We all know it can be a bit of a pig keeping the children entertained during the summer holiday, but help is at hand from Mead Open Farm.

Running from now until September 3, the Billington venue is staging its OinkFest!

Bursting with piggy fun all summer, you can adventure into the new Piggy Palace where you’ll meet perfect porkers and pampered piglets in their brand new state-of-the-art home.

Trot on over to Piggy Panto to watch hilarious shows daily plus, brand new and just for summer, cheer on your favourite piggy racer in the Ham National. There’s a brand new Piggy Maize Maze too, scamper through over 4 acres of corn fun to earn a special prize!

And that’s not all, Mead Open Farm also has plenty more adventure to discover. Little daredevils will love the Sky Trail and Sky Tykes High Ropes Course, Giant’s Rock Climbing Wall, Go Karts and Topsy Turvy Towers outdoor adventure playground or why not hop on board a Tractor & Trailer ride?

There’ll be stacks of adorable animal fun too. See cute cows and goats, try your hand at bottle feeding older lambs, groom Peaches the pony and stroke the rabbits and guinea pigs in Bunny Hop.

Elsewhere, challenge your friends at Crazy Golf, play in Shaggy’s Cove, dig and build in Digger Village, bounce high on the Jumping Pillows and run wild in Shaggy’s huge PlayWorld, there’s something for the whole family whatever the weather!

Best of all, all the extra piggy fun is included in admission- it’s going to be pigtacular!

For further information and prices call 01525 852954 or visit www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

A little boy from Linslade who lost both hands and a leg following a severe meningitis infection, made his talk show debut last week.

Kye Vincent, nine, spent months in St Mary’s Hospital after undergoing the operations on April 14 last year.

Last week, Kye, his mum Cheryl Vincent and stepdad Luke Baxter appeared on the Jeremy Kyle show to share their story.

Mum Cheryl was visibly moved as she recounted the harrowing onset of symptoms shortly before Kye was rushed to hospital.

When asked by host Jeremy Kyle about her son’s bravery, Cheryl said “He’s incredible ... I underestimated him.”

After his parents shared their experience with the audience, Kye himself joined them on stage.

“Is it true you support Arsenal?” the host asked the youngster, who was shy in front of the cameras.

There was then a roar of approval as Kyle announced the show had organised a special VIP tour of the Emirates stadium for Kye and his family.

“You’re amazing,” he added.

Watch the footage here....

https://www.facebook.com/MeningitisNow/videos/10156407757449554/

A man has been prosecuted for Blue Badge fraud after a Central Bedfordshire Council officer saw through his hair-brained excuse.

Leslie Turvey was spotted getting into the driver’s seat of a car displaying a Blue Badge and parked in a bay restricted to Blue Badge holders in Matthew Street car park, Dunstable, during a Blue Badge fraud exercise carried out by the council on 22 February 2017.

He told the council officer that the Blue Badge wasn’t his but that he was the carer of the badge holder – and the man was in the hairdresser.

That didn’t wash when a quick check proved that the badge holder was bald.

Turvey then said that the man would now be at the shops – but that again didn’t cut it as he couldn’t say where.

When the officer checked with the Blue Badge holder he confirmed that he was at home and that Turvey was doing some shopping for him.

Turvey later attended an interview under caution with the council.

In his defence, Turvey said that he believed he could use the Blue Badge if he was doing jobs for the holder, but having read the guidance material he now realised that was not the case.

At Luton Magistrates’ Court yesterday (25 July), Turvey pleaded guilty by letter to misusing a disabled person’s Blue Badge.

He was fined £200, ordered to pay £300 towards court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Councillor Richard Wenham, Executive Member for Corporate Resources and Deputy Leader of the council, said: “Fraudulently using a Blue Badge could not only land you in court, as this case proves, but is incredibly selfish as it takes away a parking space that people with mobility issues and other disabilities may need to use.

“We are cracking down on Blue Badge fraud here – so if you are thinking of parking illegally then don’t!”

If you suspect someone of illegally using a Blue Badge you can report it the council by calling 0300 300 8035 or emailing car.badges@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Leighton Buzzard’s Lloyds Bank has been shut all day after raiders broke in and stole money from the safe.

Police were alerted to suspicious activity at the Market Square branch at just after 2am and officers remain at the scene this afternoon.

A Beds Police spokesman said: “We were called at approximately 2.10am this morning (Wednesday) to reports of suspicious activity at Lloyds Bank in Market Square, Leighton Buzzard.

