The Retro Centre is organising an event to raise money for Autism Bedfordshire.

RetroPlay, a movie, gaming and comic festival is coming to Leighton Buzzard on Sunday, September 10.

The organisers of the event are hoping to raise hundreds for the charity that helps children with autism in Bedfordshire, but they are looking for sponsors for the event.

Steve, one of the organisers, said: “We have chosen Autism Bedfordshire as our charity because we have seen the support they give to families.

“We know how important organisations like Autism Bedfordshire are to children, adults and their families.

“Funding is very limited and without funding they cannot operate which means the people who need them the most miss out on vital support.

“The aim of RetroPlay is to raise the essential funds needed while putting on an amazing day of fun for the local community.”

Visitors can enjoy prop displays, visit the gaming zone with retro games consoles and there will be iconic cars on show.

Wrigglies Leighton Buzzard is supporting the event and will be bringing giant snakes, lizards, tarantulas, skunks and giant tortoises with them.

Steve added: “We want this event to be one of the biggest events we have in Leighton Buzzard and to do this we need the communities support.

“We’re looking for businesses who would like to trade at our event, and businesses to sponsor our event,

“We want to turn this event into a success and raise the essential funds so Autism Bedfordshire can keep helping families.”

Tickets for the event are £5 or £15 for a family ticket, under five’s go free.

For more information about the event and to buy tickets, go to: www.retroplayfestival.com/

With less than two weeks until the General Election it’s about time you decided you will get your vote.

Whether you’re already a Tory, Labour or Liberal Democrat supporter, do our general election quiz to see which major party policies you agree the most with.

Rain ruined its first weekend of the season on Saturday as results across the leagues and regions went the way of the weather.

Four Counties Division 1 champions Eaton Bray were in rampant mood against New Bradwell, with West Hosking scoring an astonishing 195 of their 258 runs. But despite declaring after 26 overs the rain made sure of the draw.

In the Cherwell League, Leighton Buzzard looked in decent shape against Didcot before the rain fell.

Under dark grey skies captain Jack Kempster lost the toss and Town were put into bat on a very green under prepared wicket which looked ideally suited to bowling.

However it was Town who made a positive start with Phil Whatmore and Tom Light rotating the strike well and putting the bad ball away to the boundary. They compiled a good opening stand of 53 before Light was bowled trying to dig out a yorker for 18.

Whatmore continued his good run of form and soon brought up his own half century, but was eventually out when he chipped a return catch back the bowler to be dismissed for 67.

Leighton continued excellent progress as Dan Scott (22) in partnership with Richard Raine who was making his return to the first team for many years accelerated the scoring rate. Richard Raine took the Didcot spin bowling apart hitting them to the boundary, seemingly at will, to put Town in an extremely strong position. He hit four maximums in his 59 not out off just 42 balls as Leighton were well placed to post a big total at 177-4. But then the rain came, completely flooding the wicket and causing the game to be abandoned without another ball being bowled. Both teams sharing six points each.

In Home Counties Division 2, Great Brickhill though escaped a tough afternoon when after their match against Reading was abandoned after they were skittled for 148, with the rain falling as the home side began their reply.

A wave of warm weather is on the way with our area set to bask in the hottest temperatures since last autumn.

Unfortunately for most workers, the best of the weather will be during the week with highs of up to 27C (80.6F) expected on Friday.

Much of England and Wales will see the mercury rise into the 20s throughout the week, with only the odd shower in the west of the country putting a dampener on proceedings.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland it will be slightly cooler due to cloud coverage keeping temperatures slightly cooler, but there will be a general temperature rise rise in the next week,

Alex Burkill, meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Monday is looking like a pretty good day across much of the country, with a good deal of sunshine.

“We could see highs of 25C (77F) in London, the East Midlands and East Anglia, which will get the best of the weather.

“There will be some patchy drizzle on Tuesday and Wednesday when temperatures dip a couple of degrees maybe, but by Thursday we expect to see things on the rise again.

“If we reach 26C (78.8F) then we will have the hottest day of the year so far, but it is Friday which is shaping up to see temperatures peaking.

“We are looking at the high 20s - possibly 27C - with warm air coming up from the south. It’s going to feel pretty good.”

However, those looking for the warm run to continue into the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend might be left disappointed.

Mr Burkill said: “This is looking like being the warmest spell we’ve had since September last year, but it might not last beyond Friday - from then we are looking at the possibility of some thunder and showers and temperatures taking a dip.”

