A revamped North Yorkshire group is seeking to promote friendship and links with a land Down Under.

A branch of the Britain-Australia Society, which is open to all people with an interest in Australia and whose patron is the Duke of Edinburgh, has been formed in Harrogate.

The new body is looking to expand its membership and appeal and is planning to rename itself as the North Yorkshire branch of the society.

The Britain-Australia Society gives access to a wide range of activities and cultural events, as well as seeking to "maintain the fundamental links of family, business and political life which have bound Britain and Australia since 1788".

And the North Yorkshire members are holding their own version of one of the main events in the society's calendar, with their own Australia Day dinner in Harrogate on Wednesday, January 26. Branch treasurer David Pearson said though it had just over 40 members it still considered it was in the process of establishing itself in the area, and had limited funds to promote its aims.

He added: "We are planning, in the near future, to rename ourselves the Britain-Australia Society, North Yorkshire Branch, in an endeavour to broaden our membership and extend the opportunities and benefits membership of this society offers.

"We would welcome inquiries from anyone interested in joining our society. We also seek greater corporate involvement in the society as we are especially interested in fostering student exchanges between this country and Australia and offers of sponsorship would be appreciated."

The Australia Day dinner will be held at the Garden Room Restaurant, Harlow Carr Botanical Gardens, Harrogate, and starts at 7.30pm for 8pm.

Tickets will cost £13.50 for two, and to book please call either 01423 502007 or 01423 508084.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.