“Officers attended and found that the bank had been broken into, and a quantity of money had been stolen from the safe.”

“An investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting reference 36 of 26 July.”

One resident told the LBO: “I was in town around 9.30am this morning and saw the police car parked by the side entrance to Lloyds Bank (Iceland side) with a police tape cordon blocking the cash machine areas.

“The side door looked like it had been forcibly opened. The staff in Stratton Butchers said the police had been in situ there when they arrived at 6.30am. There was a police scientific services van parked on the high street, as well as a security van; the guy from the security company was talking to police – the Bank’s alarm was still going off.”

A sign on the door of Lloyds tells customers that the bank will be closed all day “due to an incident” and to use nearby branches.

Lloyds has been approached for comment.

There was a big celebration at a clinic in Leighton Buzzard when someone special walked through the doors.

St Judes Clinic welcomed its 10,000th client and it has also received an industry award for excellent patient service.

The physiotherapy and podiatry clinic in Lake Street has been providing health and wellbeing care to local residents for over 24 years and as they reached the milestone of 10,000 clients, they thought they would share their celebration with their 10,000th client, Chris Wyman.

He had booked in to see one of the clinic’s podiatrists, Jack Lidyard, and said; “It was a great surprise to book in for a foot treatment and end up with a bottle of Champagne.” Following his foot treatment Chris said; “My feet haven’t felt this soft since I was a baby!”

The clinic have been recognised with a Patient Service Award from healthcare search engine WhatClinic.com. They looked at 12 months of data from users of its site, including patient review scores and commitment to customer service. St Judes was one of only 2% of clinics to meet the standards needed to qualify for the award.

St Judes Clinic practice principal, Moira D’Arcy, said: “We are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to customer service. As a practice, it is something we focus on in everything we do and to receive such positive feedback from our patients is great.”

The ever-popular Linslade Canal Festival returns this Saturday (July 29) at Tiddenfoot Waterside Park in Linslade.

Promoting arts and crafts, cottage industries, life on the canal, conservation and heritage, visitors will have the opportunity to browse the numerous handcraft and trade stalls offering goods from jewellery, wooden items, unique gifts, plants, glassware and pet accessories.

Walking along the towpath, you will find a large number of colourful narrow boats selling anything from hand craft products, cheese and fudge alongside demonstrations of trades from yesteryear.

Rural craft demonstrators will provide a visual insight into the traditional skills as well as Bee Skeps, Love Spoons, Corn Dollies, Basket Making and Besom Brooms offering visitors the chance to “have a go”.

The Birds of Prey display sponsored by Ark House Vets, will be returning providing visitors the opportunity to admire some spectacular birds, up close. The vintage funfair and mini car hire will provide entertainment for younger visitors.

A programme of live music will set your toes a tapping, with styles ranging from folk to traditional drumming; grab a hay-bale and relax with a local ale from the bar.

Back by popular demand for 2017, the Fun Dog Show will take place from 12pm to 4pm with seven classes including the Waggiest Tail, the Scruffiest, the Most Cuddliest dog and the Best Trick. The show is sponsored by Viovet pet supplies who have donated prizes. There is a charge of £1.50 per dog per class and entry forms will be available on the day.

Throughout the event, which runs from 11am to 5pm, a variety of food vendors will be on site offering a range of hot and cold food.

The park offers plenty of space whether you choose a quiet corner to chill out and watch the world go by, picnic by the lakeside or enjoy the hustle bustle of the tow path; there is something for everyone.

Pedestrian admission to the festival is free. Car parking is available a short walk from the event site at £4 per car. A charge of £2.50 for blue badge holders applies with free transfer to the event for the less mobile.

For further information, contact Leighton-Linslade Town Council on 01525 631920; e-mail: info@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

> See photos fromthe event in next week’s LBO.

Do you know a good citizen? Leighton-Linslade Town Council is now accepting nominations for the title of 2018 Honorary Burgess of Leighton Buzzard and Linslade.

If you know someone who gives their time to help others in the community, nominate them by October 31.

A nominee must have served the community in one or more voluntary capacities for at least seven years, performing a service which is of benefit to the town or to a vulnerable community within the town.

They must not be a serving Councillor, nor can he/she have served, during the previous term of the council.