There was fun for all the family at the Stewkley country fayre yesterday (Sunday).

Thousands of people descended on The Grange on a warm and sunny day for a host of activities and entertainment.

Musical entertainment was provided by the Winslow Concert Band, the Hemlock Morris Dancers and clog-dancing group Tappalachian while pupils from St Michael’s School in Stewkley did country dancing and drumming.

There were stalls selling everything ranging from second hand books to tools while animals ranging from hounds to alpacas and Aylesbury ducks were on display.

A dog show ran through the afternoon, while other activities included crazy golf, children’s go-karts and a climbing wall.

There are reports of a disruption on the A5-M1 Link road after a truck overturned.

Emergency are currently at the scene and dealing with a diesel spillage.

There were no injuries from the accident.

The road remains open but Bedfordshire Police are reporting delays.

A scheme to bring a retail park to Leighton Buzzard is being reconsidered by Central Beds Council on Wednesday (May 24) as the developer is refusing to meet a condition to improve access to a countryside site.

Councillors on the development management committee voted through an outline application from EDS Holdings for the Camden site, off Grovebury Road, back in March after backing a retail park from Claymore for Grovebury Road at the same meeting.

But the EDS approval was subject to completion of a section 106 agreement with CBC, and referral to the Secretary of State as the scheme was a departure from the Development Plan.

And those CBC discussions have failed to reach full agreement on all four committee resolutions from the previous planning meeting, so the scheme is back in for debate – although planning officers are still recommending councillors give their approval.

Town and CBC Councillor Amanda Dodwell had asked that the developers be asked to open up access to Tiddenfoot Water Meadows as a condition of council approval, but EDS state this is not reasonable.

A CBC officer’s report ahead of Wendesday’s meeting says: “Whilst the applicant has failed to agree the provision of access across land also within their ownership to the Water Meadows and thereby providing a pedestrian link to the town, they have agreed to an alternative pedestrian link to the town centre via Grovebury Road and as such, it is considered that appropriate connections to the town centre could be realised and therefore our recommendation for approval remains the same.”

As well as providing that pedestrian link to the town centre via Grovebury Road at the western end of the retail park site, EDS has agreed to pay up to £25,000 towards highways improvements.

CBC members were also seeking a Bulky Goods limitation but EDS believe this is not necessary or justified given the retail impact assessment which did not identify any adverse impact upon the town centre.

However they have agreed to define the range of uses on several warehouses to “trade counter”, exclude food sales, and have a minimum floor space of 850sq metres for all units.

On the Camden site there are currently warehouses and commercial/industrial buildings in poor condition providing about 10 jobs, whereas EDS says its proposal will create 70.

EDS’s outline application brings six non-food retail units totalling 6,227sq metres, and five trade counter/motorist centre units totalling 1,121sq metres.

The application, which includes 324 parking spaces, states that the latter units would be “likely to accommodate” clients such as Screwfix, Tile Giant, Plumb Center, car mechanics, tyre fitters and associated workshops.

The town council opposed the EDS proposal due to the “significant retail impact” on the town centre and feared the Land South of High Street development would be put in jeopardy by the retail park.

Ahead of the meeting campaigner Victoria Harvey has pointed out that CBC’s recently published Community Plan Consultation shows that residents in Leighton Buzzard “by a strong margin” were against out of town retail parks, and wanted to see the South Side scheme progressed.

She added the council’s commissioned report by GVA on the South Side development highlighted the threat to the town centre of retail parks.

She said: “Cllr Nigel Young says in the introduction to the report that the Community Planning is about ‘giving you the opportunity to help shape the future of your community’. Will Cllr Young abide by his words in this report and will he and Cllr Dodwell listen to the overwhelming response of local people in Leighton Buzzard who oppose the out of town retail park rather than putting developers profit before the town?”

She added: “We are begging the councillors on the Development Management Committee to take into consideration the responses from CBC’s community consultation and CBC’s latest technical evidence base which says that this out of town scheme with open A1 consent is a threat to Leighton Buzzard’s town centre.”

If voted through on Wednesday, CBC will also need to approve the finer details of the development when EDS submits a reserved matters application.

Bedfordshire Police is stepping up security measures following last night’s terror attack in Manchester Arena.

In Bedfordshire and the eastern region, policing operations for crowded places are being reviewed and additional reassurance patrols will be carried out in town centre locations in light of the attack.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police worked tirelessly throughout the night to help protect those affected by the incident and begin a full-scale investigation.

