Gorge

Visitors to How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale are keeping cool by using two new caves that the attraction has bought.

The two new caves are Hazel Close Cave, which is about 120 metres long and only accessible via a ladder, although features a walking passage for 37 metres. Oxbow Cave is the second new cave, on the north side of How Stean Gorge and is 25 metres in length.

Tony Liddy, director of How Stean Gorge, said: 

“We’ve transformed the site with our ambitious expansion plans to cater to the huge demand for adventure tourism. Acquiring the caves is an important part of that, as we want to showcase nature’s stunning playground in this unique gorge that has existed for ten thousand years, since the last Ice Age.”

1.05pm Quiet on the Stray in the afternoon sun

It looks like most people are heeding the warnings not to sit out in the sun today, with the Stray looking all but deserted in the high temperatures.

We saw just a few people walking across the grass, and even one runner, but it’s much quieter than usual for this time of day.

Meanwhile, the town centre itself feels quiet, though some hardy shoppers were still out on Cambridge Street – mostly sticking to the shade along the south side.

12.58pm: 34 degrees reported in Burn Bridge

According to local weather stations, Burn Bridge is the current hotspot, with the mercury hitting 34 degrees centigrade.

12.44pm – Umbrellas up as Harrogate hits 30 degrees

It’s a day for brollies… although not for their usual purpose. How are you spending your lunch hour?

11.45am – Harrogate charity offers help during extreme heat

Harrogate Easier Living Project has offered support to those struggling during the hot weather.

The charity is offering people emotional and practical support during the soaring temperatures.

If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with the heat, needs help and doesn't know where to turn, please call HELP on 01423 813090 and we can offer friendly practical & emotional support in #Harrogate #Knaresborough #Ripon and surrounding villages #HeretoHELP @HADCAcharity pic.twitter.com/9M3YJvNm8h

— HELP charity #HereToHELP (@HELP_Harrogate) July 18, 2022

11.30am – Ripon family enjoys the sun

It’s warmer than the Bahamas at the Borrage Green Lane Paddling Pool in Ripon, where mum Paula and her children Oli, two, Ted, six, and 10-year-old Arabella were managing to keep cool with an 11am dip.

11.15am – County council urges people to look out for each other

North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to look out for each other during the extreme heat.

Let's look out for each other during the hot weather.

Please remember to check on family, friends or neighbours who may need help keeping cool.

The heat can affect anyone, but for some it can have serious effects on health.

Get #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/aq0af1CC4V

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 18, 2022

10.55am – Knaresborough Town postpones match

Knaresborough Town AFC has postponed its pre-season friendly tomorrow due to the red weather warning.

The club was due to play Campion AFC at Manse Lane tomorrow evening.

https://twitter.com/KnaresboroughFC/status/1548664274280669185

10.50am – Convention centre issues advice

Harrogate Convention Centre has issued advice to those attend this week’s Home and Gift Fair.

The event is set to take place this week during the heatwave.

The convention centre has advised attendees to drink plenty of fluids, bring water with them and to look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated.

https://twitter.com/HgtConventions/status/1547895249137111043?s=20&t=zSOw9DeeoAzafHyGYK5Xbw

10.35am – Boroughbridge care home residents enjoy ice cream amid heatwave

Residents at Boroughbridge Manor care home kept cool over the weekend amid the hot weather with ice cream.

The home timed the treats well for National Ice Cream Day as the Met Office issued a red warning for extreme heat.

Ann, a resident said:

“I absolutely love ice cream. There really isn’t anything nicer on a hot summer’s day. We have had loads to sample today with all kinds of different sprinkles and sauces. They have all been truly delicious.”

9.55am – Yorkshire Ambulance Service urges people to take responsibility for themselves during extreme heat

Yorkshire Ambulance Service has issued advice amid the hot weather.

The service is asking people to take responsibility for themselves so ambulance crews can respond to the seriously ill across the region during the heatwave.

