Leighton Town are still seeking their first win under new boss Stuart Murray as they lost 2-1 at home to Royston Town on Saturday.

Now in the Evo Stik Division 1 Central relegation zone, the visit of third placed Royston looked a tough game on paper but Town looked more than a match for them, though quality shone through as Town’s home form evaded them once again.

Town started the game quickly as they usually do and had the first half chance of the game within the first minutes of the game.

A corner was swung in from Jack Copson but it was headed out for another corner by Dan Braithwaite.

Copson took the corner again and it was only cleared as far as Alex O’Brien and his shot from the edge of the D was only just over the top of the crossbar.

Town were pressuring Royston into making mistakes and losing possession.

Leighton were piling on the pressure, but they couldn’t take advantage as James Hatch’s shot was only just deflected wide.

This seemed to wake Royston up who started to have chances of their own. Brad Kirkwood was having a great game in goal for Leighton as Erkan Okay floated a nice ball into Rhys Hoeness whose resulting shot was clawed wide.

The visitors eventually got the breakthrough when skipper Scott Bridge fired in a low free kick to give Royston the lead.

By half-time Royston had had the better of the chances but Leighton had positives to take from the half.

But it took just seven second half minutes for Leighton to restore parity, courtesy of a moment of magic from Ben Gallant. The ball came in to him in the 18 yard area and he lobbed the keeper from about 15 yards out who just watched the ball sail over him.

The goal definitely galvanised Town who were now breaking with pace. They were keeping the ball in the Royston half who seemed to crumble under pressure.

Dave Brown nearly put Town 2-1 up after a through ball was played into him Ronnie Yates could only palm the shot as far as Gallant who should’ve done better at the second time of asking but his shot was straight into the arms of Yates.

At the other end Royston skipper Bridge could’ve put them 2-1 up but Kirkwood pulled off a great double save and then claimed the resulting corner.

But the decisive goal came two minutes before the end. A Royston corner came in and Braithwaite shot straight at the keeper but Liam McDevitt was there to score a header in an empty net from two yards out. The goal came against the run of play handed Royston all three points - a result somewhat cruel on the home side who’d fought valiantly for what they felt was a deserved point come the full time whistle.

Next up for Town is a trip to AFC Rushden tonight (Tuesday).

Leighton Town have responded to former boss Mark Eaton’s comments in the Leighton Buzzard Observer in the aftermath of his sacking.

Eaton said he was ‘embarrassed’ for Town in the way they handled his sacking, branding them ‘shambolic’ in dismissing him so soon after bringing him to Bell Close.

Eaton was forced to rebuild the squad after the sacking of former manager Craig Bicknell in the summer, prompting all of the players to leave Bell Close.

However, the club have said they were disappointed in Eaton for ‘doing his dirty washing in the public domain’ in a statement released to this paper.

It read: “The club acknowledged that Mark Eaton was two weeks behind other clubs for pre-season preparations and had to build a team from scratch after the departure of Craig Bicknell.

“For the first time in three years the club was able to provide an expense budget and this should be sufficient for us to be in mid table and not hovering over the relegation zone.

“The committee are acutely aware that we are in the semi-professional ranks of non-league and when spectators pay to watch football it is our responsibility to ensure that the quality of product on the pitch meets the level of expectation of the paying public.

“We felt that we had been more than patient after being knocked out of every cup competition and having lost 10 of the last 12 games and with attendances dropping.

“As a result we had to take decisive action and dispense with the services of the manager and his assistant.

“We are disappointed that Mark Eaton felt it necessary to do his dirty washing in the public domain and it is the mantra of sacked managers to blame those behind the scenes.

“The morale of the club remains positive and if we can continue going forward at the same pace as the last four months we can once again be a force to be reckoned with in our league.”

A protracted legal battle over Central Beds Council’s local plan has been dropped, after the authority decided to scrap its hotly debated development blueprint.

In February CBC was told by planning inspector Brian Cook that its plan was not fit for purpose and advised the authority to withdraw it rather than have it rejected.

Mr Cook claimed that CBC’s co-operation with Luton Borough Council over development strategy “fell short of the required level”.

CBC fought back and took the case to the High Court, where in March permission for a judicial review to Mr Cook’s decision was rejected.

The council kept up the fight and earlier this month was granted permission to appeal against this, but on Thursday night council members admitted defeat.

CBC has now withdrawn its development strategy and will start a drafting new local plan.

The council’s cxecutive member for regeneration, Nigel Young, said: “This is not a decision which has been taken lightly but it is necessary, in light of new planning policy changes, for us to reset this process.

“However, that does not mean that we are starting from scratch, but have already begun to work sympathetically with the new national guidance, while listening to the views of local people and neighbouring authorities, many of whom find themselves in a similar situation.”

He added: “Of course, our focus now is on finalising a new, sustainable local plan that best serves our communities, manages growth and continues the significant progress that is ensuring Central Bedfordshire is a great place to live and work.”

CBC’s rift with LBC centred around plans for 5,150 homes in Houghton Regis, which were given outline planning consent in September 2014.

LBC claimed its neighbour failed to cooperate over the development, though this argument was deemed to be “wholly unarguable” and “lacking in legal merit” by a High Court judge.

The row set Luton taxpayers back £109,992 in legal fees, while CBC was also forced to foot a bill of £48,666.

Great British Bake Off queen Nadia Hussain has pledged to help with a dream pudding menu after visiting a Stony Stratford Indian restaurant.

