The Harrogate district is slowly cooling down from its hottest day ever.

Here’s how the heatwave impacted on life in the district today.

5.39pm – Temperatures start to fall

Temperatures are finally beginning to fall from their afternoon peak. It is forecast to still be 26 degrees at 10pm and not drop below 17 degrees all night. Tomorrow is set to be much milder, with some rain later on, and a maximum temperature of 23 degrees.

4.10pm – Met Office storm warning

A Met Office yellow weather warning is in place in Yorkshire and Humberside from 4pm until 8pm.

The Met Office says:

“Thunderstorms could bring disruption this afternoon from lightning strikes and strong, gusty winds.”

4.06pm – Yorkshire Water reports record water use

Yorkshire Water has said it provided more than 1.56 billion litres of water on Monday – which is around 260 million litres more than usual.

The increase is enough to supply the equivalent of the whole of York and Leeds and is the highest the water company has seen since 2006.

Yorkshire has seen a particularly dry spring and summer, with only 52% of rainfall expected in June actually falling on the region.

Neil Dewis, director of water at the company, said:

“Our reservoirs are still feeling the impact and levels do continue to decrease. As the ground incredibly dry, we would need a few weeks of wet weather to help them return to their usual levels, so it’s really important that people keep taking steps to save water throughout the summer.”

3.38pm – Temperatures touching 40 degrees as peak heat hits

We are now hitting the hottest part of the hottest day. According to local weather stations, which post their details online, most places are at about 38 degrees but Staveley is at 39 degrees. In old money, 39 degrees is 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

2.50pm – Bystanders smash car window to rescue four dogs in Harrogate

Bystanders in Harrogate had to smash a car window today to free four dogs who were trapped for 40 minutes without even a window open.

Ruth Watson and her partner had been shopping at Aldi on Oak Beck Road at around midday when they spotted the labradors who were visibly distressed and barking in the sweltering heat, which has topped 38 degrees today.

Read the full story.

1.25pm – Lunchtime meltdown in Valley Gardens

Harrogate is unusually quiet at lunchtime as most people avoid the approaching hottest part of the day.

Daniella Kerr and Albie Kerr staying cool in Valley Gardens paddling pool.

Staying in the shade

Brollies up to shield from the sun.

12.31pm – Major Tom’s closes for the day

Major Tom’s Social on The Ginnel has succumbed to the heat for the day.

A post on its Facebook page says:

“Hey all, we’re taking the day off today. It’s already pretty warm in here and the kitchen feels like the centre of the earth at the best of the times! Back to normal from tomorrow.”

12.22pm – Free ice cream in Harrogate

A cafe on Beulah Street in Harrogate is offering free ice cream to help shoppers stay cool.

Cafe Lago Di Como posted on Facebook that it was going to place an ice cooler filled with free water bottles outside its cafe today. It added:

“We are also offering for free ice cream all day.”

11.54am – Burst main causing low or no water in HG2

On a day when we are being urged to keep hydrated, this isn’t great news for people in HG2,

#HG2 #RedfearnMews

⚠️ We are currently doing some work on a burst on a main in the area which may be causing low pressure or no water. We aim to get your supplies back to normal as soon as possible. -Tarna pic.twitter.com/AbgWXwZFHt

— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) July 19, 2022

11.05am – Harrogate chip shops closed for the day

The Wharfe of Harrogate has confirmed it will be closed today.

In a post on its Facebook page, the restaurant said it will be shut due to extreme heat but be open as usual tomorrow.

10.45am – Heatwave impacts on River Nidd

The heat is having an impact on the Harrogate district’s rivers.

Compare and contrast the two pictures from the River Nidd at Birstwith above. Pictured right is the river in February and left is its current level.

10am – 30 degree morning heat in Killinghall

Local weather stations are reporting 30 degree heat in Killinghall at 10am.

Meanwhile, its 29 degrees in Knaresborough and 28 degrees in Ripon.

9.50am – Businesses close during the heat

Some businesses in Harrogate are either closed today or closing early because of the extreme heat.

KD Fruiters, which is based at Harrogate District Hospital, will be closed today as its stall is outside.

Meanwhile, Imagined Things Bookshop, which is based on Montpellier Parade, has asked customers to check its social media in case it makes the decision to close early.