This ‘Title of Dignity’ is a prestigious award reserved for the truly deserving. If you know of a fitting candidate telephone the Town Council for a nomination form on 01525 631920, email info@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk or download a form from the Grants and Awards page on the website at www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

Leighton-Linslade’s iconic Yirrell’s Butchers is looking to the future, as the ambitious business hopes to increase local support, expanding its online, deli, and delivery service.

Yirrell’s, Old Road, is a family run butchers which has been supplying the people of Linslade and the surrounding areas with the “highest quality meats” since 1820, with passionate proprietors, husband and wife team, Alec and June Davies, brimming with ideas to take the business forward.

The site recently appeared on property website Rightmove, but Yirrell’s is not moving or closing, the site just acquiring a new landlord.

Alec said: “We bought the business three years ago and we have very loyal nucleus of customers; it is because of them we keep the shop open.

“We’re a cracking little business surviving because of wholesale and we want people to know that we’re here on Old Road; we’re an old fashioned, proper quality, family butchers and very competitively priced, supporting British agriculture.

“We are very knowledgeable and with more and more people accessing online recipes these days, they can come to us for advice from how to cook a flat iron steak, to what’s the best meat for cooking stews.”

Between them, Alec and June have 70 years’ experience in the food service industry, and are now embracing a digital age.

Alec said: “We have recently started an online delivery service, which is free when you spend over £25, and live in a five mile radius. We hope to expand deliveries to Aylesbury and Milton Keynes.

“We may look at relocating the shop to the town centre in the foreseeable future, depending on community support.”

And if running one of the town’s most iconic butchers wasn’t enough, busy Wing couple, Alec and June, are enterprising proprietors of Abbey Cheese, having access to over 2,500 types of artisan British cheese nationwide.

Customers can visit Yirrell’s to see some on display or order a specific type, while also keeping an eye out for the business’s expanding deli service, including delicious oils, vinegars, and olives.

Yirrell’s details:

Shop opening times: Monday closed; Tuesday 8am – 2pm; Wednesday 8 am – 12pm;

Thursday 8am – 2pm; Friday 8am – 2pm; Saturday 8am – 2pm;

Sunday 9am - 1pm.

Call the shop: 01525 373489.

> www.yirrellbutchers.co.uk

> www.abbey-cheese.co.uk

> sales@yirrellbutchers.co.uk

> sales@abbey-cheese.co.uk

Yirrell’s is on Facebook/Twitter

Lloyds Banking Group is offering a reward of up to £25,000 following yesterday’s raid at its Leighton Buzzard branch.

The Market Square branch was closed throughout Wednesday after thieves broke in at 2.10am and stole money from the safe.

The bank is back open for business today and has put up the significant reward for information which leads to the culprits being caught.

A sign outside states: “Robbery at this branch. A reward of up to £25,000 may be paid to any member of the public who provides information in relation to a serious crime against the Lloyds Banking Group.”

A spokesman for Lloyds wouldn’t be drawn on how much money had been taken.

She added: “The bank has reopened today. Quite a lot of repairs are taking place but we can serve our customers. We are offering a £25,000 reward and we are working closely with the police, who are currently carrying out their investigations, and until these are complete, we are unable to comment further.”

A Beds Police spokesman said: “We were called at approximately 2.10am on Wednesday to reports of suspicious activity at Lloyds Bank in Market Square, Leighton Buzzard.

“Officers attended and found that the bank had been broken into, and a quantity of money had been stolen from the safe.”

“An investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting reference 36 of 26 July.”

The public can also contact Lloyds on 03456 060707 with information.

Leighton Buzzard’s answer to Lord Sugar will be welcoming your custom this summer as his new business aims to give the town’s youth a good reputation.

Damien Clargo, 12, of Churchill Road, has set up ‘Damo’s Services’, offering the community everything from lawn moving and car washing services to pet sitting and shop runs.

The young entrepreneur will be giving Richard Branson a run for his money, with “no job too big or small!”

Damien, who goes to Gilbert Inglefield Academy, said: “My dad, Richard, inspired me to start Damo’s Services, as I used to work with him when I was really young.

“He is a builder and I started going with him in the summer holidays when I was four or five and would help, for example, carrying bricks.

“One day I would like to have my own business like my dad.

“I hope to help people this summer and do a lot of good - I’m mowing the lawn for someone with an injured foot - and plan to save up for our holiday to Disney World, Florida, at the end of August.”

As well as working in the community, Damien is a handy-man at home, taking on small jobs, such as putting a picture up, to big projects, recently helping his dad build a garden tree house, which his sister, Grace, aged eight, loves!