Naidni boss Mujayed Ahmed invited Nadia to sample his wares last week.

“To be honest, it was because my mum is a huge Bake Off fan and wanted to meet her!” said Mujayed.

Nadia and 62-year-old Dilwara got on like a house on fire and spent four hours discussing recipes, he said.

“My mum was asking her for all her secrets. Nadia was lovely and said she’d help us think up some really good puddings for our menu.”

Nadia is pictured at Naidni with Dilwara, Mujayed’s sister Humaira and his neice Amani.

As Leighton Buzzard golfers determine the pecking order for oven-ready turkeys in a series of pre-Christmas competitions at the Plantation Road course, a fellow club swinger got into the festive spirit by winning a major trophy and had a second plucked from his grasp by just half a point.

Neale Proud, a 52-year-old professional tennis coach, is the new holder of Leighton’s Groves trophy after the luck of Irishman Ian Alexander ran out with just one hole to play.

For 8-handicap golfer Neale was in arrears for most of the cup-final round before a spirited fight back saw him go two holes up on the 17th to win his first major trophy.

And he almost completed the double in the final of the Daily Mail foursomes as he and playing partner Jason Cobb finished with a nett 68.5, despite taking a nine to complete one hole. But it proved costly as the experienced Julian Heffron and Len Neal finished with a nett 68 to take top spot.

A former club junior, Neale rekindled his love of golf three years ago, playing regularly with dad Danny, Cedars student son Ben and other family members.

Birdies and eagles are everyday talk for golfers, but its turkeys that will be the table topic for pre-Christmas competition winners at Leighton.

Sandra Bellis carved out a win in the Ladies turkey stableford, beating Lesley Brazier on countback after both finished with 32 points.

Eddie and Joyce Young will be basting theirs after winning the Mixed Turkey foursomes with a nett score of 70.5, beating Phil Eddy and Kate Wright, whose nett 73 consigned John and Christine Bateman to third place.

Seasoned campaigner Derek Ellam clocked up 42 points to win the Mens Midweek turkey stableford, with David Banwell and Denis Leitch heading a chasing pack with 39 points, one clear of Terry Lingham, Phil Eddy, Phil Coumbe, Steven Paine, David Debell and Phil Martin.

- Former sports car racing driver Banwell went one better in the weekend turkey medal, winning the Saturday event with a nett 67, a shot clear of Steve Foster, David Jones and Len Clark, with Dave Roberts and Barry Kent a further shot in arrears.

Dennis Elliott carded the lowest gross score in the Sunday turkey medal to win with a nett 66, two shots clear of club vice-captain Adrian Stephenson with Paul Johnson taking third place with a nett 69.

Postman Manny Barker has had a weekend to remember, after being named Player of the Year at the Captain’s Supper on Friday and winning the Vice Captain vs Captain match on Sunday.

Leighton’s inter-club team beat a Mentmore squad 3-0, with victories by Steve Schmidt and Dave Evans, Lance Lawes and Manny Barker and Shane Bentley and Ada Stephenson. Skipper Steve Leng and John Latimer, Andy Jenkins and Shane Kimber and Derek Richards and John Allinson halved their games.

Matt Adcock reviews The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (12A)

The end of the games is upon us and this time it’s war. The heroic ‘Mockingjay’ herself Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer ‘soon to be in X-Men Apocalypse’ Lawrence) leads the charge to try and take down evil President Snow (Donald Sutherland).

But her small band of resistance fighters, who include love interest options - the troubled Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and the dashing Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) will have to fight every step of the way.

Things get messy though as Snow has rigged the Capitol with booby traps that turn the final assault into a twisted echo of the original Hunger Games. This really ups the excitement factor though as the team face flamethrowers, heavy auto-guns, tidal waves of oil and hidden mines – it’s compelling stuff.

You don’t have to have read Suzanne Collins’s best selling novel to realise that there may well be casualties on both sides before we get to the conclusion.

The stand-out scene for me was a breathtaking chase through the sewers where Katniss and her young soldiers are pursued by vicious ‘mutts’ - a kind of cross between fast running zombies and the aliens from the Alien films. Indeed, the scenes of the heroes standing in water-filled tunnels desperately firing their weapons at the cunning, seemingly unstoppable creatures will resonate with fans of the sci-fi classic Aliens.

If the odds weren’t bad enough for any sort of happy ending, Julianne Moore’s rebel leader Alma Coin begins to seem worryingly like another dictator in waiting. Is Katniss unwittingly trying to remove one despot only to empower a new tyrant? War, it seems, never changes.

Mockingjay Part 2 is without doubt the best of the Hunger Games films since the plucky original but it fails to be the absolute classic it could have been due to the money-grabbing ‘split it into two films just to maximise profits’ trend that we have Harry Potter to thank for starting.

If you’ve seen any of the wave of dystopian-future-em-ups then this rousing finale sees off challenges by the Divergent and Maze Runner wannabes and claims the prize as the best of the genre.

Only time will tell if a new contender arises, but for now go and enjoy the games and may the odds be ever in your favour.

* Tweet Matt at @Cleric20

Gone are the days when you had to queue outside shops on Boxing Day and fight your way through the crowds to get the best of the year’s bargains.

Now you can sit on your couch with a cuppa in hand and surf your way to savings - but with all-year round sales and offers it’s often tricky to know what’s a genuine bargain.