Resurrected Bites has also asked people to keep an eye on its social pages for information on whether its grocery outlets will be open. It has, however, said its Gracious Street cafe will be closed.

9.20am – County council warning over tourist hotspots

North Yorkshire County Council has issued advise over tourist hotpots during the extreme heat.

It has urged people to plan journeys in advance and take water with them.

Popular tourist destinations are expected to be very busy during the hot weather.

If you're planning a trip out please:
– Plan your journey in advance
– Take water with you
– Be kind to others around you
– Park considerately

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

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 19, 2022

8.45am – Yorkshire Water issues reservoir plea

Yorkshire Water has urged people to act responsibly around its reservoirs today as temperatures soar.

It has also asked people not to use the reservoirs to cool off.

https://twitter.com/YorkshireWater/status/1549295368994783233

8.35am – Bin crews out early in Ripon

Harrogate Borough Council’s refuse crews across the district are ensuring that homes are clear of rubbish as temperatures soar. In Ripon, the sack crew who collect black bags left outside thousands of city homes, started two hours early at 5am today in a bid to beat the heat, while maintaining hygiene for householders.

Simon and Danny (pictured) were out in the city this morning.

8.20am – Northern: Do not travel

Northern is urging people not to travel today amid the extreme heat.

Those who have to travel are advised to carry water and find a safe spot in the shade while waiting for their train.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1549287296825966594

8am – Amber weather warning in place

The Met Office has an amber weather warning in place for the Harrogate district until midnight.

7.45am – Dog walkers out early in Ripon to beat the heat

Dozens of early to awake men and women were out before dawn in Ripon today to walk their dogs before the scorching sun makes being outdoors too hot to handle.

Later today, there will be nowhere hotter than Hell Wath’s wide open spaces, so many regular dog walkers wanting to find cool paths to protect the paws of their pets, were up before the dawn and walking in the shade of the nature reserve’s trees and shrubs.

Kathy and her dogs Mile and Max.

Among them was Kathy, with her rescue dogs Mila aged 12 and six-year-old Max, who told the Stray Ferret:

“I wouldn’t normally be here this early, but with the forecast weather, I decided to take the dogs out before the heat arrives to keep them safe.”

Paula with her fox red labrador at Hell Wath.

The same applied to Paula and her Fox Red Labrador, who said:

“This is definitely the best time to come, before the paths get too hot.”

Hell Wath, which is one of the few places in Ripon  where it is safe to let a dog off its lead, has been popular with generations of owners, many of whom bring their pets for morning exercise.

7.23am – Bin collections to start earlier

Harrogate Borough Council has said bin crews will be out earlier this morning due to the soaring temperatures.

It has advised people to put their waste and recycling out early.

⚠️ Due to the expected high temperatures tomorrow (Tuesday) and possibly later in the week, our crews will be starting earlier than normal.

Please can you ensure your waste and recycling is presented the night before your scheduled collection. pic.twitter.com/ST4GQIWDIr

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

7.20am – School closures amid heatwave

Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is closed today due to the extreme weather.

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.

Meanwhile, St Aidan’s Church of England High School has told parents that the school will be open. Those in year 7 to 10 can wear their school PE kit, while sixth form can wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

7am – LNER cancellations

No trains will run from Harrogate to London Kings Cross today due to the extreme heat.

LNER has cancelled the direct trains and urged customers not to travel.

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840?s=20&t=RqCt_XWfE1CyMZlgOOFXLQ

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 conditions.

Ice creams for hospital patients

Measures are being put in place to help patients and staff keep cool at Harrogate District Hospital and Ripon Community Hospital.

On the wards and in outpatient areas, temperatures will be monitored and air conditioning units are available if needed. High risk patients will be watched closely and ice creams and lollies will be available to help people cool down.

A spokesperson for Harrogate District NHS Foundation Trust said staff have been given advice on ways to keep cool while working during the heatwave, including wearing light-weight scrubs.

Some appointments where physical exertion is needed, such as physio appointments, may be postponed until the weather is cooler.

The spokesperson said:

“Our emergency department is always busy and under pressure during severe weather due to an increased number of people visiting our hospital – some with heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“Waiting times to be seen during these times can be longer than usual due to demand.”

Anyone considering going to the emergency department is asked to call NHS 111 first or visit the 111 service online, unless it is a severe or life-threatening situation.