The number killed in the attack currently stands at 22 with more than 50 others injured.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “It was with incredible sadness that I watched the events of last night unfold in Manchester. I have personally experienced such incidents at close quarters and my heart sinks whenever I hear those first reports of an explosion having occurred.

“I know I speak for everyone in the force when I send my condolences to all of the victims and convey that our thoughts are with all of those affected by this evil act.

“I know how remarkable the emergency services response will have been and I have sent the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police a message of support this morning. This type of atrocity is sadly a reflection of the threats that we all face, reminding us as investigators and responders to be vigilant, and at our most professional and curious to anything that arouses our suspicion from a national security context.

“The force leads on Counter Terrorism in the region and will be co-ordinating the response to last night’s events as regards to any uplift and review of crowded places that will be required. Further messages will follow with regards to any changes to our operational stance.

“I will never tire of reminding everyone, including our partners and our communities that if they see something that concerns them regarding a potential terrorism threat that they should say something.

“This weekend is the Luton Carnival and I ask that all of those involved in policing this wonderful family and community event are extra vigilant as all of our colleagues will be whilst policing similar events across the country this weekend.”

Detective Superintendent Glen Channer, head of the ECTIU, said: “We have close policing partnerships across the UK and we will all be working together to respond in the aftermath of such a shocking and senseless attack.

“The security and intelligence services are dedicated to keeping people safe and communities can be confident that, together with our partners, eastern forces are continually working hard to safeguard the public.

“As always we rely on the support and co-operation of our public in the fight against terrorism and at this difficult time would remind people that they can report concerns or any suspicious activity they may witness to the confidential police hotline on 0800 789 321.

“We pay our deepest respects to those who have lost loved ones and everyone who was affected by last night’s attack.”

A helpline has been set up by Greater Manchester Police for those concerned about loved ones who you may have in the area - please call the dedicated emergency number 0161 856 9400.

You can follow the latest news and updates from Manchester via @GMPolice on Twitter and Greater Manchester Police on Facebook.

For more information about reporting suspicious activity and remaining alert to the terror threat, visit https://act.campaign.gov.uk/.

Hill Farm & Orchard nestles at the edge of the beautiful village of Slapton, adjacent to the towpath of the scenic Grand Union Canal, and with breathtaking views of the Ivinghoe Hills Nature Reserve.

Four luxury en-suite wigwams are situated in the beautiful mature orchard at Hill Farm. The orchard is home to wonderful old apple, pear and damson trees after which the wigwams are aptly named: ‘Pippin’ (with its own private hot tub), ‘Jazz’, ‘Bramley’ & ‘Braeburn’.

The tranquillity of the orchard, with its canal side setting and breathtaking views of the Chiltern Hills make this an ideal setting to enjoy a unique glamping experience. There are also two pubs within walking distance of the farm.

Each wigwam is heated, fully insulated has its own kitchen and en-suite facilities, TV/DVD player, coffee machine and board games. No more soggy sleeping bags or trips to use the campsite facilities in the middle of the night!

The Slapton-based glamping business recently won the Young Business Person of the Year Award and were runners up for the Service Excellence Award at the SME Buckinghamshire Business Awards 2017.

To celebrate and to say ‘thank you’, Hill Farm and Orchard, in conjunction with the LBO, will be showing their gratitude by offering a chance to win a two-night stay in one of their ‘Pippin’ luxury en-suite wigwams. The prize is valued at £370 and includes private hot tub, firepit hire, fairylights, prosecco and handmade Creighton’s Chocolaterie chocolates.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question..

What is the name of the wigwam with its own private hot tub:

A. Braeburn

B. Bramley

C. Pippin

D. Jazz

Send your answer by email to news@lbobserver.co.uk with WIGWAM COMPETITION clearly marked in the subject line. Alternatively post your entry to Wigwam Competition, LBO, 39 Upper George Street, Luton, LU1 2RD. Closing date is May 31 at 11.59pm.

Hill Farm and Orchard is open year round, whether you seek a solitary weekend escape, some couple time, fun with friends, or to spend quality time with your family, there is no better time to book a break. For further information and to book log on to www.hillfarmandorchard.co.uk

Normal Johnston Press terms and conditions apply (as detailed on our website).

Other terms and conditions:

By submitting your entry you agree to these rules. If you do not agree please do not submit your entry.

1. The prize draw is open to UK residents aged 18 or over, excluding Hill Farm and Orchard employees, their immediate family, or any person or company associated with the draw.