This year Black Friday – the sales event which topped out last year with an £810 million UK spend – is expected to be bigger than ever.

Here’s our guide to finding the best deals in the UK, without having to battle it out in store.

1. Get ready to rip up your wish list

Don’t be too rigid on what you want to buy – an open mind will mean you’re much more receptive to a {http://www.amazon.co.uk/b/?_encoding=UTF8&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=ur2&node=8741657031&pf_rd_i=navbar-4201&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_p=758414907&pf_rd_r=0F7VQGF618Z9G0DHKDAP&pf_rd_s=nav-sitewide-msg&pf_rd_t=4201&tag=wwwscotsmanco-21|daily deal|} rather than holding out for a specific model or colour to be discounted.

2. Create a set of your favourite links to check

Bookmark all the major outlets like {http://www.amazon.co.uk/b/?_encoding=UTF8&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=ur2&node=8741657031&pf_rd_i=navbar-4201&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_p=758414907&pf_rd_r=0F7VQGF618Z9G0DHKDAP&pf_rd_s=nav-sitewide-msg&pf_rd_t=4201&tag=wwwscotsmanco-21|Amazon|}, {http://www.argos.co.uk/static/ArgosPromo3/includeName/black-friday.htm|Argos|}, {http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/black-friday-785-commercial.html|Currys|} and {http://www.johnlewis.com/electricals/black-friday/c6000670128?rdr=1|John Lewis|}

3. If it’s looks too good to be true, it probably is

Remember, anyone can offer a brilliant deal, but do they have the stock to honour it? Be sure to check delivery details and availability before committing to buying.

4. If you snooze you lose

If you’re not quick you could lose some of the very best bargains, as the big retailers only offer these for a few hours at a time. They’re worth it though, as the savings can be over 50 per cent, so refresh, refresh, refresh! Check the sites at breakfast, on your coffee break, at lunch, dinner time and before you head for bed.

5. Caveat emptor

By all means add your bargain buy to your shopping basket, but then take a moment to do some research before committing - browse other sites to check the price really is as good as it looks. And remember on sites like {http://www.amazon.co.uk/b/?_encoding=UTF8&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=ur2&node=8741657031&pf_rd_i=navbar-4201&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_p=758414907&pf_rd_r=0F7VQGF618Z9G0DHKDAP&pf_rd_s=nav-sitewide-msg&pf_rd_t=4201&tag=wwwscotsmanco-21|Amazon|} there is sometimes a minimum spend to get free postage, so be sure to top up your basket until it qualifies - items don’t have to be in the daily deal to be added.

Nearly 100 runners took to Rushmere Country Park for the third running of the parkrun.

The free weekly 5k event, which is open to all ages and abilities and consists of two laps of Rushmere Country Park, welcomed 59 people taking part for the first time.

Among the first-timers were James Bell and his son Harry (12) and daughter Julia (10).

“I love the fact that I can go running with my children in a beautiful location that is right on our doorstep,” said James.

“Previously we travelled to Tring, Buckingham or Milton Keynes if we wanted to do a parkrun, so it’s great that we now have one in our local area.

“The event is really well organised and the strategically placed marshals around the course give all the participants loads of encouragement, whether they are running, jogging or walking.

“The kids and I particularly loved the long downhill section!”

Despite some of the forest trails becoming slippery after heavy overnight rain, an impressive 15 runners improved their times from previous weeks.

Hannah Brennan recorded the biggest improvement of the week, reducing her best time by a staggering five minutes to cross the line in 32 minutes 28 seconds.

Trish Owen improved by a similar margin to stop the clock at 38:16, while Lisa Mitchinson (32:33) and Niki Casey (33:52) were both two minutes faster than last week.

Not to be outdone, there were similarly impressive performances in the men’s field as Wesley Fraser dipped under the magic 30-minute barrier for the first time to finish in 29:57, while Gareth Erskine-Jones posted 26:59 to come home two minutes quicker than last time.

In the juniors, Harriet Grimshaw set the biggest personal best, reducing her time from 29:05 to 27:54.

Each runner also receives a percentage score that is calculated according to their age and gender.

Stephen Green recorded the highest for the men with 69 per cent, while Caroline Beechey, in the women’s 50-54 age group, achieved 66 per cent. Sam Nicholas was the highest ranked junior with 67 per cent.

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Francis Habgood has warned the force is still “in times of austerity” despite the Chancellor’s decision not to make further cuts to the police budget.

He said: “I am pleased to hear today that the Chancellor has acknowledged the need to protect police services by deciding not to make further cuts to police budgets in the next year.

“Clearly we will now need to take some time to look at the budget in detail and revise our forecasts following the announcement.

Mr Habgood added: “Today is a good day for our communities and Thames Valley Police but we must also remember that we are still in times of austerity and we will continue to have some difficult choices to make about how we allocate our resources according to local priorities.

“We will continue to look at ways to transform the way that we deliver our services, part of which is to move forward with our Priority Based Budgeting programme. This will enable us to better understand the demand on policing in order to reduce that demand by working with our partners and communities to encourage problem solving and prioritise attendance.”

The police chief has vowed to continue to ensure police we maximise every opportunity to prevent crime, protect the public and bring offenders to justice.

Meanwhile Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Anthony Stansfeld, said he was “absolutely delighted” that the planned cuts had not gone ahead.

