Royal Mail and Action Fraud are warning households not to duped by fake missed delivery cards.

The fake missed delivery slips, look almost identical to the ‘something for you’ cards from Royal Mail, and are being used in an attempt to scam the recipients personal details according to Action Fraud.

The cards request the recipient to call an 0208 number to re-book a free delivery.

The number provided is not registered to Royal Mail though and after calling an automated message will ask for details and consignment number.

Check delivery cards very carefully

Royal Mail are now advising households to be on the look out for anything suspicious arriving in the post.

A Royal Mail spokesperson told the Express, “The Royal Mail security team is looking into this incident as a matter of urgency. Customers should check delivery cards very carefully to ensure they are genuine, and remain vigilant. Although this card is similar to one of our Something For You cards, the Royal Mail logo is crucially missing”.

“Customers should also consider whether they are expecting a delivery from the company named on the card”.

At present Action Fraud has not received any reports of such incidents, however, there have been incidents of fake delivery notes in the past.

Concerns have been raised about the number of cars that are parking on double yellow lines on the service road to Morrisons in Leighton Buzzard. A reader, who does not wish to be named, contacted the LBO after he saw 20 cars parked on double yellow lines on the service road, opposite Grove Road, on Wednesday.

He said: “Every day numerous vehicles are parking illegally. The council say they can’t enforce the parking violations as the yellow lines are in disrepair, but that’s not the case for most of the road. The lines are intact in many places, so vehicles are parking illegally.”

He has complained to Central Bedfordshire Council about the parking violations. A spokesman for the council said: “We are trying to find out who owns the land. The lines are currently not clear enough to enforce parking violations there. However, if it is for us to enforce then we will get the lines renewed and start doing so.”

One of Linslade’s top bowlers Andrew Meadows has been selected for the Bedfordshire County top Middleton Cup team.

The team qualified for the quarter finals by beating Essex, Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire.

The quarter finals were played on a neutral green at Aylesbury, when Bedfordshire won by two shots against a strong Hertfordshire squad. They then went on to play Kent at the headquarters of English Bowls in Leamington this Saturday, and although Andrew did very well, being in the only winning Bedfordshire rink with a 17-16 rink win, Beds lost overall to the very high quality Kent team.

Kent came away with a 46 shot victory, but they then lost to Devon who won the Cup.

A brave Linslade boy is battling a rare condition which “turns those affected into statues”, as his parents plan to tackle the Great North Run in his honour.

Ellis Grant, eight, of Bewdley Drive, was diagnosed with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) – or Stone Man Syndrome – in 2015, a condition that progressively forms a second skeleton that imprisons the body in bone.

FOP, which affects 45 people in the UK, develops along the trunk and limbs of the body, replacing healthy muscle with bone, the bridges of bone restricting and preventing movement.

Now, Ellis’s mother, Suzanne, is on a mission to help find a cure, hoping to raise awareness about the condition so children can receive an early diagnosis.

Suzanne, 39, who works at Nationwide, Milton Keynes, said: “Ellis will become frozen in his own body over time.

“He knows that his bones are different to other people’s so he has to be careful – he doesn’t know the full story, as he is young and we don’t want to scare him.

“At the moment he has a neck fusion and a fusion in his achilles, so he can’t look up or down and walks quite stiffly.

“He can’t be knocked or bumped, as he can get flare ups and his body can decide to build more bone.

“Our family, Ellis’s friends, and Greenleas Lower School have all been amazing and now I hope to raise £600 for the charity FOP Friends by doing the Great North Run in September.

“We are told a cure is within Ellis’ lifetime and FOP Friends is racing against the clock.

“The average lifespan for someone with FOP is early 60s and although movement will be reduced, at the moment there are three drugs for FOP in clinical trials around the world.

“Some days are harder than others; I remember being in the car and not being able to look at Ellis - if I didn’t look at him it wasn’t real.”

Luckily, the family have had a wealth of support from the Leighton Buzzard community. Nationwide, High Street, has recently held a toy sale in support FOP Friends, while Ellis has a classroom assistant who watches him and helps with his schoolwork.

His childminder, Sally Jay, also has a special soft football that Ellis can play with, as well as a hot tub which Ellis and his sister, Hope, 10, can use.