2. Only one entry per person. Late, invalid or incomplete entries will not be considered, and we accept no responsibility for lost entries.

3. The winning prize is a two night stay in a luxury en-suite wigwam with private hot tub including firepit hire, fairylights, prosecco and chocolates for 2 adults. The prize is not valid during school holidays and must be used before 30th November 2017.

4. The prize is non-transferable and there are no cash alternatives. Hill Farm and Orchard reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value at any time.

5. We reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions or to cancel, alter or amend the draw or the prize due to any circumstances that arise beyond our control.

A loyal employee saved his boss’s life by donating an organ after he was diagnosed with kidney failure.

Owner of Leighton Buzzard-based G J Smith Roofing, Gary Smith, 58, was diagnosed with kidney failure in December 2015. On diagnosis, Gary only had eight per cent kidney function and was immediately placed on dialysis and a long waiting list for a kidney transplant.

Gary’s daughter Kerry explains: “Being Gary’s daughter I offered him a kidney as did my sister Natalie.

“He felt he couldn’t take our kidney and declined the offers.

“David Flecknell has worked for my dad for more than 15 years and insisted on donating his kidney – he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“After a year of tests and paperwork they were amazingly confirmed as a match!

“They underwent the surgery in December last year and just last week my dad was given the all clear.

“He was told by his doctor he has never seen such a quick recovery – David is back at work and we honestly can’t thank him enough.”

Gary added: “It was an amazing thing for David to do, he looked into the procedure and wanted to go ahead with it.

“It really takes your breath away, he basically gave me a chance to live but you can only say ‘thank you’ so many times.”

The family and friends are now preparing for a new challenge in July – to run a charity 5k race for Kids In Action.

The Dunstable-based Kids In Action is a charity for special needs children with a strong focus on positively transforming young people’s lives.

In total 13 people will be running for the charity – 
including Gary and David.

The hustings event for Leighton Buzzard planned for this evening has been cancelled in the wake of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack last night.

22 people, including children, died following an explosion at the end of a pop concert by American singer Ariana Grande.

All General Election campaigning has been suspended as a mark of respect to the victims.

The May 23 husting had been scheduled to take place at Cedars Upper School from 7.30pm, featuring the five candidates for South West Beds.

A spokesman for organisers Leighton Linslade Churches Together, told the LBO this morning: “Due to the events in Manchester last night and the call for all election campaigning to be suspended, this evening’s Election Hustings meeting due to take place at Cedars School has been cancelled. We hope to be able to re-arrange a meeting in due course. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.”

A homeless man who rushed into the Manchester Arena in the wake of the terror attack has described how he helped a girl with no legs and cradled a dying 60-year-old woman.

Chris Parker, who has been sleeping rough in Manchester for about a year, said that instead of fleeing when he heard the bang, he headed inside the venue and tried to help.

The 33-year-old said the blast “knocked him to the floor” but “instead of running away my gut instinct was to run back and try and help”.

“I saw a little girl … she had no legs. I wrapped her in one of the merchandise T-shirts and I said ‘where is your mum and daddy?’ She said ‘my dad is at work, my mum is up there’.”

He said he thought the child’s mother had died from her injuries. Mr Parker, who was intending to ask concert-goers for money as they headed home, also went to help a woman who had serious leg and head injuries.

He said: “She passed away in my arms. She was in her 60s and said she had been with her family.

“I haven’t stopped crying.

“The most shocking part of it is that it was a kids’ concert.

“There were nuts and bolts all over the floor. People had holes in their back.

“It’s the screams I can’t get over and the smell … I don’t like to say it but it smelled like burning flesh.

“I don’t think anything has sunk in yet. It’s just shock.”

People across Manchester offered up rooms for those affected by the suspected attack and taxi drivers provided free lifts as road closures left survivors unable to get home.

Among them were Jen Leigh and Leah Solomon, both 19, who were outside a city centre hotel last night offering help to anyone who needed it.

Jen said: “Ambulances were coming past my house – dozens of them, one after another. We just wanted to help. People in this city help each other. We’re like a massive family.”

Practical information from authorities

Anyone who needs help or assistance after last night’s incident at Manchester Arena help is available at the Etihad Stadium access Gate 11 (tweeted by @gmpolice)

An emergency number is available for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area – 0161 856 9400 (tweeted by @gmpolice)

Police have asked public to avoid area as emergency services are still working Police have asked people not to speculate about attacker’s name.