He told the Citizen: “Over recent weeks I have spoken to both the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister about the proposed cuts and the challenges it would bring to the delivery of front line policing. I am pleased that senior politicians have listened and the adverse impact of the cuts has been recognised.

“We still need to look at the detail to understand fully what this means for Thames Valley Police’s budget. We will know more when we receive the details of our annual allocation in mid-December.”

She might be more accustomed to sunshine and Hollywood, but Priscilla Presley wouldn’t swap her current experience of being in pantomime for the world.

The former star of The Naked Gun films and Dallas regular is playing the Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin running from Friday December 4 to Sunday January 10 at Milton Keynes Theatre.

Priscilla said: “I absolutely adore this time of year. I love doing pantomime, I love the experience of working with people.

“I keep coming back to do pantomime because it is such fun to do and a perfect thing to do around the holidays.

“Especially when the winter weather is coming in and things are grim on the news, I think people need a bit of fun and pantomime is the perfect outlet for that.”

It is also a different challenge as this is the first time she has been a goodie in a pantomime.

Priscilla said: “I have always been the villain which has been great to do and this is very much a different challenge.

“I am looking to make her funny, a little bit flirty and a little bit naughty. That is how I think she should be.

“We have only just started rehearsals and that is the great thing for an actor.

“While I have an idea of what the character is like in my head, the more I work with the performers, the more you find different things about the character and there is that to explore.”

She also is full of praise for the theatre and the stage generally.

Priscilla added: “I do like working on the stage, especially getting that feedback from the audience, the instant gratification is something that I like. Especially from the little ones, all of my children have grown up so it is especially nice.

“This is my first time in Milton Keynes and I am really impressed with the theatre and the general area.

“I have been for a little look round and seen the lovely market and the shops as well which I can’t wait to have a proper look round.

“I think the standard of theatre in this country is absolutely exceptional. Every time that I am in England, I always go to see a show as many times as possible.

“I don’t think it will be possible this time. Especially as we are doing two shows a day,” she laughs.

While she might be known for her relationship with Elvis, the best known acting role she had was as Jane Spencer in all three of the Naked Gun films.

Priscilla said: “I have great memories of working with Leslie Nielsen, he was such a generous actor to work with .

“I am still not sure, even to this day, why I was asked to audition for the role because I am not a comedian.

“I was on the set for one of the films and I asked why they wanted me for this role because I said I am not a comedian.

“I had the response that they didn’t want people who were comedians. They wanted the humour to come out of the story and out of people acting naturally which I think makes it extra funny.”

She also appeared as Jenna Wade in the American soap Dallas and again an environment which she was initially uncertain about.

Priscilla said: “I did like working on Dallas and I had a lot of fun.

“I had read in the tabloids that some of the people working on the soap would be a nightmare and was a little bit worried.

“When I got on the set, everyone was lovely and everyone got on with each other. All of the reports I had read were exaggerated, which is obviously what tabloids have to do sometimes.

“I wish I could tell you they were all horrible people to work but I couldn’t give you that. They were all fantastic.”

Choreographer Wayne Sleep, musical theatre star Gary Wilmot and boyband member Ben Adams also appear in the pantomime. It’ll be packed with songs by a live band, dance routines, slapstick comedy and bags of audience participation.

Tickets are available from £12 and can be booked by calling the box office on 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes.

With their eighth league win on the bounce AFC Oakley M&DH won 2-0 at Sandy to moved back onto the top of the Premier Division supported by Sportsform on Saturday.

Matt Barnes and Dan Kelly netted the goals to send Sandy to their fourth consecutive league defeat and they are now just four places off the bottom.

Losing the leadership of the table were Renhold United who now find themselves in fourth spot after being held to a 1-1 home draw by Marston Shelton Rovers, Delroy Phillips on the United scoresheet against a Rovers reply from Alex Burrows.

Taking over the second spot just goal difference shy of the new leaders are AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College who claimed their eighth win on the bounce in winning 5-1 at Pavenham. Ashley Windridge scored a brace with further strikes from Bruno Dos Santos, Courtney Boughton and Colby Smith bringing up the nap hand against a lone reply from Tom Ellis.

Third spot now belongs to Flitwick Town who are now unbeaten in their last 11 starts after claiming win number seven on the bounce by winning 3-1 at Ickwell & Old Warden. Daniel Stafford, Liam Keane and Josh Reynolds were on the Town’s scoresheet against a lone home reply from Zak Rowe.

Also keeping pressure up are fifth place Ampthill Town Reserves who took their unbeaten run up to nine games and maintained their 100% away record with a 4-1 victory at Sharnbrook, Phil Matthews with a brace joined on the scoresheet by Luke Finnie and Jack Mordeci against a lone home reply from Chris Prior.

Down at the other end of the table Eastcotts AFC lifted themselves off the bottom by ending their 11 game losing run in recording a 3-2 home win over Cranfield United, Kirkland Thompson with a brace and a single strike from Luke Hyde outscoring replies via Martin Holland and Liam Whitmee-Craig.

Bottom spot now belongs to Elstow Abbey who suffered their ninth consecutive defeat when beaten 5-2 at home by Caldecote.

All started well enough for the Abbey as they raced 2-0 ahead with goals from Mark Reynolds in the 20th minute and Lucas Banton 13 minutes later until the visitors fought back to claim the points. Nicky Thomas with a hat-trick was joined on the scoresheet by Sam Julian and Jordan Platt.