Now, plans are underway for the Great North Run on September 10, which Suzanne, and Ellis’s father, Rob Grant, 42, are running for FOP Friends, describing how, thanks to the charity, Ellis has met children from across the world who have the same condition.

Suzanne said: “Ellis just takes everything in his stride and is so positive - I wouldn’t describe him as suffering.

“He loves being with his friends and he has a fun, infectious character.

“His favourite film is Toy Story and he tells me he wants to be a film director - although that could change tomorrow!

“He has loads of hobbies, from video games to horse riding at Riding for the Disabled, Great Gaddesden.

“Any donations could really make a difference so we could find out why the body builds bones so quickly; it could give Ellis a chance of a having a normal body.”

> http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/FOPfriendsofEllis

An athletic couple from Wing took on a big July challenge, as they swam six and a half km along the The Bosphorus strait, in Turkey.

Keith Esdon, 61, and his wife Jennifer, 53, completed the mighty task on Sunday, July 23, in order to raise money for the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), with a target of £2,000.

For safety, the husband and wife duo took part in their charity challenge with Swim Trek, who organise trips for travellers.

The Bosphorus joins the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea in Istanbul, and separates the continents of Europe and Asia.

Keith said: “We both finished in quite respectable times, Jenny in one hour 28 minutes, and myself in one hour 24 minutes.

“The event was huge, although if we went without Swim Trek we would have been lost in the size; quite a few people misjudged the finish and were swept past the end, having to swim back against the current.

“Around 30 were picked up by the rescue boats!”

Keith and Jenny started open water swimming only two years ago, training in UK lakes.

Keith, who used to work in the field of science (infection and control), previously living in Cyprus and the Middle East, said: “We felt that by taking on such a challenge in open water we might – fleetingly – understand what it must be like when you have no choice.

“We have all seen many images of refugees in boats and a child on a beach; the world is becoming desensitised to this continual and growing problem.

“IMRF is a non political charity that helps fund and offer assistance to organisations around the world, helping refugees, sailors, holiday makers and fishermen alike, rescuing those in peril at sea.”

> www.justgiving.com/fund
raising/keithjennyesdon

A team of brave Mencap volunteers are kayaking 138 miles along the Grand Union Canal on a mission to raise funds for a special holiday.

Emma Cook, Donna Brown and Miranda O’Shea set off from London to Birmingham on Thursday (August 3) and have now nearly completed their week long journey.

‘Team High 5’ hope to promote the good work of Leighton Buzzard Mencap, a charity helping people with learning disabilities, and raise £10,000 to take their Hi 5’s club children and their families away.

Emma and Donna are completing the tandem kayak, with Miranda walking alongside the whole way, the money going towards a seaside vacation and sensory equipment.

Speaking on Thursday evening, Emma said: “We’re feeling alright; we’ve just done 23 miles so we’re all quite positive and Miranda has done really well – 52,000 steps!

“We’re going to be struggling but it’s all about the kids.”

‘Team High 5’ would like to thank everyone who visited their stalls at the May Day Fayre and Canal Festival, as well as Spectrum Community Arts, The Globe Inn, and Co-op, Stanbridge Road, for holding fundraising events.

The couragoues trio are also very grateful to Persimmon Homes, Waitrose, Gilbert Inglefield Middle School, Parkfields Middle School, Leedon Lower School, and many more contributors for their Just Giving page donations.

‘Team High 5’ have been sponsored by Jarem Accountancy Services, Spectrum Community Arts, Mark 2 Training, Twist Consultancy and Chirozone.

To donate: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamhigh5

>www.teamhigh5.co.uk

To find out more about Hi 5’s club for 8-16 year olds: hi5s@lbmencap.org

Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable exotic pet shop staff have been praised for their help with an animal welfare investigation which saw a reckless reptile keeper jailed.

Julian Clare, manager and dangerous wild animal handler at Wrigglies, Hockliffe Street, and Marc Darton, co-owner of Wrigglies, based at their Dunstable High Street South store, provided “invaluable” help to the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) during their investigation, making several 10 hour journeys to help the charity.

The investigation resulted in Keith Ross, 26, of Highfield Crescent, Motherwell,being handed an 18-month jail sentence and a 10-year disqualification on keeping animals, after causing unnecessary suffering.

The reptiles in his care included a large number of snakes, lizards, scorpions and turtles that were being kept in “appalling conditions”.