Damien’s mum, Lisa, 35, said: “We’re so proud of him, as he is only 12 and he decided a couple of weeks ago to set this up – he wants to start doing things for himself.

“He’s absolutely amazing and so organised – he’s got the tidiest room at home!

“I love the community here in Leighton Buzzard – we do hear and see anti-social behaviour sometimes – but it would be nice for people to know that there are good kids out there, and Damien’s lucky he’s got a lovely group of friends at school.”

You can search ‘Damo’s Services’ on Facebook or email: lisaparlett@hotmail.co.uk

There are reports of a major crash near the Tesco supermarket in Leighton Buzzard.

Bedfordshire Police have stated the accident is in relation to a police pursuit from the Buckinghamshire area.

There is currently a strong police presence at the scene at the Leighton Road roundabout.

An eyewitness said: “There is what appears to be a people carrier type car on its side gone through railing outside the tyre garage near Tesco, then it’s continued through the wall!

“Lots of people are out with about four or five police cars and a helicopter out.

“It’s chaos down there!”

The owner of Linslade Tyres told the LBO that the car had gone through their wall. She said: “The car is sitting on the wall and police are here.”

West Street has also been closed by police for the time being.

It is understood at least one man has been arrested in relation to the incident.

Two men have been arrested after a police car chase from Milton Keynes ended with a crash in Leighton Buzzard.

The crash took place on Leighton Road on the wall of business Linslade Tyres. A large police presence remains at the scene and several areas including West Street have been closed.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “At around 11.30am this morning, officers were involved in a police pursuit of a vehicle with two male occupants, the pursuit began in Milton Drive in Milton Keynes.

“The vehicle travelled across the border into Bedfordshire Police area to Leighton Buzzard.

“The pursuit concluded on the high street of Leighton Buzzard, with the vehicle coming to a stop after colliding with a member of the public’s vehicle.

“No one was injured as a result of the collision. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of drugs.”

An East of England Ambulance spokesman added: “This currently on going. We’ve got an ambulance on scene at the moment. There are three patients, all believed to be with non-life-threatening injuries.”

Prince William has penned a heartwarming letter thanking his colleagues at the East Anglian Air Ambulance as he clocks off on his final shift.

The Duke of Cambridge leaves his role as a pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance today, which saw him covering Bedfordshire, after two years of service.

As he departs to begin full time Royal duties, he sent a letter to a local newspaper telling of his pride at doing the job with the charity.

He said his two years in the role had exposed him to ‘moments of extreme emotion’ and he promised to continue to support emergency services staff after his time with the charity is up.

He announced he would be leaving the role in January this year and his last shift is due to take place tonight.

The letter read: “As I arrive for work at East Anglian Air Ambulance this evening, my last shift with this incredible team, I wanted to say thank you to my colleagues, team mates and the people of East Anglia who I have been so proud to serve.

“Over the past two years I have met people from across the region who were in the most desperate of circumstances.

“As part of the team, I have been invited into people’s homes to share moments of extreme emotion, from relief that we have given someone a fighting chance, to profound grief.

“I have watched as incredibly skilled doctors and paramedics have saved people’s lives.

“These experiences have instilled in me a profound respect for the men and women who serve in our emergency services, which I hope to continue to champion even as I leave the profession. I am hugely grateful for having had this experience.”

The Duke of Cambridge also thanked his workmates for treating him as just another member of the team, and not as a member of the Royal Family.

He said: “From the moment I joined, when that phone rang at the base for the first time, it was clear that I was a fellow professional, a pilot with a job to do - in such a team there can be no other option, but still I am grateful to my colleagues for accepting me so readily.”

He’s been based out of Cambridge Airport, responding to emergency call outs across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. He worked a four-day-on, four-day-off rota, with his call-outs often attracting attention.

“As I hang up my flight suit, I am proud to have served with such an incredible team of people, who save lives across the region every day.”

From September the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will primarily be based in London at Kensington Palace.

A smoke alarm has prevented serious harm to residents in Almond Road, Leighton Buzzard after it alerted them to a fire in their ground floor annexe on Wednesday (July 25).

Fire crews from Leighton Buzzard arrived at the property within minutes of receiving the call at c.2.30pm. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using a hose reel, covering jet and a thermal imaging camera.

The annexe suffered significant fire damage as a result of an extension lead catching fire.

Fire Safety Officer, Lorraine Moore said: “This incident highlights the importance of having a working smoking alarm in your home, they really do save lives.

