A coroner has concluded that the suicide of a “bright and happy” girl was not linked to the acne drug she had been taking before her death.

Annabel Wright, 15, was found dead in her room by her parents on the evening of May 1, 2019.

Harrogate District Hospital had prescribed Annabel, who lived near Ripon and attended Harrogate’s St Aidan’s Church of England High School, Roaccutane, also known as isotretinoin, to treat her acne.

The conclusion, which was read out today at an inquest in Northallerton, was difficult for her heartbroken parents Helen and Simon Wright to hear.

Jonathan Leach, assistant coroner for North Yorkshire, said:

“There was no evidence that her mind was disturbed. If it was, there is no evidence that this was caused or contributed to by Roaccutane.

“It is clear to me that Annabel took her own life. I offer my thanks to the witnesses and condolences to the family.”

Simon and Helen Wright read out a statement after today’s hearing.

After the hearing Ms Wright, flagged on her right by Mr Wright, said:

“The evidence provided during this inquest has shown that our normal, happy, well-adjusted child took her own life, suddenly, without warning and without any mitigating circumstances other than she was taking a drug which can cause suicide.

“Despite this the coroner has not seen fit to implicate this drug in her death. We are disappointed but sadly not surprised by the verdict delivered here today.

“Annabel was let down by Harrogate District Hospital when they prescribed her a drug she did not even need though it could cause her suicide.

“She was let down in life and she has been let down in death by the authorities steadfast refusal to recognise the role Roaccutane played in her death.

“But we, her family, friends and the people who knew her know the real truth and this will not be changed by the opinions of those who never met her, yet have the power to stand in judgement over her.

“In view of this, we, as bereaved parents, would like to take this opportunity to warn others of the dangers of Roaccutane, because often they will not hear about the true side effects, including sudden suicidal impulses from those who glibly prescribe it.

“We hope others will take heed from this tragedy and refuse to allow their children to take this toxic drug.”

Read more:

• Parents’ tribute to Harrogate girl on acne drug who took her life
• Harrogate police officer charged with sexual assault

Dr Alison Layton, who started Annabel on her treatment, told the inquest that Harrogate District Hospital had carried out a review into how it deals with those under 18.

She also added that the hospital now hands out cards to those on Roaccutane with contact details for mental health services in case they are trying to conceal their feelings.

Hospital investigation

After the inquest Dr Jacqueline Andrews, executive medical director at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We wish to offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Annabel Wright.

“Following Annabel’s tragic death, the trust commenced an investigation and our findings were shared with Annabel’s family and HM Coroner.

“We acknowledge the conclusion of HM Coroner.”

Rory Badenoch, the solicitor acting on behalf of the family, urged the coroner to send a letter to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) to make the risks of Roaccutane more clear.

The coroner said he will decide at a later date whether that would be appropriate.

Samaritans are available 365 days a year for people in need of support. You can call them free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Police in the Harrogate district have increased patrols to help people get home safe over the festive period.

North Yorkshire Police has partnered with Harrogate Borough Council as part of an annual Get Home Safely from bars, nightclubs and restaurants campaign.

The key message of the campaign is for people to plan their journeys home in advance, look-out for one another, and look after their drinks and possessions.

Statistics show that domestic abuse incidents increase during bank holiday periods, and the campaign also aims to highlight emotional and practical support available through the charity IDAS.

Revellers will notice posters and digital boards with advice across the district. They will also notice more police on the streets.

Read more:

• Harrogate woman buys cauliflower the size of egg from Aldi
• Knaresborough’s Dower House sold for undisclosed fee

Cllr Mike Chambers, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing and safer communities, said:

“The festive period is often a time when people catch-up with friends and enjoy themselves in pubs and restaurants, and we want them to be able to do so safely.

“For many, this will be the first festive period since before the pandemic, that they have celebrated the festivities and we want them to remember it for all the right reasons by staying safe, and following the latest vovid guidance and advice.”

Chief Inspector Andy Colbourne, from North Yorkshire Police, said:

“The police and council continue to work in partnership to make the Harrogate district a safe place for all to enjoy the Christmas and New Year festivities.

“The support of licensed premises in the Get Home Safely annual campaign is particularly prevalent this year and we hope that everyone enjoys a safe night out.”

Lauren Doherty, from Road Safety Talks was left paralysed during a night out with friends. She said:

“A moment of distraction during a night out can change your life forever. Have fun, enjoy yourselves and get home safely.”

Students and staff at Ripon Grammar School marked National Tree Week with an ambitious 3,000-sapling hedge-planting drive.

Hundreds of students gathered in the school grounds last week to plant the first 2,000 trees over two days.

The project was made possible by The Tree Council’s branching out fund, which supports schools and others across the UK to plant trees, hedges and orchards as National Tree Week inspires people to get outdoors and get planting in the first week of December.