Dr Steven Dykes, Executive Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:

“This advice is common sense but, by reminding everyone, we hope that it will help to reduce the number of people who suffer any ill-effects from the hot weather.

“We will always respond to anyone needing time-critical medical assistance, but we ask that people think carefully before dialling 999 and only call for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.

“People suffering from minor illnesses and injuries should consider more appropriate services, such as visiting their local pharmacist or GP, attending a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111.”

9.40am – Direct trains to London cancelled

Direct trains from Harrogate to London Kings Cross have been cancelled due to the extreme heat.

LNER is running a reduced timetable amid the weather warning.

Network Rail is advising that passengers only travel if necessary both today and tomorrow.

9.25am – Advice for drivers in extreme heat

If you’re planning on driving today, National Highways has issued advice for precautions to take before getting on the road.

It includes taking a bottle of water in your car, leaving plenty of time for your journey and checking your vehicle before you leave.

You can read the advice here.

9.15am – Spa Croquet Club postpones match

Spa Croquet Club, which plays at Studley Royal Cricket Club, has postponed its match which was due to be played today.

The Federation match has been postponed to Monday, July 25.

The friendly against Ben Rhydding due to be played today has also been postponed, but a new date has yet to be agreed.

9.10am – Dog walkers up early in Harrogate

Some dog walkers were up early to beat the rising temperatures this morning.

The heat is expected to reach highs of 34 degrees in Harrogate today.

9am – Hospitals, schools and care homes braced for hot weather

Schools, care homes and public services across the Harrogate district are putting in place measures to protect vulnerable people from the extreme temperatures expected today and tomorrow.

With the Met Office forecasting highs of 38C and red warnings in place, there is a risk to health, especially for the elderly, very young and people with existing medical condition.

You can read more on how schools, hospitals and care homes are preparing here.

8.50am – Ripon Cathedral School reschedules Shrek performance

With temperatures rising, Ripon Cathedral Primary on Priest Lane has organised for a portable air conditioning unit to be put in place in the school hall and planned performances of the Legend of Shrek by key stage 2 pupils, to be re-scheduled from tomorrow, to Wednesday and Thursday.

In a message to parents and carers, head teacher Steven Holmes said he had taken the difficult decision to move the sold-out performances until later in the week.

He said:

“We are concerned about the potential temperatures in the hall for the Tuesday performances of Shrek with over 200 bodies in one space.

“As a school we have invested in LED lighting to reduce heat and have organised for a portable air conditioning unit.”

Tickets bought for tomorrow’s performances will be automatically transferred.

8.40am – Amber weather warning

The Met Office has an amber weather warning of extreme heat for the Harrogate today and tomorrow.

The warning means that “population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life.”

It also means that “substantial changes” in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required.

8.30am – Fountains Abbey makes changes amid hot weather

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal at Ripon has made changes amid the hot weather.

Its Studley refreshment kiosk will be closing at midday and guided tours of the abbey and water gardens will not be taking place.

8am – Northern: Only travel if necessary

Northern has urged passengers to only travel if necessary during the extreme heat.

It has also warned that its services could be cancelled at short notice amid the hot weather.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1548918144286175234

Countryfile host and adventurer Helen Skelton was guest of honour at prep school Belmont Grosvenor’s annual Speech Day.

The Yorkshire-based mum-of-three inspired pupils from nursery to Year 6 with her tales from the Amazon to Antarctica.

Ms Skelton told pupils:

“Life is about challenges, and life is about taking risks. It doesn’t matter what other people think, what other people think you can and can’t do. You can be anything you want.

Co-educational prep school Belmont Grosvenor is based at Swarcliffe Hall in Birstwith.

Former Blue Peter presenter Ms Skelton, currently fronting Channel 5’s Summer on the Farm, described the school’s setting as “incredible” and praised its outdoor learning ethos.

She shared secrets from some of her most famous challenges, from kayaking the Amazon to becoming only the second woman to complete the Namibia Ultra Marathon.