Elsewhere Wilstead took their unbeaten run up to seven games in sharing the points in a 2-2 draw at Shefford Town & Campton. Chris Clark and Andrew Hayday on the Town scoresheet against replies from Paul and Michael Jones.

Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford

With second place Stevington having their game at Potton Town waterlogged off, Sundon Park Rangers stretched their lead at the head of the Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford to four points by maintaining their unbeaten ways with a 3-2 victory at Riseley Sports. Things however were far from easy with Shaka Anderson claiming his hat-trick and the full three points by netting a 90th minute penalty. Sam Harrison and Jack Healy on the home side’s scoresheet.

Just a single point behind Stevington in third spot are AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves who were 2-1 home winners over Westoning. Aaron Chaplin netted both goals against one in reply via Cody O’Neill.

Whilst fourth place Ickleford claimed their sixth win on the bounce to maintain their seasons 100% home ways with a 2-0 win over Henlow thanks to a brace of goals from James Tizzard.

The biggest winners of the day were fifth place Meltis Albion who ran out 6-0 home winners over Houghton Athletic, Sahr Songa, Carl Townsend, Daniel Taylor, Craig Damon, Kieran Walsh and Scott Alleyne all finding the back of the net.

Whilst sixth place Queens Park Crescents remain unbeaten on home soil this season after running out 3-0 victors over Shefford Town & Campton Reserves – Daniel Rasol, Ayaz Hussain and Fabio Sattar netting the vital goals.

Division Two

Cranfield United Reserves maintained their unbeaten ways and opened up a three point lead at the head of the division two league table with a 4-1 home win over Atletico Europa who were duly losing their unbeaten away record. Joe Sames, Ben Thompson, Jordan Conway and Ryan Collis all found the back of the net against a lone reply from Alexis Kamenan.

However, the biggest winners of the day were Flitwick Town Reserves who moved up into fifth spot by claiming a 9-0 home victory over bottom of the table Kempston Athletic. Dean Gadsden netted five times, Mark Bartlett twice to go alongside single strikes from Scott Gadsden and Benn Ward.

Elsewhere, Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves maintained their unbeaten home ways with a 5-1 victory over Bedford United who were duly losing their unbeaten record. Carl Borromeo with a brace was joined on the scoresheet by Ross Milton, Kieran Day and Garry Russon to bring up the nap hand against a lone United reply from Gary Phillpson.

The Cutler Hammer clash between Kempston Hammers Sports and Clapham Sports was waterlogged off.

Hertfordshire FA Junior Cup Second Round

Lea Sports PSG duly claimed a place in round three with a 6-0 home win over Glenn Sports. Joe Hennem with a hat-trick joined on the scoresheet by Ryan Darby, Owen Malcolm and Rhys Holding.

Division Three

There is no change at the head of the Division Three league table following away wins for the top two clubs. For league leaders Wixams it was win number nine on the bounce to maintain their 100% record with a 3-0 victory at Clifton, Charlie Battams with a brace and Charlie Collier netting the goals.

Whilst still four points behind them are Sundon Park Rovers who are still unbeaten on the road this season after winning 4-2 at Dinamo Flitwick. Kane Griffiths with a brace supported by goals from Jordan Holmes and Daniel Longalonga to outscore home replies via Dale Goldie and Dean Myers.

Now in third spot are AFC Dunton who won 4-3 at Shefford Town & Campton A. Jason Kinns and Brandon Bates both netted twice against home replies via Marcus Rose, Josh Whetlor and Tristan Potkins.

Up into fourth spot are White Eagles after their 7-0 home win over second from bottom of the table Sandy Reserves. Rafal Cygan and Sebastian Porczyk both netting braces to go alongside single strikes from Arkadivsz Boruch, Marchin Ptak and Kazimierz Orzechowski.

Elsewhere, Caldecote Reserves were 4-2 home winners over bottom of the table Meltis Albion Reserves, Carl Heath netting twice alongside single strikes from Tom Dupuy and Simon Ashton against Albion replies via Zak Crunkhurn and Kade Walker.

The Jubilee Playing Field encounter between Wilstead Reserves and Renhold United Reserves was waterlogged off.

Division Four

Mid Beds Tigers remain three points clear at the head of Division Four and still 100% for the season after winning 3-2 at Westoning Reserves, Alex Wiltshire netting twice and Tom Hunt once against home replies via an own goal and Ryan Camp.

Whilst second place Polonia Bedford maintained their seasons 100% away ways by winning 2-1 at Stevington Reserves who were duly losing their seasons 100% home ways. Piotr Armata and Marcin Szarycz were on the winners’ scoresheet against one in reply from Ben Walsh.

Now up into third spot are Caldecote A who ran out 6-0 home winners over AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College A. Ben May netted twice and he was joined on the scoresheet by Jake Bruce, Paul Rannow, Ryan Ambrose and Oscar Smith.

Whilst just a point behind in fourth spot are Bedford Albion who claimed their fifth win on the bounce with a 6-0 victory at second from bottom of the table Henlow Reserves. Shaun Challi netting five times and Josh Emmerton once to do the damage.

Elsewhere, there was a first home win of the season for Flitwick Town A who beat bottom of the table Lidlington United Sports 3-0. Kevin Higby, David Lyons and Cody Roberts all finding the back of the net.

If you fancy something different for next year’s holiday, then Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is offering a one week holiday to Cappadocia in central Turkey, a land where a spectacular volcanic landscape has been created by multiple eruptions.

