FOR all teachers and others who work in the education system, I’m sure there will be relief as the summer term comes to an end. For a short while they can have a brief respite from dealing with the bureaucracy within our education system at the moment.

I am sure the exam results will be as good as ever because we are very blessed with some of the best schools in the area, but for students this can be a time of relief or anxiety, as they wait for results, which could lead them to university, sixth form or employment or not, so no pressure then? It can also be a time of great excitement as children move from primary school to “senior school”.

We can’t forget all our parents. Now starts the headache of juggling many balls in the air, balancing child care and work over the next six weeks? This is a really tricky time for parents and lots of favours are asked and grandparents are often called in to help. However, all the grandparents I talk too love helping family out, they say, “It’s time to take the kids to all those local agricultural shows”.

Yes, talking of shows, congratulations must go to the organisers of this year’s Malton Show. The new layout was an instant success and a great day out was had by all. We were blessed with good weather, an abundance of great stalls, excellent entertainment and the animal sections were a delight.

My particular favourite this year was a long-haired blue rabbit. Yes, blue. I initially thought my eyes were playing tricks and asked the handler if the colour was natural, staring at me with a startled look she replied: “But of course.” I’m not sure if the beautiful blue rabbit won its class, but it certainly won my heart on the day.

Of course the A64 tried to cope with the show traffic, but the sooner this road is dualled the better. This saga has gone on too long. We need to ensure the traffic keeps flowing on the A64 as quickly and safely as possible. We also need to help the coastal business get their goods, workforce etc moving seamlessly around the area. I will continue to leave the dualling saga of the A64 to our MP.

And finally while we are discussing roads, I’m a Yorkshire lass through and through, and was very proud of that fact when Yorkshire was shown off to the world when the Tour de France passed through. We hosted 51 per cent of the tour and I think North Yorkshire County Council and partners really did an excellent job.

Everyone worked extremely hard over the weekend and prior to the start and, as a county councillor, I would like to thank everyone involved. It was a heroic task which showed that Yorkshire people are built of pure grit and rose to the challenge and succeeded in great style.

I am sure Ryedale will benefit from the tour and a warm Yorkshire welcome will be given to all who decide to visit us after seeing Yorkshire in all its glory.