We sent the Charlesworth family to experience the magical: Of the Oak in The Chapel at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Not a typical art exhibition but an immersive sound-and-video installation that invites you to step metaphorically inside an ancient oak tree.

Whilst the festive season can be a time full of joy and happiness, it can also be a very lonely time of year for many. Mental health expert Noel McDermott looks at what you can do to combat this and make this time of year as positive as possible, not just for you but for others.

Preliminary findings in a rapid inquiry into NHS maternity services are due this month. It's the latest in a series of investigations stretching back twenty-two years. All have been well-intentioned, but somehow, again and again, they fail. Why? Missing the mark The people who run these inquiries are accomplished professionals who bring expertise in systems, processes, and governance.

Pensioners Brenda Parry and Barbara Chorley hadn't seen each other since they were at primary school in Kendal - 68 years ago. So they were astonished to meet up again when they joined a group on a bus day trip in June and they are now the stars of Stagecoach's festive campaign.

Winter is a time of change and transition and historically a time of shortage in terms of food and the need to ration. In the modern world we tend to not notice as we have lights all year round but, our bodies haven’t changed much since hunter gatherer times and they respond to the cues from nature.

Our second visit to Trentham Winter Lights was every bit as enchanting as the first. Last year, my then 4- and 7-year-olds were utterly captivated by the spectacle, and this year the magic returned with a delightful twist. The trail featured a subtle Wizard of Oz theme, punctuated by rainbows that appeared at every turn, creating a wonderfully whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of a storybook.

As the clocks have now gone back and the nights are drawing in, Paragon Veterinary Practice in Carlisle is reminding pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe and visible during walks. With reduced daylight hours and darker mornings and evenings, pets and their owners are more at risk of being unseen by drivers or cyclists.

A groundbreaking trial exploring the potential of blood tests to diagnose dementia is now underway at two NHS Trusts in Sheffield marking a significant step toward improving the UK’s dementia diagnosis rate.

I decided to have yet another attempt at tidying my studio. There`s usually a reasoning or prompt behind these bouts of `cleansing` and last week was no exception. This time there was a double incentive. Firstly, after months recovering from an op I saw my studio in a different light.

The UK’s largest canal charity Canal & River Trust offers a free guide to ‘Places to Visit in the North West’, with maps, information about visitor facilities and free activities, and ways to get the most out of visiting the region’s canals and rivers.

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has launched a spine-chilling lineup of new Halloween tours and events for all ages to celebrate this spooky time of year.

Today is World Mental Health Day and it’s the perfect reminder that mental health support can come in all shapes and sizes - sometimes with four legs and a wagging tail. Veterinary surgeon Dr Linda Simon, resident expert at Pooch & Mutt, explains how dogs can play a vital role in supporting both our physical and mental health.