The service can offer advice and even book people in to be seen quickly on arrival if a hospital visit is needed.

Anyone arriving without an appointment will still be seen, with the most urgent cases being dealt with first.

Council bin collections to start earlier

Harrogate Borough Council has made some adjustments to its services in order to keep staff safe.

A spokesperson said:

“Waste and recycling collection rounds will be starting earlier in the morning to enable rounds to be completed earlier and limit work time in the hottest part of the day.

“In relation to our Brimhams Active health and wellbeing services, all staff cover heat exhaustion as part of their staff training, they will be reminded of what to look for and how to treat any incidences.

“At our community wellbeing hubs we have plans in place to increase breaks and water at all sessions.

“We are using the government guidance for vulnerable adults and will err on the side of caution and cancel when/if appropriate.”

Risk assessments have been completed for extreme heat and adjustments made, including for staff working outdoors. The spokesperson said there may be some changes to services if required to protect staff and vulnerable residents.

Read more:

• Harrogate district prepares for heatwave as red weather warning issued
• Social care pilot scheme in Harrogate district ‘could bankrupt council’ without more funding

Extra checks on vulnerable residents

As the public health authority for the Harrogate district, North Yorkshire County Council has issued advice about keeping homes cool, including:

• closing curtains and windows in rooms facing the sun
• turning off unneeded electrical appliances
• finding shade outside, which may be cooler than indoors
• not leaving anyone, including children, the elderly and animals, inside a closed, parked vehicle
• storing medication according to packet instructions
• ensuring fridges, freezers and fans are working properly

The council’s director of public health, Louise Wallace, said:

“Those in our communities who may be more vulnerable will be receiving increased checks on them throughout hot spells.

“However, we would appeal to those who are able to take the time to check whether friends, relatives and neighbours need help and to call for assistance if necessary.

“Public buildings operated by the county council will also be kept as cool as possible while temperatures remain high, but we would advise people to avoid making unnecessary journeys while the weather remains hot.

Care homes focus on hydration

Jill Young, operations director at Vida Healthcare, said its homes have plans in place ready to be activated in the event of a heatwave and some measures began to be introduced last week.

She said hydration was a particular focus, as well as adapted menus with cold foods to reduce use of ovens in the kitchen, adding:

“During hot weather, we also introduce extra fluid measures. Our chefs make jelly sweets that contain 20ml of water per sweet – our residents love them and it can be a straightforward way of giving them a little extra fluid.

“Our freezers are kept stocked with ice creams and ice lollies for both staff and residents which are available at all times, and our residents also have access to jugs of juice and water in their rooms and the communal areas.

“We’re very lucky that all three of our homes have access to secure outdoor spaces with shaded areas that our residents can enjoy.

“If a resident is keen to go outside, our staff will make sure they’re wearing a hat and suncream, and will encourage them to sit in the shade to keep safe from the sun.”

At Emmaus House, opposite Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, manager Chrissie Steel said extra jugs of cold squash will be placed around the home.

“For people with dementia, they may not be able to recognise they are thirsty, or to tell us they need a drink, but they can often point to a jug if they see one.

“We’re very fortunate to be close to the Valley Gardens to get outside when it’s cool enough – and many of our residents who have spent time in Africa earlier in life absolutely love this heat!”

Schools relax uniform policy

Some schools have relaxed uniform policies for Monday and Tuesday, allowing students to attend in light-weight clothing.

Many have said they will keep children indoors during the hottest part of the day and will be ensuring they drink more water than usual.

NYCC public health director Louise Wallace said:

“Staff in schools are aware of the potential risks created by a heatwave and school children should aim to have sun cream applied before attending school next week, and ensure they have a refillable water bottle with them.”

Warning over power supplies

Northern Powergrid has warned the high temperatures could cause disruption to power supplies.

It has asked people to report power cuts via its website or by calling 105.

Anyone who could need more assistance in a power cut, such as people with medical conditions or disabilities, or families with very young children, can sign up for priority services membership and will be kept updated during any disruption.

A spokesperson for Northern Powergrid said:

“Our customer support vehicles are also prepped and ready to go out into local communities, where possible.

“We have also taken action to remind our people of the importance of staying hydrated and protected so they can continue to work safely during the hot weather.”

