Local News

North Yorkshire firefighters join forces with farmers to tackle two spreading field fires in Ripon
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of a number of fields on fire in Ripon yesterday afternoon.

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Major £23 million renovation project to bring modern facilities to Ripon leisure centre nears completion
Significant renovations and upgrades to a leisure centre in Ripon that will support residents to be active and stay healthy have reached their final stages.


‘A small school with a big heart’: Ripon primary school praised as it retains ‘good’ rating following Ofsted inspection
A primary school in Ripon has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for maintaining the strong standards identified at its previous inspection.

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Athletics sensation who went from running the streets of Ripon to being picked for Team GB
A young Ripon runner who has become an Ivy League sensation in the USA has been picked for Team GB in the European Athletics Championships.


Ripon primary school headteacher ‘delighted’ after inspectors award ‘good’ rating following Ofsted inspection
Pupils and staff at Sharow Church of England Primary School in Ripon are celebrating after receiving a ‘good’ rating in their latest Ofsted inspection.

North Yorkshire hotel and spa 'loved by influencers and celebrities' world best
Five-star hotel spa Grantley Hall in Ripon, which is loved by footballers and TV stars, has been included in a prestigious list of the best in the world.

'Fun packed' Lightwater Valley is ranked fourth top in UK’s best theme parks for 2025
Ripon’s Lightwater Valley has been rated the UK’s fourth best theme park for 2025 as summer gets into full swing.


Revealed: Closing date for 'Waitrose of the North' store in Ripon is only weeks away
Closure plans for a family-owned high-end superstore in Ripon that shocked the city have come a step closer.


'Unsung hero' opens up on her experiences at 'incredible' Harrogate-based cancer charity
A Harrogate charity stalwart celebrating her 34th year in the role said knowing that she is playing a part in helping Yorkshire communities is "why she comes to work every day".

37 pictures as tractors rumble at UK's biggest festival of its kind
Vintage tractors rumbled through Ripon over the weekend at the country’s biggest event of its kind.

Plans to turn derelict petrol station in Ripon into six flats deferred pending safety report
A decision on plans to turn the site of a derelict petrol station in Ripon into six flats has been deferred by the council.

Thousands expected to visit stately hall for UK's largest tractor festival
Tractor Fest will return to Newby Hall and Gardens near Ripon, North Yorkshire, drawing thousands of visitors for a weekend of vintage vehicles, agricultural heritage, engineering displays, and activities.

Harrogate district village tearoom celebrating 40 incredible years of family, food and Yorkshire hospitality
A popular family-run tearoom in the village of Masham near Ripon is celebrating its 40th anniversary throughout the month of June.

Explore Fountains Abbey and the hidden wonders of Studley Park
Explore the historic Fountains Abbey and the scenic Studley Park near Ripon, North Yorkshire. This walk takes visitors through the impressive Abbey ruins, beautifully landscaped grounds, and expansive Studley Park

'Fundamental premise' of Assisted Dying Bill remains a problem says Ripon MP
Ripon’s MP has voiced his ”serious reservations” about the Assisted Dying Bill currently working its way through Parliament.


Reporting Back column with Julian Smith MP
Over the past month, I have been working on a wide range of issues both in and around Ripon and in Westminster.

'Trophy asset' gastro pub hits the market with £1.4m price tag
The Sawley Arms, a popular gastro pub near Ripon in North Yorkshire, has hit the market, being put up for sale for more than £1m.

Five star hotel near Harrogate is to open its own country pub this summer
A new country pub is to open in a historic village near Ripon and it will boast a ‘five star pedigree’ before it is even launched.