Some police Twitter accounts have requested people to shows sensitivity towards victims and avoid sharing graphic pictures.

A mum who claims a fidget spinner proved a “miraculous” help to her son’s ability to learn has hit out at schools choosing to ban the gadgets.

The young pupil who attends school in Milton Keynes was given a lunchtime detention after fiddling with his £5 fidget spinner during lesson time.

“I was furious,” said his mum.

“I don’t agree with the fidget spinner ban. My son is on the autistic spectrum and I found it amazing how much this thing helped him to concentrate. He was a different child when he had his fidget spinner.”

Schools across the UK have been banning fidget spinners citing the fact they can be disruptive to learning.

Demand for the spinners has been exponential in recent weeks. A basic fidget spinner consists of a bearing in the center of a design made from any of a variety of materials including brass, stainless steel, titanium, copper and plastic. The toy has been advertised as helping people who have trouble focusing or fidgeting - such as those with ADHD, autism, or anxiety - by acting as a release mechanism for nervous energy or stress.

Experts have been divided on those claims, with some supporting it while others disputed its scientific basis and argued the toy may actually be more distracting.

Although they were invented in the 1990s, fidget spinners have attracted global popularity this year.

What do you think? Should fidget spinners be banned in schools?

Tributes have been left at the scene of Saturday’s fatal collision on Southcourt Avenue, Linslade.

Flowers, beer cans and a chocolate bar were left with messages for the victim, who has been named locally as Jamie Parker.

Police were called to reports of a collision between a car and a pedestrian on Southcourt Avenue, at approximately 3.55am.

Emergency services attended but a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

One of the cards reads: “Thank you for being the lovely, caring, cheerful lad you were, you brought great happiness to each and every person who had the pleasure to call you their friend. Thank you for being one of mine.”

Another card left with flowers said: “You have been an amazing friend from lower school, all the way up until now!

“We will all miss you!”

Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained family liaison officer.

Anyone with information about the incident, including anyone who may have witnessed a man walking in the direction of Southcourt Avenue prior to the incident, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting ref 64 of May 20.

Leighton Buzzard residents who are worried about their weight are being encouraged to sign up to a free scheme to help them shed the pounds.

The Beezee Bodies scheme provides 12 weeks’ free membership to Weight Watchers meetings in the town for anyone who has a BMI of 30+ and meets the specific criteria. If you don’t meet the criteria you may be eligible for a 50 per cent discount.

Alison Johnson lost 50 pounds with Weight Watchers and now leads three meetings in Leighton. She said: “Being overweight can knock your confidence and cause health issues, but losing weight on your own is incredibly difficult to do. The Beezee Bodies scheme has been created to help people take the first step to weight loss.

“In all of my three meetings in Leighton Buzzard I have only four members taking advantage of the scheme. Beezee Bodies can change lives. Losing five per cent of your body weight is a realistic goal over the 12-week course.”

For details about Beezee Bodies and Weight Watchers, call Alison on 07492 532 915.

A dance school’s annual show was a fitting tribute to the school’s founder, who died last year.

The 62nd Doreen’s School of Dancing show was the first since Doreen Rolls’ death in August 2016.

A spokesman for the school said: “It was a fantastic show with exceptional performances from all the pupils, and a very fitting tribute to Doreen, who not only shared her love of dance, her skills and expertise with her pupils, but also gave generously to the wider community of Leighton Buzzard.

“She supported the town carnival for many years, as well as many local charities and fundraising events.”

This year the school raised £600 for Dogs for Good, who explore ways in which dogs can help people living with disability.

During the show, pupils ranging in age from three to adult performed dance routines across three genres – tap, ballet and modern – with confidence and enthusiasm.

The opening was a colourful rendition of Bowie and Jagger’s “Dancing in the Street” and audiences enjoyed other fun numbers from the worlds of pop, stage and screen, including Annie, Chicago and Whistle Down the Wind.

The show ended with a poignant ballet number choreographed and performed as a personal tribute to Doreen by her granddaughter Alicia, who was accompanied by fellow senior students.

The finale saw the whole school on stage singing one of Doreen’s favourite songs, Abba’s “Thank You For The Music”.

For details about the dance school visit www.doreensschoolofdancing.co.uk.

Employees and the franchisee of the McDonald’s in Leighton Buzzard are taking part in a fundraising cycle ride.