“It is important that if you are using extensions leads in your home, they are un-ravelled. Extension leads can get very hot especially if they are coiled up or overloaded with appliances”.

Further advice on electrical safety can be found at: http://bit.ly/1GOs9Tw

A new website has been launched by the busy members of The Heath Band.

You can find out more about them at www.heath-band.co.uk and also keep updated at their Facebook page www.facebook.com/heathband1933

Summer is a busy time for the band and the players will be attending a number of fetes and concerts through the season and all the family are welcome.

Concerts include Sunday, August 6, 3pm to5pm, Music in the Meadow t Bedford Bandstand.

On Saturday, September 2, they will be at Nash village fete at 1pm.

There is a strong training band where some of the members dedicate their time on Wednesdays from 6.45pm onwards at Heath and Reach village barn. They are always looking for new players who want to learn. Details are on the website and Facebook.

The training band will be featuring in a concert on Saturday, October 21, 7.30pm to 9.30pm at All Saints’ Church, Leighton Buzzard. Tickets will be available on the website nearer the date.

The band are always looking for new members, in particular soprano cornet, Eb bass and tuned percussionist, but all are welcome.

A farmer with no previous catering or butchery experience was given the confidence to diversify thanks to a £16,000 grant.

Rob Pratt runs Marbled Meats from his family farm in Northall where he raises lambs and Wagyu cows.

With funds from the LEADER Programme he is now able to process meat and sell from the farm gate.

Rob said: “Our aim is to produce the best beef and lamb products possible, ones that taste better than those from supermarkets.

“If we can get that aspect right, then the fact that we have the animals from birth, and raise them and process them ourselves, gives our customers the confidence they want and need when buying meat products.”

Marbled Meats previously relied on others for processing and selling their meat, so Rob began to formulate plans for diversification. But with no previous sales or butchery experience, he was in need of practical and moral support.

He said: “I knew about the LEADER programme and the support they offer rural businesses so I got in touch and was immediately supported by the team. I wanted to purchase a catering trailer and to install our own processing facilities at our farm, and received a £16,000 grant in order to do so.

“The LEADER team were there every step of the way with me. It felt like they were on my side and wanted me to get the funding.”

Will Dallimore, LEADER project manager, said: “I am delighted a LEADER grant has had such a positive impact on this rural business to ensure its future growth and prosperity.

“Whether you are a farmer, grower, small shop owner, forester, member of a community group, or run a rural business of any kind, you could be eligible for a LEADER grant.”

With his farm now equipped with processing facilities and a brand new catering trailer with which to sell directly to customers at events, Rob has been able to hire an additional full-time employee, and another on a part-time basis.

Rob said: “I wouldn’t have been brave enough to go through with it all if it hadn’t been for LEADER which gave us the confidence we needed. And when you have confidence in what you are doing and what you are selling, you are better able to interact with customers and get more sales.”

Rob is in no doubt as to the role the LEADER grant has played in this development. He added: “First, LEADER was our safety net, giving us the confidence we needed to dream big. Then, LEADER became our springboard, helping to take us to new heights.”

The LEADER Programme delivers grants of between £5,000 – £100,000 to support business growth in rural areas. Example projects eligible for funding include farm shops, farming and forestry machinery, glamping, local food initiatives, food and drink processing, and many more.

Funding is available for a limited time only, so get in touch to find out more. Call the team on 07802 411040 / 07375 019227 or visit www.leader-programme.org.uk

The grants are administered by Ngage Solutions, on behalf of the LEADER Local Action Groups.

The LEADER programme is designed to promote business growth, particularly the growth of micro and small businesses. It is focused on rural areas supporting; small rural companies, farm diversification projects, forestry projects, tourism projects, rural services and cultural and heritage projects. Each programme area is expected to help with the creation of approximately 75 jobs and to provide financial support for 130 rural businesses.

In the 2008-2013 LEADER programme, projects delivered by Ngage were some of the most successful in the UK. 124 projects were awarded funding which in turn sustained 206 jobs, created 117 new jobs and helped launch 39 new businesses.

The first of three fluffy female red pandas has arrived at Woburn Safari Park and has moved into her beautiful new pad in the Foot Safari.

Red pandas are classified as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), as there are now believed to be only around 2,500 left in the wild.

Keepers were delighted to meet the adorable new arrival earlier this month, when one-year-old Mali the red panda moved into her specially designed house, complete with a scenic outdoor play area and bamboo garden.