Ross was also found to be keeping 13 venomous snakes and two scorpions without the appropriate licences, after his licence was rejected by the local council.

Julian explained: “We were recommended for our expertise in dealing with venomous animals and the reptiles recovered were signed over into our care.

“I was very, very happy to help the SSPCA, who are great people and looked after us very well. Their officers have recently been to us for training.”

Marc said: “This was a major undertaking and I am very proud of Wrigglies .

“Our name is out there if others need help.

“The venomous snakes are now in our DWA room, Leighton Buzzard, and a number of the other reptiles have already found homes.

“Some animals were emaciated but are doing really well, putting weight on and we also found animals covered in their own faeces, but they are now nice and healthy. It’s been a long recovery.”

An undercover investigator for the SSPCA, said: “Wrigglies provided handling and were a font of knowledge. They had an amazing willingness to help no matter what!”

Ross plead guilty to causing animals in his care unnecessary suffering and being culpable and reckless by failing to disclose dangerous animals to the Scottish SPCA and Police Scotland prior to carrying out search warrants. He was sentenced on June 27.

A kind-hearted Pulford VA Lower School pupil has donated 14 inches of her hair to The Little Princess Trust (LPT), raising nearly £1,000.

Effie Holford, aged seven, recently had her long locks cut at Clippers, Market Square, raising £977 for the charity, who make wigs for children going through cancer treatment.

The money donated is nearly enough to pay for the cost of two wigs, and the 14 inches of hair enough to make one wig.

Effie said: “We went to Mama Rosa’s and saw a poster on the wall saying that my favourite waitress, Jane, was getting her hair cut with her grandaughter for The Little Princess Trust.

“I wanted to help people that had lost their hair when they had cancer treatment and when I got my hair cut I felt good in my heart.”

Effie and her family would like to say a big thank you to All Saints Church, Leighton Buzzard.

Mum, Jaine, said: “£120 was collected by donations given by the congregation; Effie is in the choir, so Father Grant announced her intentions at the end of the service and people gave their kind support.”

We went out to Aylesbury's Waterside Theatre to snap some of the best cosplayers attending plus we chatted to former Doctor Who star Colin Baker about coming along to events, speaking to fans and his thoughts on the new Doctor Jodie Whittaker.

Girl power got a helping hand today when one of the world's biggest music promoters launched an initiative in to encourage more female UK led bands, solo acts and sound engineers.

The so-called ReBalance scheme aims to address the gender imbalance in the music industry, says the man behind it, Reading and Leeds Festival boss Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic.

He also recently produced the One Love Manchester benefit concert, which raised over £10m, in response to the the terrorist attack - bringing together artists including Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and Take That.

His ReBalance project follows criticism that his year's Reading and Leeds festivals - both on August 25 to 27 - did not have enough women in the line-ups, headed by the likes of Eminem, Kasabian, Muse and ex-Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.

Festival Republic, supported by the PRS Foundation, replied today with a plan which they hope will revolutionise the music industry.

FACEBOOK LIVE: Watch the full ReBalance press conference which was streamed live on the Yorkshire Evening Post Facebook page - CLICK HERE.

The three-year project - which will be based at the Old Chapel Music Studios in Leeds - aims to provide a step-up for UK female led bands and solo artists.

Successful candidates will receive a week's studio time, travel, accommodation and mentor access - plus a performance slot at a live nation or Festival Republic Festival.

There will also be a new apprenticeship scheme launched for studio engineers with an emphasis on encouraging female applicants. Two will be chosen apprentices over the three year programme. During the first 18 months they will work with engineers in-house at Old Chapel Music Studio and will then be the lead/co- engineers on the project.

TICKETS: For festival tickets, updates, safety information and more visit www.leedsfestival.com and www.readingfestival.com
In a recent Women Make Music Evaluation carried out by PRS Foundation, it was highlighted that women represent 16 per cent of UK songwriters and composers and that there is a lack of women in other roles across the industry.

Engineering, in particular, is viewed as an almost entirely male ‘closed shop’.

ReBalance responds to this by supporting both artists and up and coming female engineers in a programme which offers valuable studio time and industry support.