Ava Edwards, who worked with Year 7 students on their massive planting project, in addition to digging in with fellow sixth formers throughout the week, said:

“The tree planting has provided fantastic opportunities for us all to get involved in regenerating the environment on school grounds.”

RGS gardening and wildlife champion, teacher David Bruce, who has been working with student volunteers from other year groups during lunchtime breaks, said:

“This year’s National Tree Week is more important than ever as we work together to tackle the climate and nature crises.

“Trees and hedgerows store carbon, reduce flood risks and improve our air quality, and by planting more we can help grow a greener future. The young people in our community are an amazing force for nature and by planting these new hedgerows they are helping to create a nature-filled legacy for all of us.

“We managed to get around two thirds of our trees planted so far, with the remaining 1,000 set to be planted at a more leisurely pace over the next couple of weeks. Although the planting is almost done, it’s not over because sustaining the growth of the young trees and maintaining them in a wildlife-friendly way is going to be an ongoing project.”

Good morning, it’s Al with you to start off the week with your road and public transport updates.

If there’s anything I’ve missed, and it is safe to do so, give me a call on 01423 276197.

These blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.

9am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is moving slower than usual in these areas:

• Leeds Road past M&S Food
• Wetherby Road outside the showground in Harrogate
• Skipton Road in Harrogate
• York Place and Knaresborough Road in Harrogate
• Hookstone Chase and Hookstone Drive, Harrogate
• The A61 at Pannal
• York Place through Knaresborough
• The A6055 from Farnham to Knaresborough

Road closures:

• Cambridge Street in Harrogate Town centre – closed for the Christmas market
• Spring Lane near Pannal Primary – road closure 
• Weeton Lane, Weeton – road closure and diversion
• Kirkby Lane, Kirkby Overblow – road closure
• Woodfield Road, Harrogate – emergency footpath closure which may impact traffic
• Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
• Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure

Temporary lights:

• West End Avenue, Harrogate
• Otley Road, Harrogate – near Harlow Moor Road
• Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
• Whinney Lane near Ashville College
• Boroughbridge Road, near the junction for Farnham Lane
• Havikil Lane, Scotton – stop and go boards
• Main Street, Staveley

Trains

• The 09:14 Knaresborough to Leeds train is delayed by around 3 minutes; it’s also set to arrive a few minutes late in Harrogate (expected at 09:25)

Buses

• Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds

8:30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is moving slower than usual in these areas:

• Leeds Road past M&S Food
• Wetherby Road outside the showground in Harrogate
• Skipton Road in Harrogate
• York Place and Knaresborough Road in Harrogate
• Hookstone Chase, Harrogate
• The A61 at Pannal
• York Place through Knaresborough
• The A6055 from Farnham to Knaresborough

Road closures:

• Cambridge Street in Harrogate Town centre – closed for the Christmas market
• Spring Lane near Pannal Primary – road closure 
• Weeton Lane, Weeton – road closure and diversion
• Kirkby Lane, Kirkby Overblow – road closure
• Woodfield Road, Harrogate – emergency footpath closure which may impact traffic
• Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
• Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure

Temporary lights:

• West End Avenue, Harrogate
• Otley Road, Harrogate – near Harlow Moor Road
• Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
• Whinney Lane near Ashville College
• Boroughbridge Road, near the junction for Farnham Lane
• Havikil Lane, Scotton – stop and go boards
• Main Street, Staveley

Trains

• The 08:21 Harrogate to York train is now expected at 08:27, and will be formed of two coaches instead of three. It will be around three minutes late reaching Knaresborough (expected at 08:34).
• The 08:30 Harrogate to Leeds train is expected at 08:33

Buses

• Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds

8am – Full Update 

Roads

Some traffic hotspots are starting to appear:

• Wetherby Road outside the showground in Harrogate
• Skipton Road in Harrogate
• On the A1(M) at the A59 Flaxby junction

Road closures:

• Cambridge Street in Harrogate Town centre – closed for the Christmas market
• Spring Lane near Pannal Primary – road closure 
• Weeton Lane, Weeton – road closure and diversion
• Kirkby Lane, Kirkby Overblow – road closure
• Woodfield Road, Harrogate – emergency footpath closure which may impact traffic
• Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
• Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure

Temporary lights:

• West End Avenue, Harrogate
• Otley Road, Harrogate – near Harlow Moor Road
• Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
• Whinney Lane near Ashville College
• Boroughbridge Road, near the junction for Farnham Lane
• Havikil Lane, Scotton – stop and go boards
• Main Street, Staveley

Trains

• The 08:21 Harrogate to York train is delayed by around 2 minutes, and will be formed of two coaches instead of three. It should be back on time by it reaches Knaresborough.
• The 08:21 Knaresborough to Leeds train (due to stop in Harrogate at 08:30) is delayed by around 4 minutes at both stops.