“I’d never run for 10 minutes, never mind 80 miles in 23 hours. I set my GPS every five miles to zero, and I did another five miles and another five miles until I reached 80!” she said.

Read more:

• Nidderdale wellness retreat shares its harvest for healthy eating
• Harrogate Grammar School unveils new £1.3m building and garden

Acting Head Emma Shea told the Speech Day audience the school had recorded higher than national average results for all classes from year 2 to 6 in English and maths.

Ms Shea, who leaves BGS at the end of the academic year after 16 years, praised pupils for their hard work and, with the help of Ms Skelton, handed out prizes for a wide range of achievements from science and maths awards to the kindness and consideration cup.

Harrogate Borough Council has begun moves to evict Travellers from Oatlands Park.

Almost 20 vehicles arrived on the council-maintained park on Friday night.

It is believed they gained access from Hookstone Road, where a post blocking traffic from entering the park had been removed.

A council spokesman said today:

“We are aware of an illegal encampment on Oatlands Park in Harrogate and have started legal proceedings.

“Notices have been served requesting that the occupants leave imminently.”

Local people told the Stray Ferret that police had visited the site.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:

“Residents have made us aware of a group of caravans which have pitched on an area of Oatlands Park in Harrogate.

“As part of our usual neighbourhood policing response, local officers who were on patrol visited Oatlands and spoke to those concerned.”

Read more:

• Travellers arrive on Oatlands Park in Harrogate
• Calls for more temporary sites for Travellers in Harrogate district

Harrogate Grammar School has unveiled its new McHugh building and garden, which were built as part of the school’s expansion.

The development consists of three new classrooms, an atrium and garden.

The elevated ‘classrooms on stilts’ have also created space underneath for students to meet.

The stilts are steel pillars, inscribed by children of key workers and vulnerable students who attended school during the pandemic.

The £1.3 million project was built during the pandemic to accommodate the 2,000-pupil school’s growing numbers.

The McHugh building takes its name from Jim McHugh, of the Red Kite Learning Trust, which oversees the school.

His history with Harrogate Grammar School began in 1975 when his wife Pat started teaching there. He became a governor in 2004 and later became chair of governors.

Read more:

• Ofsted praises North Rigton primary school
• ‘Vibrant’ Knaresborough nursery rated ‘good’ by Ofsted

More recently, Mr McHugh was integral in establishing the Red Kite Learning Trust as its chair. 

He said:

“I was speechless when I found out new building was being named after me. It’s a wonderful 70th birthday present.

“Above all, it’s so rewarding to see the amazing improvement here at Harrogate Grammar School. Not only with an outstanding Ofsted report, but also in creating such a lovely space for students to meet, to learn together and communicate.”

An aerial shot of the new student garden at Harrogate Grammar School.

Neil Renton, headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School, added:

“Jim and Pat McHugh stand for commitment to children, for collaboration and positivity, so this is a fitting tribute to them both.

“This whole project also shows what happens when we come together with a vision to provide the very best for children. To achieve this, especially in the middle of covid, is something we are immensely proud of.”

Unveiling the plaque

The interior of The McHugh Building.

Police are investigating after two quad bikes were stolen from the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate last week.

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information on the bikes (pictured above), which are believed to have left the show in the direction of Wetherby Road.

Police said the theft happened between 3am and 4am on Wednesday, July 13.

Officers said they were appealing to the public to establish the “full circumstances surrounding the incident”.

A North Yorkshire Police statement added:

“In particular, we are appealing for anyone who has information or who witnessed anything suspicious around the area at the time of the theft.

“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email chloe.kinnear@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option two, and ask for PC 1606 Kinnear.

“If you’d prefer to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111. Please quote reference 12220121553.”

Read more:

• Local firm averts traffic danger at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show
• Man arrested after early morning Knaresborough crash
• Former Pateley Bridge police station sold for £297,000