ONLY the most hardened could have failed to have been moved by the farewell Valediction Service for Otley's Thomas Chippendale School. As one of the two schools due to close for the last time tomorrow, it held a special service in the parish church for all parents, pupils, past and present, governors and friends of the school.

As one after another got up to speak of their own treasured memories, it was clear the town was about to lose a very much valued asset - not least to the members of the Weston Lane Friendship Club, who have enjoyed many hours with the children.

l Residents of Scotland Lane in Horsforth are rightly upset about a decision to allow the development of the listed St Gabriel's - a former retirement home for clergy.

Having fought the development of more than 20 homes for months, they finally won the support of councillors on the planning committee at Leeds to turn it down. But a month later councillors were forced to change their minds - after they were persuaded that reasons for refusal would not stand up at appeal.

The council would not have wanted to risk losing an appeal - with all the costs that would have incurred. The applicants, developers and the Diocese of Leeds, have already put in an appeal to the Secretary of State for an earlier, larger development and now the smaller scheme has been accepted by Leeds. We wonder which one of the two the church and the developer will go through with.

l A few weeks ago Yeadon Carnival looked like it might not go ahead. A victim of disinterest, it seemed there was not enough support to carry it through. But following an appeal in the Wharfedale and Airedale Observer, people came forward and on Saturday the weather came good and organisers have declared it a great success.