Buses

• Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds

7:30am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic looks to be running smoothly so far this morning.

Road closures:

• Cambridge Street in Harrogate Town centre – closed for the Christmas market
• Spring Lane near Pannal Primary – road closure 
• Weeton Lane, Weeton – road closure and diversion
• Kirkby Lane, Kirkby Overblow – road closure
• Woodfield Road, Harrogate – emergency footpath closure which may impact traffic
• Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
• Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure

Temporary lights:

• West End Avenue, Harrogate
• Otley Road, Harrogate – near Harlow Moor Road
• Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
• Whinney Lane near Ashville College
• Boroughbridge Road, near the junction for Farnham Lane
• Havikil Lane, Scotton – stop and go boards
• Main Street, Staveley

Trains

• All trains on the Harrogate and Knaresborough lines look to be running on time.

Buses

• Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds

7am – Full Update 

Roads

Everything still looks quiet on the roads this morning, but if I’ve missed anything do get in touch.

Road closures:

• Cambridge Street in Harrogate Town centre – closed for the Christmas market
• Spring Lane near Pannal Primary – road closure 
• Weeton Lane, Weeton – road closure and diversion
• Kirkby Lane, Kirkby Overblow – road closure
• Woodfield Road, Harrogate – emergency footpath closure which may impact traffic
• Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
• Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure

Temporary lights:

• West End Avenue, Harrogate
• Otley Road, Harrogate – near Harlow Moor Road
• Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
• Whinney Lane near Ashville College
• Boroughbridge Road, near the junction for Farnham Lane
• Havikil Lane, Scotton – stop and go boards
• Main Street, Staveley

Trains

• The 7:09 Harrogate to York train is delayed by around 3 minutes. The delay is set to continue further down the line, arriving around 3 minutes late into Knaresborough at 7:22.
• All other trains on the Harrogate and Knaresborough lines look to be running on time.

Buses

• Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds

6.30am – Full Update 

Roads

The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.

Road closures:

• Cambridge Street in Harrogate Town centre – closed for the Christmas market
• Spring Lane near Pannal Primary – road closure 
• Weeton Lane, Weeton – road closure and diversion
• Kirkby Lane, Kirkby Overblow – road closure
• Woodfield Road, Harrogate – emergency footpath closure which may impact traffic
• Bogs Lane and Kingsley Drive, Starbeck – rolling road closures
• Westerns Lane, Markington – road closure

Temporary lights:

• West End Avenue, Harrogate
• Otley Road, Harrogate – near Harlow Moor Road
• Main Street, Pannal, near St Robert’s Church
• Whinney Lane near Ashville College
• Boroughbridge Road, near the junction for Farnham Lane
• Havikil Lane, Scotton – stop and go boards
• Main Street, Staveley

Trains

• All trains on the Harrogate, Knaresborough, Leeds and York lines look to be running on time.

Buses

• Harrogate Bus Company is running a reduced timetable due to driver availability. The 36 bus will run every 30 mins between Harrogate & Ripon, and every 15 mins between Harrogate & Leeds

The Harrogate district is preparing for a bumper weekend of festive events with numerous Christmas markets and fayres over the next few says.

We’ve pulled together a handy guide to the festive markets and events from Harrogate to Masham.

Yesterday, Harrogate’s Christmas market kicked off with people arriving from 10am to walk around the stalls and enjoy a mulled wine or two.

Here’s some information on the events this weekend:

Harrogate Christmas Fayre

Around 50 local stalls will be in place on Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent until December 12.

It is open 10am and 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am and 9pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am and 4.30pm on Sunday.

There is also a carousel and ferris wheel at Crescent Garden and a helter skelter at the war memorial to add to the festive offering. All rides cost £3 for a ticket.

Harrogate Christmas Artisan Market

This is the first for the town, a market for 60 local, small traders based in Valley Gardens.

Organised by Little Bird Made, the market will be open from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5.

The festive road train will also pass by the entrance and stops on nearby Crescent Road.

Knaresborough Christmas Market 

Based on the town’s Market Square across weekend, Knaresborough Christmas Market is making its comeback.

There will be almost 50 stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts and locally sourced produce. There will also be live entertainment from local dancers, choirs and brass bands.

Although a lot of the stalls accept cards, market organisers have urged visitors to bring cash with them in case the town’s two remaining cash machines run out.

It will come to a close with a fireworks display over Knaresborough’s iconic viaduct at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 5.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre starts this weekend: here’s the lowdown
• Christmas Events: diary of festivities in the Harrogate district

Masham Christmas Market

Similar to the one held last month, this weekend the town’s Market Place will host numerous stalls plus a visit from Santa himself.