A 67-year-old man has denied an allegation that he performed a lewd act near a children’s playground in Harrogate.

Kevin Payne, from Bradford, appeared at York Crown Court via video link today when he pleaded not guilty to outraging public decency by behaving in an indecent manner.

The alleged indecent act is said to have occurred at Valley Gardens on June 12.

Judge Simon Hickey set a trial date of November 23.

Payne, of Ling Park Avenue, Bingley, was remanded in custody.

Read more:

• Woman charged with attempted murder in Harrogate
• Harrogate district woman found guilty of harassing neighbours

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Noisy motorists should get hefty fines 

I was interested to read that Harrogate police are allegedly clamping down on noisy vehicles and anti-social behaviour of drivers in Harrogate town centre.

I’d like to know where the police are, particularly in the evening after Halfords has closed, on Knaresborough Road?

The reckless and inconsiderate driving of high powered vehicles in the area is truly awful.

Noise from so called ‘sporty’ exhausts, speeding, doughnutting on Halfords car park, intimidating other road users etc. Police presence is noticeable by its absence.

Whilst I’m dead set against what sometimes appears to be victimisation of the motorist, something should be done to get these idiots either off the road or given hefty penalties for the problems they’re inflicting on motorists and residents in this area.

Lesley Tudor, Harrogate

Read more:

• Police anti-social driving clampdown makes 10 arrests in Harrogate district
• Obituary: Malcolm Neesam 1946-2022

Malcolm Neesam’s support for Valley Gardens

Malcolm Neesam, whom I came to know over the last few decades, willingly shared his vast historical knowledge, research, photographs of yesteryear and documents with us all.

His enthusiasm and interest for Harrogate’s history was immeasurable.
However, we have many books and publications to remember him by, including his last publication Wells and Swells, published in April.

During my time as Chairman of Valley Gardens and afterwards Malcolm’s support was incalculable. In 2016 Malcolm opened the restored Old Magnesia Well Pump Room in the Valley Gardens.

He also attended our other restorations, the Japanese Garden, King Edward VII Memorial Gate and events in the Valley Gardens.

For A Souvenir Guide to Valley Gardens, Malcolm wrote the introduction and again proof read the contents and found some photographs for the publication, for Anne Smith and I.

Thank you Malcolm.

Jane Blayney, Harrogate

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

Carnival is set to take place in Harrogate this month with an international parade through the town centre and a celebration featuring music and dance in Valley Gardens.

The free, family-friendly festival will take place on Saturday, July 30 and will feature performers from Leeds West Indian Carnival, who will parade through Harrogate town centre joined by Houriat Belly Dancing, Sweep of Swallows kite puppets, Chinese dragon dancers, brass bands and more.

Following the morning parade, an all-day celebration will take place in Valley Gardens including street theatre, interactive workshops, international street food and two stages hosting music and dance performances.

The event, which was previously held in 2019, has been paid for by Harrogate Borough Council‘s tourism body, Destination Harrogate, and will be delivered by Harrogate International Festivals.

Read more:

• Harrogate creative agency reports increase in turnover
• Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show on course for 140,000 sell-out

John McGivern, destination events manager at Destination Harrogate, said:

“Carnival is an awesome family-friendly and multicultural event that both local residents and visitors can enjoy, and we’re delighted to be bringing it back to the Harrogate district this year.

“It feels like a great time to celebrate, not only a wonderful event, but with early signs from the recently released STEAM* and STR** figures suggesting a strong start to the summer season, we can look forward to this event also boosting the recovery of our visitor economy.

“Carnival helps to showcase the quality of the Harrogate district as a unique events destination, and we’re excited for our amazing summer continuing with this fantastic celebratory event.”

Sharon Canavar, chief executive, Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“After an incredibly tough couple of years for our community it is wonderful to be able to celebrate with a huge party and celebration in our beautiful open spaces. The Carnival is free for everyone to attend and celebrate the diversity, colours, costumes, sounds and flavours from the four quarters of the world, right here in Harrogate. With global music and dance stages, themed food zones, art and craft workshops and street theatre, this family-friendly day is a true party in every sense of the word.

“Think Rio in Rhododendrons, parade in the petunias, sounds in the sun colonnades, food in the flora and dancing in the dahlias, and you will begin to get a taste of what the day holds in store.”