Erosion created a mystical land of uniquely formed volcanic rock towers where ancient Christian communities thrived – often crafting beautiful churches. Under threat from the Arabs the communities escaped underground creating a labyrinth of cities which one can visit on this holiday.

Highlights include, the Valley of the Fairy Chimneys; the Goreme Open Air Museum, home to fascinating settlements, churches and monasteries; Ike Ihlara Valley, a retreat of Byzantine Monks; vineyards, poplars and pistachio trees; Urgup, featuring homes hewn out of rock and the base for!

Price from £1,075 per person includes return flights, transfers, half board accommodation at the family run Hotel Akuzun together with all local transport and the services of a dedicated tour leader.

The dedicated walking holiday company, which is based in the pretty village of Lemsford close to Welwyn Garden City, is also offering a 16-day adventure to Korea – a country virtually unknown to even the most ardent traveller.

The journey begins in Seoul – which sprung into prominence for hosting the 1988 Olympics – then deep into the glorious countryside including Seoraksan National Park – one of the most beautiful areas of South Korea.

Other highlights include, craggy peaks with pine and hardwood forests; down the coast to Mokpo; the Yudalsan National Park; a coastal cruise amongst the islands of Dadohaesang National Park; a visit to a tea plantation; the Valley of Gyeongju; the World Heritage Site of the Seokguram Grotto – a temple famed for its white granite Buddah and the golden sands of Haeundae Beach.

Price from £3,150 per person includes return flights, transfers, local transport costs and entrance fees, an English speaking guide and the services of a dedicated tour leader. Departures 20 September and 18 October 2016

The company is also offering a 10 night guided walking adventure on two of the most beautiful Canary Islands. The holiday begins in Tenerife which is very much an island of contrasts with its dramatic, stunning landscapes.

The base is San Cristobal de la Laguna, staying at the Hotel Laguna Nivaria in the north of the island which was the original capital of Tenerife and has a rich and varied history. The ancient city centre is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great place to explore. Highlights include, hiking between traditional villages on the Anaga Peninsula; spectacular views of Mount Teide and across the ocean to La Palma and Gran Canaria.

The next stop, after a short internal flight, is Lanzarote where the walking opportunities are simply fabulous. The base is the Hotel Lancelot in Arrecife, conveniently situated for both local facilities and walks.

Highlights include Timanfaya National Park, volcanic landscapes and lava fields; sandy beaches and deserted coves; walks in the mountains to the coast and walking on the famous Femes Ridge.

Price from £1,175 per person includes return flights, transfers (plus internal flights between Tenerife. Departures from 14 January 2016 but more details by logging onto www.ramblersholidays.co.uk

The Leighton Buzzard Brewing Company will be launching a special beer to celebrate the first official Bedfordshire Day on November 28.

Bedfordshire Best will be a classic best bitter brewed with the finest Maris Otter brewing barley and English hops.

The beer is being brewed after a request from the Friends of Bedfordshire Society earlier in the year who thought a celebratory beer would be a great way of marking the occasion.

Jon d’Este-Hoare, brewer and owner of the Leighton Buzzard Brewing Company, was only too pleased to oblige.

He said: “The brewery has a core range of four beers, covering a variety of beer styles and strengths, but I love creating new beers, and landlords always like something different so this seemed the perfect excuse to create a new brew.”

Luke Blackstaffe, of the Friends of Bedfordshire Society, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Leighton Buzzard Brewery to celebrate Bedfordshire Day.

“We contacted all the breweries across the county, but Leighton Buzzard was the only one to progress the idea.

“Finding out that the brewery had recently been awarded the title of Best Microbrewery in Bedfordshire makes its involvement seem very appropriate and we are really pleased to have Jon’s support with the day.”

Bedfordshire Best will be launched on Bedfordshire Day itself at a special day of celebration at brewery’s base on Harmill Industrial Estate, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard. The brewery will be open to visitors from 10am until 6pm who can enjoy the beer along with others from the brewery.

When visitors get hungry they will also be able to enjoy a traditional Bedfordshire Clanger made by The Little Buzzard Bakery of Leighton.

Steve Lowe, baker at the local artisan producer, said: “We have been looking to develop a Clanger - with a delicious mix of sweet and savoury fillings - for a 
number of years now, and we’re excited to serve the good people of Bedfordshire and Leighton Buzzard with this historical bake.”

Celebrations will be taking place across Bedfordshire on the day, which is also the anniversary of the birth of the county’s most famous son, John Bunyan, author of A Pilgrim’s Progress.

Flags will be flown across the county to show support for the celebration. All three of the main authorities in Bedfordshire have agreed to take part by flying the Bedfordshire flag, as have many town and parish councils, businesses and individuals.

Pubs selling Bedfordshire Best:

Bald Buzzard – Leighton

Axe & Compass – Heath & Reach

Black Horse – Luton

Globe – Dunstable

Albion – Ampthill

Brewery Tap – Shefford

Wellington – Bedford

Fox – Chalton

Sun – Felmersham

Cross Keys – Cranfield

White Hart – Campton

Engineers Arms – Henlow

Old Hunters Lodge – Whipsnade

Stone Jug – Clophill

Cuckoo - Toddington

The popular biennial Christmas Tree Festival in Leighton Buzzard’s historic All Saints church takes place on November 27-29 – and it is going to be a record one!

Organiser Janet Wenborn is expecting 86 trees to be on display this year, topping the last total by quite a wide margin.