Many of the usual monthly stallholders will be in attendance, plus others, so visitors can expect hand bell ringing and folk music as well as a wide variety of craft and food and drink stalls.

There is also a craft fayre in the town hall, both are open on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Ripon Christmas Market

This year the festivities are back.. On Sunday, artisan markets will be held on the square and free children’s fairground rides will be in operation on those dates.

There will be a selection of stalls from local traders, arts, crafts, food, an outdoor bar and live music.

Ripon Grammar School has been named as the top performing state school in the north of England by The Sunday Times for the ninth year running.

The school, which ranked 53rd nationally, was the only school in the Harrogate district to make the top 10 in the north. Skipton Girls’ High School was second and Ermysted’s Grammar School, also in Skipton, was third.

The results are contained in the 29th edition of The Sunday Times Parent Power tables, which identify the highest achieving schools in the UK, ranked by their examination results from 2017-19. A total of 78 per cent of Ripon Grammar School pupils achieved A-level grades A to B during this period.

Jonathan Webb (pictured above with students), headmaster of Ripon Grammar school, said the accolade was a tribute to the efforts of staff and pupils during the pandemic. He added:

“After a truly difficult 18 months this will give our students and everyone who works at the school a real boost.

“We offer an exceptional all-round, holistic education, with music, drama and sport also thriving.

“Staff have created recently a pioneering new student development programme as now, more than ever, we need to ensure students gain the valuable skills, qualifications and experience outside the classroom which will prepare them well for life beyond school.”

The Plus One programme will be showcased at the school’s sixth form open evening on January 17.

Alastair McCall, editor of Parent Power, said the need for clarity about school examination performance had never been greater, following two years of centre- and teacher-assessed grades, during which the numbers of top grades had increased dramatically.

Mr McCall, said:

“At a time when some schools are making it hard to substantiate claims of academic prowess based on outcomes from 2021 and 2020, we believe these rankings – and all the additional information on offer in Parent Power – provide parents with a more reliable guide to academic achievement in schools today.”

Ripon City Council has issued new covid guidance in the run-up to staging another large public event in the Market Square this weekend.

The guidance follows measures brought in by the government this week to combat the Omicron variant of the disease.

The first of two artisan Christmas markets will be held on Sunday, alongside free fairground rides for children and a festive grotto with Santa (pictured below).

The city council said in a statement:

“Anyone who is planning on attending our events is encouraged to take a lateral flow test beforehand to help to stop the spread of covid.

“Please help us by following the guidance below if you are visiting our grotto, fairground and Christmas market on December 5 and 12.”

The guidance is as follows:

• People going to events are strongly advised to take a lateral flow test at home before attending
• Anyone with a positive test result must stay at home, and household members should follow national guidance for close contacts
• Face coverings should be worn indoors and in crowded spaces
• Keep a respectful social distance between yourselves and people who are not in your group
• Do not travel to the event if you are feeling unwell. If you start to feel unwell whilst at an event, you should leave the site immediately
• Follow all covid-19 measures in place at events, including regular hand hygiene

Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon Julian Smith has resigned from three roles advising businesses that earned him £144,000 a year.

The latest MP’s register of interests, published today, shows Mr Smith ended contracts with Hygen Energy, Simply Blue Management and MJM Marine on November 16.

Mr Smith was dragged into the debate around Tory ‘sleaze’ following the resignation of Owen Paterson MP. Mr Smith is paid an £81,932 salary for being an MP.

He received criticism from Brian McDaid, former parliamentary candidate from the Skipton and Ripon Labour Party, who accused Mr Smith of not focusing his time on his constituents.

Mr Smith resigned from his three roles the day before Prime Minister Boris Johnson proposed to ban MPs from acting as paid political consultants or lobbyists.

All the roles were approved by the Advisory Committee of Business Appointments.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Smith to comment but we did not receive a response.

Read more:

• WATCH Ripon residents give their views on MP Julian Smith’s £144,000 consultancy work
• Ripon MP Julian Smith could lose £144,000 under PM’s plan to end consultancy work

Mr Smith’s second jobs

Mr Smith was Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from July 2019 to February 2020.

In August 2020 he began advising Hygen Energy, previously known as Ryse Hydrogen. Its chief executive Jo Bamford also owns Wrightbus, a Northern Ireland bus manufacturer. The contract was for £60,000 for 20 hours of work.

He was also paid to work for 30 to 40 hours over 12 months for MJM Marine, a cruise ship refurbishment company based in County Down. This contract was also for £60,000.

In January 2021 he began another role, advising Cork-based sustainable energy and aquaculture company Simply Blue Management. He was paid £24,000 for up to two hours work per month.