Mali is the first of three young females to arrive this summer, as Woburn Safari Park announces the arrival of the red panda species, adding to the 80+ species of wild animal residents at the park.

This coming week will see the arrival of bachelorette number two, another one-year old female named Mambo, coming from Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park.

Keepers have named the luxury red panda accommodation ‘Himalayan Heights’ and Mali can be seen exploring her new home, which has a waterfall, climbing frame and nest boxes.

Visitors will be able to spot Mali through the viewing windows or in the large outdoor area, equipped with roped ladders, shelves and a walkway for her to travel right over the visitors’ heads.

Laura Ashton, senior keeper at Woburn Safari Park said: “We are all extremely excited to welcome Mali. She is already very confident and regularly comes outside to greet the keepers at feeding time.

Visit www.woburnsafari.co.uk/news

Leighton Linslade Town Council is reassuring people who use the beach in Parson’s Close Recreation Ground that they clean and rake the sand daily, following reports of a superbug being found in sand in other areas of Europe.

The council has stated that the beach is locked daily, has mesh fencing surrounding the beach area and the sand is raked daily and treated with a weak solution of child-safe household disinfectant.

It comes following concerns from parents about reports of some sand play pits harbouring the emerging superbug C. diff that causes stomach upsets and diarrhoea.

Although the story does not mention any being found in the Parson’s Close Recreation Ground, some parents were calling the council raising their concerns.

A council spokesman said: “Sand is one of the single most developmentally appropriate materials that can be provided within a children’s playground. It provides excellent opportunities for creative and construction play whilst fine-tuning physical movements.

“Parson’s Close Recreation Ground is home to the much-loved 100-tonne sand beach. Measuring 20m by 20m, with sand at least 200mm deep, the beach is surrounded by treated decking to create a proven sand sand retaining wall that collects sand and acts as a practical walkway and viewing area around the beach.

“Surrounding the beach is a 1.8m high “roll top” open mesh fencing with gates to match.

“The mesh fencing enhances the visibility to the benefit of the users and their guardians who may decide to sit outside of the beach.

“On security grounds, beach is locked daily.

“It is maintained in accordance with the RoSPA Sand Play in Children’s Play Areas guidance.

“The sand is raked daily with periodic forking and is treated with a weak solution of child-safe household disinfectant.

“Also, the beach isn’t covered which allows for natural cleansing and aeration.”

Missing out on a maiden World Championship final by one hundredth of a second can be a bitter pill to swallow but Jocelyn Ulyett was determined to take it in her stride, instead using the heartbreak as a learning experience for future competitions.

The 21-year-old has come to national prominence this year after beating seasoned Great Britain campaigner Molly Renshaw in the 200m breaststroke at April’s British Championships.

That British record-breaking performance secured her a place on the plane to Budapest for this week’s global gathering and she got her first taste of World Championship action in Thursday’s breaststroke heats, where she was 14th fastest.

Moving into the evening semi-finals she dropped her time again, this time by nearly three seconds to touch the wall in 2:23.82.

But with 100m breaststroke world champion Lilly King going 0.01 seconds faster, Ulyett narrowly missed out on the medal race – which will incidentally include British teammate Renshaw.

But while disappointed not to go a step further, Ulyett could still take plenty of positives out of her meet in the Hungarian capital, particularly when it comes to controlling her emotions.

“I just wanted to focus on myself and my own race in the semi-final,” she said.

“In the morning the nerves definitely got the better of me so tonight I just wanted to focus on myself, be in my own lane and see what happened.

“I’m really happy with that. I knew I would be able to go faster and I did.

“I know I’m in a good place physically. I think this meet was all about mental toughness and getting used to the environment.

“It will be a valuable lesson missing out on the final like that but I’m still chuffed with my performance and I’m just so grateful to be here.”

>> You can help the next generation of young British swimmers by getting involved in SportsAid Week this September with five-time Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds OBE. Find out more about how you can support the week of fun and fundraising by visiting www.sportsaid.org.uk/sportsaidweek.

A high-ranking doctor from Linslade has been re-bailed over voyeurism allegations.

Dr Jonathan Fielden, 53, formerly of Stoke Road, was deputy director of NHS England and head of specialised commissioning until his resignation earlier this year.

In February, he was arrested on suspicion of voyeurism and bailed until July 24. This week, Bedfordshire Police confirmed he had been re-bailed until September 28.