IF not quite a "host", this swathe of daffodils is a surprise gift to Skipton of the record breaking warm weather we've been experiencing. It has sprouted up, along with other clusters, on the grass verge alongside the Bailey outside Skipton Building Society headquarters. They are weeks too early, but a pleasant sight none-the-less. Given the prospect of frost ahead, only time will tell whether they survive the rest of the winter. And Giggleswick reader Tony Carroll tells me that he has spotted rhubarb growing in the village.

WIONDERING why your dog keeps running off at the moment? Developing those 'deaf ears' when out and about, and annoyingly, refusing to come back to you? Apparently, its all down to the mating season of the fox - which makes scent hounds, beagles, pointers and the like, particularly susceptible at this time of the year. A colleague tells me it explains why her English Pointer is currently spending all his time falling over his ears as he runs along with his nose as close to the ground as possible, but also, most annoyingly, why he has taken to howling every morning.

DO messages about being upgraded to Windows 10 keep popping up on your PC or laptop? Or have you upgraded to Windows 10 and wondering where everything’s gone? Perhaps you’ve been bought a laptop for Christmas by a well-meaning friend or relative and have not switched it on since Boxing Day. If this sounds like you, then book a place on one of Skipton Library’s Window’s 10 Explained sessions on Tuesday. There will be three sessions - an Introduction to Windows 10 at 10am; problem solving for users at 11am and one-to-one help at noon. To book a place, contact Skipton Library on 01609 534548 or tutor Derek Blackwell on 07834 713735.

A CHARITY is urging people to take part in this summer's Tough Mudder event at Broughton Hall. The endurance event, with a reputation as the toughest and muddiest in the world, is due to take place over two days in August. Participants come from all over the country and aim to complete an obstacle course, covering up to 12 miles, designed to test stamina, strength and courage. And Brain Tumour Research and Support (BTRS) has ten places for people to take part. "We are delighted to be part of this popular event for a second year running," said manager Rachel Finlay. "Last year our amazing participants trained hard and raised over £2,800. The incredible support from our fundraisers in this event means that we can continue to support those suffering with a brain tumour in Yorkshire and the Humberside while funding research to find a cure." The charity hopes its involvement in the event will also help it develop support groups in other major towns and cities throughout Yorkshire. To find out more about registering with BTRS, visit its website at btrs.org.uk/toughmudder or telephone 0113 2473766.

EVER wondered what it takes to stage a professional pantomime. The Alhambra at Bradford - which is currently playing host to Jack and the Beanstalk - has revealed a few fun facts. The annual Alhambra pantomime - which, this year, stars Billy Pearce, Lisa Riley and Jake Canuso - brings together more than 30 technical and production staff, 19 performers, 25 local children as The Sunbeams and 160 venue staff. It took six wagons to transport the set, effects, lighting and sound equipment to the Alhambra and 23 backstage crew spent 3.5 days building the set and erecting the lighting. Eighty sheets of special flooring are held in place with 480 screws. Each performance requires 24 members of backstage crew and, over the 73 performances, 1,168 pyrotechnics (special on-stage fireworks) will be fired. More than 1,000 Hot Fix sparkly stones are attached to the "Strictly" dance outfits of Lisa and Jake, along with 510 feathers, and more than 100 pairs of shoes are used in the show. The washing machine will be used 168 times during the run and each animal costume takes between eight and 12 hours to dry. The pantomime runs until next Sunday, January 24.

THE famous Flying Scotsman will travel along the Settle-Carlisle Line next Saturday, January 23. The locomotive - No 60103 - will haul the Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express along the scenic line on its outward journey from Manchester Victoria. And it will return to the north west city over the spectacular Cumbrian Fells. It will be Flying Scotsman’s first scheduled mainline passenger run before the official completion of painstaking £4.2 million restoration. The train will still be in its black base coat and will not be numbered. For more information, visit railwaytouring.net

A SKIPTON pub has joined the January sales by offering cut price drinks - although it has stressed its staff will continue to take a responsible approach to who they serve. Bargains on offer at Wetherspoon's Devonshire Inn include a pint of beer from £2.25 and a glass of wine from £2.30; a glass of mineral water for 79p and a cup of filter coffee for 85p. Manager Hannah Parker said: "Department stores and shops hold their sales in January, so it is the perfect time to have a sale in the pub too. The range of drinks on sale in the pub is aimed at suiting a wide variety of tastes and I believe that the January Sale will prove popular with our customers." The sale runs until Sunday.

OUR walking colleague, who spends many a weekend looking out for new routes to feature in the Craven Herald, often comes across interesting wildlife - and not always entirely expected. On a recent walk around Gisburne Park and the Ribble Valley, she came across a pair of llamas and a very splendid Aberdeen Argus bull. The bull, which had the very noble name of Lord Hancock, came from the Ribble herd of Aberdeen Angus, and was a very gentle sort, so she was told. The same walk took her past an area with several herons, a usually solitary bird.