CRAVEN people are being urged to show they're all heart - by taking part in fundraising walks centred around the Yorkshire Three Peaks next month. And proceeds will be split between Heart Research UK and work to maintain the area's footpath network. Walkers can take on the 25-mile Three Peaks route – including the summits of Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Alternatively, there is a 15-mile Valleys Walk – taking in the area around Ribblehead – or a five-kilometre family nature trail. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) has teamed-up with Heart Research UK to organise the events, on June 18. Backing is being provided by home shopping giant Damart, whose warehousing facility is at Steeton. "This will be a fantastic day out that will raise much-needed cash for two very worthy causes," said Steve Hastie, for the YDNPA. "We have organised routes to suit everyone from experienced, long-distance walkers to families wanting an easy, short stroll." There will also be attractions, including sports events and crafts, at Horton-in-Ribblesdale playing field. Visit heartresearch.org.uk/3peaks, e-mail community@heartresearch.org.uk or call 0113 234 7474 for an information pack.

IN many ways the Leeds-Liverpool canal, beloved of tourists and Craven folk alike, is one of the 'jewels in the crown' of the area. So it's fitting that the Canal and River Trust, the charity which took over the care of canals and rivers from British Waterways in 2012, has launched a new set of awards to mark the 200th anniversary of what is Britain’s longest single man-made waterway. And the trust is asking for nominations for various award categories, including the best environment, education and conservation projects, and the most dedicated volunteers and enterprising businesses. There are also two awards which will continue to be presented annually after this year - the 'Waterway Manager’s Outstanding Contribution Award' and the 'Waterway Partnership Chair’s Award,' open to groups and individuals who work in the community. Chantelle Seaborn, the trust’s North West waterway manager, said: “So many wonderful people and organisations have helped to conserve, promote and improve the brilliant waterway we see today.We thought it was right, that in the year when the canal comes under the spotlight, we should mark their contribution and say ‘thank you’." The closing date for nominations is August 12 and the awards will be presented at a ceremony on October 19 at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Blackburn, hosted by Barnsley poet Ian McMillan. For more details email Sarah Knight on sarah.knight@canalrivertrust.org.uk or visit canalrivertrust.org.uk

SKIPTON has one of the best bluebell woodlands in the north, according to the Woodland Trust. The charity has just listed its top ten bluebell woods - and in number one slot is our very own Skipton Woods. "These ancient woods have a fascinating history and lie alongside Skipton Castle in the heart of the town," says the trust. "They contain a wide variety of plants and amazing wildlife such as kingfishers, bats and deer, with some excellent pathways which follow the canal and the castle ramparts. Walk into a different world straight off the High Street." And, on Saturday, the woods will host a special bluebell event, featuring a family trail and craft activities. It will run from 11am to 3pm and booking is essential at woodlandtrust.org.uk/events. The trust is also launching a Nature Detectives Family Trail app for use at 23 of its sites, including Skipton. Designed for children aged three and over, the app brings to life two woodland fairies, Blue and Belle, who lead families on a fun, magical trail through the woods. To download the app, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/familytrail

THE On Course Foundation is holding a charity day at Skipton Golf Club on Monday, June 13. It will see ex-servicemen pairing up with businessmen from all over the UK to play a round of golf. The foundation was established by John Simpson to help wounded, injured and sick service personnel rehabilitate through golf. So far, it has assisted more than 500 people rebuild their lives, enjoy a new challenge and regain their self-belief through golf. It also helps ex-service personnel to find jobs, initially in the golfing industry but also in other sectors, through supporters of the charity. Its patrons include HRH the Duke of York and Arnold Palmer.

MARIE Curie is calling on people in the Craven area to hold a Blooming Great Tea Party in June or July and support the charity which provides care and support for people living with a terminal illness, and their families, in the community. Whether it’s a big garden party for family and friends or a small bake sale at work, every donation from a Blooming Great Tea Party will help Marie Curie Nurses care for more people living with a terminal illness across the UK. Sharon Link, community fundraiser for Marie Curie, tells me: “It’s easy to support Marie Curie with a Blooming Great Tea Party and it really is up to you how you decide to join in. Last year in we had lots of support and this year we would love local residents to go even further and tell us about their tea-riffic plans.” To register or for tea party inspiration visit mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty or call 0800 716146.

A POPULAR Dales tearoom has given customers something to look at while enjoying the best of Yorkshire produce and tradition. West Winds Tearooms, in Buckden, has created a sculpture garden and a herb trail. The wood sculptures include a golden eagle, a badger and, naturally enough for the Dales, some sheep and were carved using chainsaws by Sherwood Carving of Harrogate and South Shields-based Wood Actually. Stephen Hounsham, who runs West Winds Tearooms with his partner Lynn Thornborrow, tells me: “A chainsaw doesn’t instantly spring to mind as the obvious tool for an artist but it is amazing the level of detail that can be achieved when the chainsaw is in the right pair of hands." But although sculptures are part of the experience of visiting West Winds Tearooms this summer, live demonstrations are definitely not. Stephen says: “A chainsaw in operation does not fit well with a peaceful tea-garden, so I’m very happy our sculptures were made somewhere else. We will not be drowning out tea-garden conversation by giving customers any demonstrations!” And, to coincide with the arrival of the wood sculptures, a herb trail has also been set up at West Winds, featuring around 50 cultivated and wild plants with culinary, medicinal or pot pourri uses. Interesting specimens include chocolate mint, dandelion, heather, cowslip, the common stinging nettle, foxglove and feverfew. The tearooms are generally open from 12.30pm to 5.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of October.

THE Cinnamon Trust is in urgent need of dog walking volunteers in Skipton. The charity has an army of volunteers who help people over retirement age and those in the latter stages of a terminal illness by offering all kinds of pet care. And, at present, it needs someone in Skipton to take an "adorable" 10-year-old cocker spaniel for a good walk. "A large number of elderly or ill pet owners become very worried about their ability to care for their pets, feeling that their only option is to rehome them, this is where our national network of dedicated volunteers step in to offer support enabling them to stay together." Anyone who can help should call 01736 758707 during office hours or email volunteer@cinnamon.org.uk