“The theme is a A Christmas Carol and we leave it to those taking part to interpret it in their own way,” said Mrs Wenborn. “This year I know we have some unusual slants on the topic, including a 7ft fireplace, a kayak and a sleigh ride! I am looking forward to seeing how others have risen to the challenge.

“The event will be opened by Richard Genochio, chairman of the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust at 11am on Friday, and I hope there will be plenty of people there to welcome him. Children from Pulford school will be singing.”

Because of demand, and the fact that it is Leighton Buzzard’s shopping weekend, All Saint has extended the opening times this year, and it will be open until 9pm on the Friday, on Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

The trees are provided by local groups, churches and charities. Admission is free but it is hoped all attending will make a donation to All Saints Preservation Trust, which is funding much of the work on the ancient building.

They will provide an unusual backdrop to the church’s Advent Carol service at 6pm on November 29, which begins in the dark and ends in light as the story of events leading to the birth of Christ are told in word and music.

If you’re children are transfixed by a visit to see Santa in his grotto, just imagine their reaction to a street full of Father Christmases!

On Saturday (November 28), KidsOut will once again hold its annual Santa Dash to raise money for disadvantaged children.

Starting at 11 am in Leighton Buzzard’s Church Square, the 2.5-mile circuit will pass through Parsons Close Recreation Ground, over to Grovebury Road, and finish once again in Church Square, where participants can join KidsOut for post-run mince pies and mulled wine.

Organised by the Leighton Fun Runners, the event is open to all ages and abilities, costing a minimum £5 donation to enter and additional £5 to purchase a Santa suit.

“Last year there were a lot of people who simply walked it together,” said Sioned Parish-James, KidsOut children’s services coordinator, who participated in the run in 2013 with her dog and friend’s five-year-old daughter.

“Everyone pretty much dresses up: babies, dogs, children, and the elderly. We’ve even had Andrew Selous (MP for South West Bedfordshire) participate.”

Typically held the last Saturday of November, the Santa Dash is a fixture of the Leighton Buzzard Christmas Festival weekend.

“It’s great to see so many Santas, you really feel as though Christmas has arrived in Leighton Buzzard,” added Sioned. “Everyone is so friendly and lots of people come to watch and cheer. It brings people together.”

The event accompanies the weekend’s Fun Fair, Santa’s Grotto and normal Saturday market, and will include competitions for best-dressed person and dog. Medals are awarded to all finishers, and all proceeds will go directly to providing fun opportunities for disadvantaged children.

“We had 180 people participate last year and are aiming for 200 this year,” said Stewart Moulds, head of fundraising. “We hope to raise £1,500 for our children’s services, which is quite a high goal.”

The only national charity based in Leighton Buzzard, KidsOut is celebrating its 25th anniversary year, aiming to extend its services to 50,000 children this year alone.

KidsOut invites everyone to don a Santa suit and participate in the Santa Dash. For more information or to reserve your space, call 01525 243215 or email info@kidsout.org.uk.

Former Channel 4 presenter Johnny Vaughan has been handed a heavy fine after being caught speeding in Biggleswade twice in less than a minute.

On March 14 Vaughan, who now has his own show on Radio X, was driving his black BMW 520D Sport on the A1 at Lower Caldecote when he was caught on a speed camera doing 59 miles per hour in a 50 zone.

Another camera further down the road clocked Vaughan doing 72 miles per hour in a 60 zone less than sixty seconds later.

Vaughan, 49, of North Side Wandsworth Common, south west London, was not present when he was found guilty of both offences at Luton Magistrates Court on November 5.

However he appeared for sentencing at the same court yesterday and pleaded with magistrates in an attempt to avoid penalty points.

Vaughan, representing himself, said: “First of all I would like to apologise, my first court appearance was supposed to be on October 26 but I had unavoidable work commitments.

“I didn’t expect to get a court date so soon after that, sometimes I get a lot of letters that look official but are actually to sell something.

“I did not see the one from the court so first of all I would like to apologise for my non attendance.”

The 49-year-old told magistrates that before receiving a court summons he attempted to resolve the matter but got confused between the two separate speeding offences.

He said: “The reason I am here today to bring this before the court is that they occurred in the same minute and it caused me quite a bit of confusion when I was calling them in.

“I was struggling on the phone and I paid a fine on the one I didn’t want to.

“Then I paid the fine for the other one.

“I realise now that I have taken the points and fines on both of them and they wouldn’t let me undo the fine.”

Vaughan, who was wearing a navy jacket and blue chinos, asked magistrates if he could take the driver’s awareness course that was originally offered to him for his first speeding offence.

He added: “The reason I would like to do this is because each time it (penalty points) increases my insurance immensely because of the business I am in.

“It must seem trivial but that is why I am here.”

The court heard that at the time of the offences Vaughan had three penalty points on his licence for a speeding offence in April 2012.

Magistrates told Vaughan that they had no power to go back and impose a driver awareness course and proceeded with sentencing.

When assessing what fine to impose they were told that ‘in a good month’ the TV presenter earns £24,000.

Vaughan was fined £1,000 and handed four penalty points.

He was also ordered to pay court costs of £185.

Beds Police still faces slashes to its funding despite a government U-turn on police budget cuts, PCC Olly Martins has warned.

During his Autumn Statement delivered in Parliament yesterday, Chancellor George Osborne announced that expected cutbacks to the national policing budget would not go ahead.