Environmental campaigners held a demonstration in Valley Gardens at the weekend to raise awareness of the threat to Harrogate’s Rotary Wood.

Harrogate Spring Water, which is owned by French firm Danone, has revived 2017 plans to fell trees in Rotary Woods so it can expand its bottling plant.

The company’s plans would involve removing a smaller area of woodland than it proposed in a failed planning application last year.

But campaigners are still concerned about the loss of trees in part of the Pinewoods that was planted by children in 2005 to help tackle climate change.

Harrogate forest school teacher Sarah Gibbs donned her tree costume to join fellow activists during Saturday’s four-hour gathering, which aimed to tell people about Rotary Wood and the company’s expansion plans. She said:

“This issue has really touched my heart. I’m a born and bred Harrogate girl as well as a teacher and knowing children planted this wood to tackle climate change, to say it’s OK to destroy it would send out a terrible message.

“Surely after lockdown we are more aware of the value of green space to the environment and to mental health.”

Rebecca Maunder, who also took part in the protest, said:

“The aim today is to raise awareness that this is on the agenda again. A lot of people still don’t realise it is.

“Harrogate Spring Water wants to have a consultation with local people so they need to be informed about what’s going on.”

Graham Dixon, who was also present, said:

“The best way to get people to care about what’s happening is to come out and tell them.”

‘Net biodiversity gain’

Harrogate Spring Water has said it wants to achieve “net biodiversity gain” for the site, carry out a compensatory tree planting scheme and will make the remaining part of Rotary Wood more accessible to the public.

It is currently consulting on its plans before submitting a formal reserved matters planning application to Harrogate Borough Council. It says the expansion would create 30 jobs.

Richard Hall, managing director at Harrogate Spring Water, said previously:

“We have a shared interest in driving prosperity for the town and creating a sustainable future for a key business that takes the Harrogate name around the UK and the world, and we hope that this process will allow us to come to a resolution which addresses people’s concerns and the town’s aspirations.”

It has been a week of soaring temperatures across the Harrogate district.

And when the sun shines, there is nothing better than grabbing a picnic rug or deckchair and enjoying some fabulous outdoor entertainment.

We have put together a selection of outdoor theatre performances taking place across the Harrogate district this summer where tickets are still available:

Hamlet The Comedy – RHS Harlow Carr Gardens, July 5 and 6

Festival favourite Oddsocks Productions return to Harrogate with yet another high-energy, feel-good family theatre show.

Pack your picnic and join the crazy theatre troupe for a festival of music, magic and mayhem as they bring Hamlet The Comedy to the beautiful grounds of Harlow Carr.

Hamlet The Comedy finds the eponymous royal student returning home for the summer holidays to find something rotten in the state of Denmark and it’s more than just the bag of dirty washing! Mum’s married Uncle Claudius and Dad’s dishing the dirt from his grave – it’s enough to make a teenager mad!

Shakespeare’s famous tragedy is performed as you’ve never seen before with lots of laughs, music and memorable moments.

Presented by Oddsocks Productions as part of Harrogate International Festivals.

Event details:

Doors open at 6.30pm for Friends of the Festival and RHS card holders.

General admission from 6.45pm.

This is an outdoor event, please dress appropriately for the British weather. Feel free to bring your own picnics, rugs and deckchairs to make the most of the event.

Tickets are available here.

Read more:

• First Ripon Theatre Festival launches tomorrow
• Shortlist revealed for Harrogate’s crime writing festival

Cinderella – Valley Gardens, Harrogate,  July 17

In an enchanted kingdom faraway land magical creatures and fairy godmothers come together to tell the best-loved of all fairy tales.

Full of song, mirth, and joy for the summer ahead, join us on Cinderella’s journey of a lifetime to a magical ball where nearly anything is possible especially if it is before midnight.

Family and friends are welcome to picnic and children are invited to dress in their favourite fairy tale characters and join for the midsummer ball dance.

Presented by Chapterhouse Theatre.

Event details:

Doors open at 3pm and the production starts at 4pm.

The performance will last around 90 minutes (with no interval) and will take place in all but the worst weather.

Please bring your own deck chairs, rugs and picnics etc for the performance.

Tickets are available here

Romeo and Juliet – Knaresborough Castle, August 6

This best-loved story of star crossed lovers and feuding families shall be performed in the castle yard.

