READER Norman Watson, of Giggleswick, was intrigued by these wooden fishes. which grace the entrance way of Kilnsey Park and Trout Farm. He says they have been carved out of wood trunk.

ARE you proud of the place where you were born, live or work? Do you think it has the potential to win one of the Royal Town Planning Institute’s coveted 10 England’s Great Places awards and perhaps even be crowned England’s Greatest Place?

Members of the public are being asked to vote for their favourite places in a new competition, launched by the institute to mark its centenary.

RTPI president Janet Askew said: “Your great place could be a natural landscape, a historic town, perhaps a national park. It might be a vibrant and diverse community you are especially proud of, a special place within a city, a stunning cultural quarter or a neighbourhood. You could nominate an area that has undergone significant regeneration and has been transformed by that process. Your nomination could be a place that has changed over time to meet the needs of its communities. There is no single definition of a ‘great place’. We are leaving that up to you. A windswept moorland, a secret cove, a financial district: all could qualify. We want your suggestions.”

Make your nominations by visiting rtpi.org.uk, tweeting @rtpiplanners or Instagram your place rtpiplanners. The deadline is September 1.

CONGRATULATIONS go to the 224 people from across the UK – and overseas – who descended on Horton in Ribblesdale earlier this month to take on the world famous Three Peaks and raise over £55,000 for the British Red Cross.

The weather was on their side as walkers were able to enjoy sunshine and light cloud for the majority of the day and returned to the village hall with smiles on their faces. Many of those that took part have already signed up for next year’s challenge, which will take place on July 16, and registration is open at redcross.org.uk/Y3P.

One of this year’s participants Ian Trembirth tells me: “It was an amazing day. All the volunteers around the route were brilliant as they offered support (and bananas).

"The reception back at the hall was great and I got a bit emotional realising what I’d done.”

And Max Newton, senior community fundraiser for the Red Cross in Yorkshire, adds: “We’re so pleased that so many people came to the heart of Yorkshire and experienced some of the best scenery in the world. Whether they completed one, two, or three peaks, every walker achieved something amazing and have all raised money to support those in need across the globe. The Red Cross helps people who have had their lives turned upside down by a crisis or disaster in the UK and overseas.”

EVERYONE has it in them to be a Samaritans volunteer. To touch another person’s life when it really matters, either by giving them the space to talk through how they are feeling or by helping to keep the charity’s branches running so services are available round the clock, every day of the year. Pendle, Burnley, Craven and Rossendale Samaritans are asking people in the local community to sign up to support people who might not have anywhere else to turn.

If you have just a few spare hours a week they would like to hear from you. Based in Market Square, Nelson, the branch currently has 96 volunteers, but is always looking to recruit more people.

Samaritans offers round-the-clock support for anyone who’s struggling, whoever they are, however they are feeling, and whatever life has done to them.

Branch director Ian Hartley tells me: “There are a wide range of roles available to suit people with different skills, from being a listening volunteer taking calls to providing administrative and IT support. If you’re interested in fundraising and events, we have exciting roles too. Our branch is a rewarding place to spend your time. Not only do we offer expert training, but there are plenty of social activities too.”

For details call 07514 421658 or email pendle@samaritans.org.

DID you know that residential boat owners who are watching or recording TV programmes at the same time as they are shown on TV need to be licensed? This is true no matter what device is used, how the programmes are received, or whether the boat is cruising or moored. And with an increasing number of people choosing a life afloat along the Leeds and Liverpool canal, TV Licensing is urging boat dwellers to ensure they are correctly licensed.

Matthew Thompson, spokesman for TV Licensing, tells me: “There are an estimated 15,000 houseboat owners in the UK. It is important they understand the law when it comes to watching or recording TV programmes.

"We don’t want anyone to experience that ‘sinking feeling’ if they are found watching live TV on board without a valid licence. If caught, boat owners face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.” And Sorwar Ahmed, from the Canal & River Trust, adds “There are all sorts of things boat owners need to take into account if they’re planning on living a life on the water. These include surveying costs, safety certificates, insurance and a boat licence, not to mention fuel and electricity, and regular maintenance work. It’s important to remember other responsibilities, like a TV Licence, when considering costs. We encourage people not to see canals and boats as a cheap housing alternative.”

For details visit tvlicensing.co.uk/info, or call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6071.

HELP for Heroes (H4H) is asking the great British public to turn their barbecues into an opportunity to fundraise for wounded, injured and sick service personnel, veterans and their families.

The BBQ for Heroes campaign takes place from August 15 to 31 August 2015 – but, in practice, fundraisers can choose any date.

Emma Parry, chief executive and co-founder of Help for Heroes says: “H4H is all about ‘doing your bit’ and this event is a wonderful example of people rallying support and having a great deal of fun while they raise money.

"The money you raise is needed, it is being used and it is hugely appreciated.”

H4H offers comprehensive support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses in the line of duty.

To register and get a free fundraising pack, visit bbqforheroes.org.uk or call 01980 846459.

HEALTH worker Jayne Gill is gearing up to hit the roads of Europe to support a charity which brightens up the lives of seriously ill youngsters.

Fifty-year-old Jayne, who works at Airedale Hospital as a senior support worker for Bradford Health Trust, and her partner Simon Pollard, will take part in the Fireball Rally this September.

The event is in aid of Make a Wish Foundation UK.

They will be driving a Ford Focus, decorated to resemble the General Lee car from the Dukes of Hazzard television show, through eight countries, including France, Switzerland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Austria, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Mr Pollard said: “If this helps to make an ill child’s life a little bit better then I’ll be happy.

"It’s not a race as such but we will be driving through some of the highest passes in Europe.”

He paid tribute to Fat Cow Signs, of Steeton, which decorated his car at a discount.

He added they were hoping to raise a minimum of £500 for Make a Wish Foundation, which arranges special treats for children with life-threatening illnesses.

To sponsor the couple, visit justgiving.com/fireballrally-simon-jayne.