Many welcomed the move but Bedfordshire police and crime commissioner Olly Martins has poured cold water over the notion that it is good news for his force.

He believes that increased spending on counter-terrorism, armed policing and IT investments will be funded from the existing police budget– meaning that the 43 police forces across the country will still get a smaller slice of the cake.

Mr Martins said: “The Chancellor marched us up to the top of the hill with his suggestion in the summer that policing would face cuts somewhere in the region of 25-40% and of course I am relieved that the government was persuaded cuts on this scale were a really bad idea, particularly following the Paris attacks.

“However, we need to be clear that Mr. Osborne has not marched us all the way back down the hill again because the Bedfordshire Police budget is still likely to be cut by up to 16% over the next four years.”

He added: “We will know more just before Christmas when the Home Office announces provisional grant allocations to police forces, but I suspect that by then the Chancellor’s words about protecting police funding will ring a bit hollow in Bedfordshire.”

When addressing policing budget in his statement, Mr Osborne asserted that ‘security starts at home’.

He added: “I have had representations from the shadow Home Secretary that police budgets should be cut by 10%, but now is not the time for further police cuts.

“Now is the time to back our police and give them the tools do the job.

“The police protect us, and we are going to protect the police.”

Business owners were left with small change in the Chancellor’s big spending review, according to a Leighton and Dunstable-based tax specialist.

Dave Masterson, who runs TaxAssist Accountants, said: “We wanted more recognition of the hard work and major contribution made by small businesses to the UK economy.

“You could say it’s a case of no news is good news for local business owners, but I think there has been a huge opportunity missed to reward those enterprises which are the backbone of our economy.

“The combined Autumn Statement and Spending Review said little of real significance to small businesses. They are already facing huge challenges from new rules on pensions, dividends and the living wage, so will be grateful that there were no more bombshells, but there were no early Christmas presents either.

“The Chancellor’s decision to abolish plans to cut tax credits is welcome. These are a vital contribution to household income for low earners and working families.

“The self employed do not benefit from the national minimum wage and reducing tax credits could have made many people think twice about remaining self employed.

“The £2 billion a year boost for the housebuilding sector, particularly to build affordable homes, announced by the Chancellor is a welcome boost to local economies, with many small businesses such as plumbers, electricians and decorators as well as those in construction reaping the benefits.

“But there was no sweetener on the new tax on dividends payments announced in the summer Budget. The change could cost basic rate owner-managers close to £2,000 a year.

“Extending small business rate relief for another year will also be well received by local business owners, particularly independent retailers who already face the huge challenge of online shopping as well as the competition from major store chains.

“Devolving control of business rates to some major cities does not answer the need to fundamentally reform this outdated charge which is a huge burden to many local business owners.”

Darth Vader was among the characters prowling the corridors of Vandyke Upper School as the annual Smile Week once again proved to be a huge success.

Sixth form students planned and ran five days of fundraising events for Smile Malawi, a charity that supports orphaned and vulnerable children in the south east African country.

An impressive total of almost £2,700 was collected thanks to their efforts and the support of staff and students from across the school.

Over the course of the week a series of fancy-dress themes inspired sixth formers to come to school in a range of weird and wonderful outfits: Darth Vader, Harry Potter, and Henry VIII were among the characters to be seen walking the corridors, with Clare and Hollie of the sixth form team pulling out all the stops as usual in a different costume every day.

Sixth form tutor group-led activities included cake sales, competitions, and the traditional staff soccer match, which featured some particularly impressive goal-scoring by Mr Duffy. In the theatre, lunchtime events were staged daily to sell-out audiences, including I’m a Teacher, Get Me Out Of Here, Would I Lie To You? and the traditional Friday finale, Vandyke’s Got Talent, featuring the staff dance troupe’s interpretation of Uptown Funk.

Director of sixth form Mr Downey said: “I’m delighted by the efforts made by our sixth form to raise money during this important week.

“They all worked incredibly hard to deliver some excellent fundraising events, and to make such a huge sum in a short period of time is an amazing achievement.

“Staff members were also extremely supportive.

“As ever, there was a really special atmosphere, with staff and students having fun together to raise money for a very important cause, whilst remaining focused on the important business of teaching and learning.

“It was a truly great week.”

Leighton Buzzard Salvation Army is once again asking for help with its annual Christmas Present Appeal.

Last year the Army provided Christmas parcels to just over 100 children of local families who no doubt would have had very few presents to open on Christmas morning.

The Army’s slogan each year for this Appeal is ‘Give A Gift and Light Up A Life’ and this can only be accomplished with the help and generosity of the public.

Therefore, they are again appealing for readers’ support by donating toys, gifts and sweets for children and young people, from birth to 16 years.

They cannot accept used or second-hand items for distribution, as they believe every child deserves new gifts at Christmas.

The donations do not need to be gift-wrapped.

The appeal begins on Monday, November 23. Their collection point is Wilkinsons Partnership Estate Agents, Market Square, Leighton Buzzard, and any donations can be handed in during their normal business hours until December 12.

A Toy Service is also being held at The Salvation Army Citadel, Lammas Walk, on Sunday, December 6 at 10.15am.

Anyone is welcome to come along and bring a gift then too.

Appeal coordinator Yvonne Dennis said: “The people of Leighton Buzzard have always responded to the Army’s Appeal very generously, and we are asking them once again to help Light Up A Child’s Life this Christmas.”