Franchisee Ismail Anilmis and crew from his restaurants in Leighton, Bedford and Hockliffe are taking part in the event to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

The bike ride on June 3 will be launched by former Arsenal footballer Martin Keown, who will also be completing the first stage with the riders.

The Lord Mayor of Oxford will also be in attendance on the day as well as Jason Clark, the senior vice-president and chief operations officer of McDonald’s.

The Oxford to Leiden Bike Ride is now in its third year and 2017 is set to be the biggest event so far, with 26 riders participating. The ride covers over 300 miles and is done in three stages over three days.

The route was chosen as Oxford is twinned with Leiden in Holland, and both have Ronald McDonald Houses.

The ride starts from the Ronald McDonald House in Oxford and finishes at the one in Leiden.

Ismail Anilmis owns 10 restaurants in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. Volunteers from all restaurants will be involved with fundraising throughout 2017 and collectively aim to raise £50,000 for the RMHC. In the two previous years, more than £40,000 has been raised by the bike ride.

Ismail said: “It is so important to me to help raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities and this year’s bike ride looks set to raise more money than ever.

“I am so proud of the hard work my team has put in over the past years – we’ve raised a huge amount of money for a brilliant cause, and had a great time doing it!”

Ronald McDonald House Charities provides free accommodation for families with children in hospital.

Located at or near specialist children’s hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses allow parents to remain nearby while their child undergoes treatment.

There are currently 14 Ronald McDonald Houses in the UK, and money raised from this challenge will go towards helping keep more families close to their children in hospital, and building more houses where the need is greatest.

To donate to the ride visit www.justgiving.com/RMHX-BIKE.

A 23-year-old is preparing to shave her hair off to raise money for CLIC Sargent.

Tania Burns, of Leighton Buzzard, will be having her hair shaved off by Sonia Halvorson from SNIPZ, at The Swan Wetherspoons at 10am on Thursday, May 25.

She is hoping to raise £500 for the the UK’s leading cancer charity for children, young people and their families.

Tania said: “I decided on shaving my hair off because I thought it would make the biggest impact for helping the charity.

“I will also be donating my ponytail to The Little Princess Trust so that the can make wigs for young children.

“I’ve been helping to raise money for charities for years and decided I wanted to do something big and cancer is something that affects so many people, so I thought this charity would be a good one to choose.

“From diagnosis, CLIC Sargent’s specialist care teams will step in, ready to help, support and guide.”

The charity helps people from diagnosis to treatment and in some cases, bereavement, it also carries out research into the impact of cancer on children and young people, it uses the evidence to raise awareness.

Morrisons in Leighton Buzzard is supporting Tania. The store’s community champion Katharine Smith said: “Not everybody has heard of CLIC Sargent - Morrisons and The Swan JD Wetherspoons want to change this in Leighton Buzzard and work together to raise the profile of this fantastic charity.”

If you would like to support Tania there are sponsor forms in SNIPZ, The Swan and Morrisons, or you can donate online: www.justgiving.com/tania-burns1.

Roadworks on the M1 around Luton are among 300 miles of works being lifted to help people travelling this May bank holiday.

Almost 98 per cent of motorways and strategic A roads will be roadworks-free over the bank holiday, according to the Highways Agency.

And before they set off, to help ensure safe journeys, drivers are reminded to:

Check fuel: Make sure you have enough to get to your destination.

Check tyres: Prior to setting off on a long/significant journey, check your tyre pressure and the condition of your tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear and make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit.

Check engine oil: Use your dipstick to check oil before any long journey, and top up if needed. Take your car back to the garage if you’re topping up more than usual.

Check water: To ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screenwash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen.

Check your lights: If your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT.

By suspending or completing roadworks, more lanes will be open and many speed restrictions will be lifted.

Those wishing to find out more about driving on smart motorways can head online to: www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-drive-on-a-smart-motorway for further information.

Drivers planning to use the Dartford Crossing are reminded to pay Dart Charge in advance or by midnight the day after crossing.

More information can be found by calling the information line (0300 123 5000) or by going online.

For more detailed information on how to carry out your vehicle checks, search Think

Popstar, Ariana Grande, has reportedly offered to pay for the funerals of those who died as a result of a terror attack in Manchester on Monday.

Suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, 22, killed himself and 22 others, including young children, when he detonated an improvised explosive device in the foyer of the Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande had finished.

Twitter fan page Ariana Updates posted details last night on the US singer’s heroic gesture.

The 23 year-old American singer has suspended the rest of her European ‘Dangerous Woman’ tour and has returned home to Florida.