This week's columnist is Frances Bolton, a 19-year-old student at Trinity and All Saints College, Horsforth, studying for a BA Honours in English and Media.

As we reach the halfway mark of January and the festive season begins to seem like a fond and distant memory, it is time to look forward and pose the following question: what is in store for 2007?

Where to start? As so much has happened across Yorkshire recently it is impossible to pinpoint a single event to rival all others, so here is the lowdown on a few issues that have been brought to my attention so far this month.

Firstly I begin with a slight moan. I understand that it is indeed that time of year when prices increase and inflation looms, however I am a student and like most of us I am watching the pennies. Therefore it came as a surprise to me when on Monday morning I renewed my monthly Metro card and was bluntly told that it was going to cost me an extra £5.

It's only £5, some of you may say, and yes I understand that nobody favours a complainer, however when you consider the fact that in terms of punctuality (and sometimes hygiene) Yorkshire's trains remain somewhat lacking, you begin to question just exactly where that extra £5 is going. Well frankly, who knows, my prediction is that it will probably continue to increase, along with everything else.

Moving swiftly on and to a perhaps more typically broader issue of The Weather' which I must comment upon due to the strange changes that have occurred across Yorkshire so far this month. Already we have seen flash floods and sunny spells occurring within the same week, as well as the grave pictures depicting the damage caused by freak winds and flooding. If placed into context this news seems slightly worrying if we begin to think about the importance of such major environmental impact.

When tuning into BBC1's Look North last week audiences were informed by presenters Harry and Christa that such weather is a result of global warming, therefore I am appealing for all readers of this column to think green! Even if it just means placing glass bottles in your green bins do your bit to help the environment. There are lots of benefits and, who knows, the weather may become more predictable.

As it is a new year and resolutions need to be made, it is important to continue with the environmental theme and kick start the debate of the public smoking ban. From the beginning of July there will be no smoking in bars or clubs, which is good news for all non-smokers, however not so good for those of you with a 30-a-day habit. As a somewhat social smoker' I can vaguely sympathise with those who enjoy a smoke after a bar meal and I understand that the prospect of having to stand outside in the cold while your friends and colleagues are inside enjoying another round is not very appealing, however it is a good excuse to quit and save money! It's January, everyone needs the extra cash, so go on, have a try.

Finally if you do decide to kick the habit and are looking for something to fill the gap, it's the perfect time of year to acquire a gym membership, as there are plenty of offers available which aim to entice you into making a healthy commitment'.

Or if, like me, you are strapped for cash, try walking.