Closer links: City of York Council’s leader has met with the Philippine ambassador to discuss greater economic links between the Philippines and York. Coun James Alexander met Enrique Manalo and others to discuss how to share skills on heritage preservation, tourism and food agriculture. There are some 6,000 Filipinos living and working in and around York, mostly in the healthcare sector.

Royal patron: Princess Beatrice of York has agreed to become patron of York Musical Society, which traces its origins back to 1765. Musical director David Pipe said: “It is a great honour.”