Dressed in beautiful Elizabethan costume and performed by a fine troupe of Shakespearean players, join Chapterhouse for the greatest love story ever told as they perform magical theatre in magical surroundings.

Presented by Chapterhouse Theatre.

Event details:

Doors open at 6pm and the production starts at 7pm.

The performance will last around 90 minutes (with no interval) and will take place in all but the worst weather.

Please bring your own deck chairs, rugs and picnics etc for the performance.

Tickets are available here 

Pride and Prejudice – Ripon Spa Gardens, August 20

Take a step back in time as we meet Elizabeth Bennett and her sisters. Whilst their interfering mother engineers various courtships, Elizabeth and Jane must pursue their own quest for true love.

Amidst mistakes and miscommunications, can Elizabeth finally surpass her prejudices to see past the proud exterior of the enigmatic Mr Darcy?

Presented by Chapterhouse Theatre.

Event details:

Doors open at 6pm, the production starts at 7pm.

The performance will last around 90 minutes (with no interval) and will take place in all but the worst weather.

Please bring your own deck chairs, rugs and picnics etc for the performance.

Tickets are available here 

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Dogs without leads ruining Valley Gardens

Yesterday I walked through the valley gardens at 9am and I counted 20 dogs off their leads. One did a huge poo and the owner was oblivious on their mobile. 

Another was digging up the amazing flower beds. This has got to stop. I’ve lived in Harrogate all my life and this is preventing me from using the amazing Valley Gardens.

Gale Filburn, Harrogate

Read more:

• Stray Views: How did Woodfield school end up in this mess?
• City council seeks briefing on £6m Ripon Cathedral plans

Ripon Cathedral plans ‘adequately discussed’

Councillor Williams is leader of Ripon City Council and as such has no statuary right of consultation about the Cathedral plans. The Cathedral has more than adequately discussed its plans with the relevant local authorities in Harrogate and Northallerton. 

The City Council of Ripon is represented on Ripon Together where local organisations have a voice on all local issues.

I suggest that Cllr Williams’ time be better spent in finding out why the Spa Hotel remains closed in spite of purchase by The Inn Collection, a disaster for Ripon tourism and its economy.

Dr Christopher Bennett, Ripon

Thank you, Stray Ferret

Thank you so much for your coverage of the Great Knaresborough Bed Race. 

As I have been laid up with some mysterious illness I was unable to do my usual duties at Bed Race, so therefore I would have missed it all except for being able to watch your videos. So thank you all once again for yesterday.

Pamela Godsell, Knaresborough

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

A yoga and pilates instructor will hold a free sun salutation event in Harrogate to mark the summer solstice on Tuesday.

Ebru Evrim, who is set to open a new studio on James Street on July 2, will hold the event in the Valley Gardens, near the cafe, from 6pm to 8.30pm.

She will lead participants through 108 sun salutations, a number representing spiritually significant landmarks including the number of sacred sites in India.

She said:

“Summer solstice is a lovely time of year, and it adds something extra special when practicing yoga outside in the evening sunshine – hopefully!

“This free event is a great opportunity for anyone with experience of yoga to enjoy an outdoor session, or for those interested in trying it for the first time.”

While beginners are welcome to participate, Ebru said the session will be physically demanding, though she will offer modifications to suit different abilities. Anyone taking part will be asked to complete a health questionnaire and must alert the instructor to any injuries or difficulties.

To book a place, email info@ebruevrim.com or call 01756 229356.

Read more:

• Home training, wearable tech and the great outdoors: Fitness trends for 2022
• Yoga studio plan for former Laura Ashley shop approved

A 67-year-old man pleaded not guilty in court today to performing a sexual act in Valley Gardens.

Kevin Payne, from Ling Park Avenue, Bingley, was charged with outraging public decency and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

A member of the public reported seeing a man carrying out a sexual act on Sunday afternoon at the popular family venue.

North Yorkshire Police subsequently arrested Mr Payne and charged him with the two offences.

Appearing at York Magistrates Court this morning, he pleaded not guilty to both charges and was sent for trial at York Crown Court on July 11.

He will remain in custody until the hearing.

Read more:

• Police launch urgent appeal for missing Minskip man
• Ripon man who tried to meet underage girls pleads guilty to carrying knife