TALENTED young performers from the Northern Dance Centre were delighted to share the stage at the recent turning on of the Christmas lights in Skipton.

The event, which seems to get ever more spectacular every year, saw the youngsters perform a selection of group dances, solos, and musical theatre pieces.

The youngest dancers aged just three years old, took part in a very festive penguin tap number, while the older students performed an array of elegant ballet dances, contemporary pieces and ‘acro’ dance routines.

A selection of winners from the choreography competition were also invited to perform their pieces.

I am told the dancers were thrilled to perform for thousands of Christmas revellers at the well-attended community event.

SALVAGE Hunters the well-loved and most watched Quest TV and Discovery Channel show, is heading to Yorkshire to record a special edition of the programme, and its hoping to find quirky characters and interesting locations in Craven.

The programme follows decorative salvage and antiques expert Drew Pritchard as he travels around, hunting out and buying a variety of unusual objects no longer wanted by their owners.

Drew really visits everywhere - beautiful estates, old family businesses, factories, quirky collectors and iconic religious sites buying all sorts along the way – from 16th century oak tables to 6ft 1980s disco balls.

Now in its 14th series and airing to over half a million people in the UK and millions more worldwide, programme makers say it is a great opportunity to promote those places where it goes to a broad audience, make some money and celebrate the rich culture that we have here in the UK.

So, if you think you fit the bill or know somebody that might, Quest TV says don’t hesitate, reach out and a member of its team will be in touch to arrange a visit.

Telephone 020 3179 0092 or send an email to - salvagehunters@curvemedia.com

DO you have meticulously manicured fingernails? are your hands pampered to perfection? Leading watch brand, Seksy, is on the search for its first official ‘hand model’, and it has cast its eye on Craven.

It is looking for someone to try out its new fashion collection of watches, Seksy Edge - and to report back on their ‘wrist wear experience.’

They will receive a salary of £500 and become the official ‘hands’ of the new collection, featuring in the brand’s latest campaign, as well as appearing on its website and social media channels in the new year.

Helen Carnall, brand manager at Seksy, said: “As a brand we’re renowned for our standout designs and bold styles, which take inspiration from jewellery and the latest catwalk trends. That’s why we’re searching for our first ever hand model to become our ‘hand ambassador’ and showcase our latest collection.

“From perfect nails to the right accessories, we’re searching for the owner of Skipton’s most beautiful hands to come forward and ‘raise a hand’ for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

“So, if you’ve got a passion for fashion, love a manicure, and you think you might have what it takes to be our first official hand model, then we want to hear from you.”

To apply for the role, aspiring hand models need to visit the Seksy website at: sekonda.co.uk/pages/hand-model before Tuesday December 17 and upload an image of their hand.

MY walking colleague spotted this sign (above, right) while she was out on a ramble at the weekend in the Forest of Bowland. Having set off from lovely Slaidburn, she was on her way up to Fell Side when she saw this at the side of the footpath, and could not resist getting a picture.

‘SPREAD more neighbourly cheer’ is the latest message from friendship group, Skipton Oddfellows, which has shared its top five tips to keep community spirits high this festive season.

The advice comes on the back of the Campaign to End Loneliness ‘Be More Us’ initiative, which reports that almost half of UK adults say that their busy lives prevent them from connecting with other people.

Rachel Dawson, Events Organiser at Skipton Oddfellows said: “In the run up to, and during, the festive holiday period, we know that many people’s day-to-day lives become even more hectic and distracted. So our friendly, festive nudge is to not forget the importance of maintaining relationships with those living around you.

“The high spirits of the season creates lots of opportunity to strike up new conversations and to spread more neighbourly cheer, but with a serious message of making sure we look out for each other, too.”

With more than 200 years experience in helping people to form friendships and in offering support to its members, the Oddfellows advice is: To start with a hello - add a smile and a comment about the weather, and it’s often all you need to break the ice; Let people know who you are - use the festive season as a chance to drop a card through their letterbox. They can then put a name to your face; be thoughtful - small, helpful gestures can make a huge difference. If you’ve taken in a parcel for a neighbour, drop it off for them when you notice they’re in, or put their bin out if you notice they’ve forgotten; share news of local events. Whether you stick a flyer on a communal noticeboard, or post a notice through their door, share what’s happening in the area with your neighbours. Better still, invite them along to something you’re going to, and finally, keep an eye out for vulnerable people. Let them know you’re there for them, especially if the weather’s bad, or you think someone needs some extra help or company.

Rachel adds:“We’re hosting a couple of events – a Christmas Singalong with the help of some local musicians on December, 21 at 7.30 and on Christmas Eve it is our annual Christmas Party Games night at from 7.30 at The Three Links Club on Rectory Lane, Skipton. Both events will be relaxed and informal, so a great opportunity to get to know others in your area.

Pull on your Christmas jumper and feel free to invite your neighbours, too.”

The Skipton Oddfellows friendship group meets regularly in the Skipton and Craven area, to enjoy events, fundraise and offer support to each other. To find out more about getting involved, contact Rachel Dawson or Sarah Butcher on 01756 798022 or email sarah.butcher@oddfellows.co.uk or rachel.dawson@oddfellows.co.uk

CLAPHAM based charity, the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, is helping a business based in the south in its bid to become the greenest IT consultancy in the UK.

To celebrate its tenth anniversary, illuminet, based in Poole, Dorset, will be supporting the planting of one new tree for every week one of its consultants is in post. The business has already funded the planting of 600 new trees and aims to plant a further four to six thousand a year

Greg Wood, CEO of illuminet, says: “We are delighted to be working with YDMT to plant trees. As a business we wanted to take responsibility for our environment, and what better way to do it than through supporting our woodlands. We look forward to planting lots of trees.”