The aim of the project is to strengthen the talent pipeline and progression routes for female artists and engineers, said Melvin, at a Leeds Festival media day held outside the Old Chapel Music Studios in Leeds

He said: “Something needs to be done about gender equality in the music industry. It’s a wider issue that involves us, the live industry, but the solution doesn’t rest only with us. I have decided to be proactive in changing and working towards this no longer being an issue in the future, and that’s what this project is about.

"We’ve been working closely with PRS Foundation and their Women Make Music programme, alongside Old Chapel Studio in Leeds to pull together this exciting new initiative. ReBalance will enable future, and current female musicians within the industry, to have the support they need in order to be recognised.

"There is a significant lack of female acts with recording contracts, and indeed airplay – it’s quite astonishing.

"This is a project that gives a step up from start to finish. I am also committing to a performance slot on a Festival Republic or Live Nation festival, for each of the acts who come through the ReBalance programme”

Artists and engineers will be nominated by industry experts, including labels, managers, streaming services, publishers, promoters, agents and journalists, who will be invited by Festival Republic and PRS Foundation to nominate their choices.

A selection panel will then shortlist and select the successful artists and engineers from this nominated shortlist. The selection panel will change over the year in line with availability and demand.

Vanessa Reed, CEO of PRS Foundation said: "We look forward to helping Festival Republic to deliver this important and exciting programme and to following the results of the monthly studio sessions planned. We need more male leaders like Melvin Benn to recognise the ongoing gender gap in music and to use their position to do something about it. Coming up with campaigns and initiatives like ReBalance, will ultimately strengthen our industry and be of benefit to us all.”

Natti Shiner, of Fickle Friends, said: “Being a woman in a band ain't easy. Let’s face it, guitar music is male-dominated and it seems like the wider music industry is hardwired towards men - even the fact that people often feel they have to refer to our band as being 'female-fronted' feels wrong - who ever referred to Arctic Monkeys as a 'male-fronted' band?..

"ReBalance is important because it looks to tackle this issue in a long-term way. Rather than just sticking a few female artists on some bills as a token gesture, it will provide support for the things that actually matter to an emerging artist - studio time, travel, accommodation, practical advice etc.”

Chris Guerin, Chair of Leeds Music Trust said: “This is a wonderful initiative and all of us at Leeds Music Trust are really excited and proud to be a part of this fantastic and much needed programme."

TICKETS: For festival tickets, updates, safety information and more visit www.leedsfestival.com and www.readingfestival.com

Reigning Leighton Buzzard golf club champion Paul Atkinson retained his title on sun-blessed Sunday, but missed out on completing a “double double” by a single shot.

Royal Mail project manager Paul was defending both his championship and handicap trophies won last year against a 117-strong field.

And the 50-year-old Lincolnshire born golfer, who plays off a handicap of five, completed two rounds of the Plantation Road course in a gross 147 shots, six less than his trophy-winning performance a year ago.

But despite keeping a double bogey off his card, Paul’s nett 137 resulted in him missing out on retaining the Handicap Cup after golf shop sales advisor Jamie Stone, who plays off a handicap of seven, carded nett rounds of 67 and 69 for a 136 total to reclaim the trophy he won three years ago.

“It was disappointing not to win the two titles for a second time, but Jamie is a good golfer and deserved his win” said Paul after collecting his trophy from club Vice Captain Jeremy Taylor.

Championship runner-up was four handicapper Tim Martin with total of 149, with Stone on 150, Stuart McLeod, Gregory White, and Eddie Stephenson all on 152, one clear of Andrew Ashall.

Former Vandyke student Jamie carded a seven on the par four 17th but had enough left in the tank to finish four clear of Handicap trophy runner-up Stuart McLeod, who beat Brandon Sanders and Tom Mitchell on countback after both finished with rounds totalling 140.

The best gross score on Saturday’s storm-hit first round was the 73 carded by Ben Proud, with Dan Latimer’s 66 the best nett score. Greg Driscoll’s 76 earned him Sunday’s best gross prize, with Lewis Scott taking the best nett score award with a 69.

Leighton duo Clark and Debbie Pollard-Barns beat teams from Aylesbury Vale, Tilsworth, Aspley Guise, The Bedford and Rugby to reach the last 64 out of 1,200 starting teams in the Daily Mail national foursomes, but lost out for a place in the last 32, narrowly losing at Chigwell after giving 11 shots to their rivals playing on their home course.

Club seniors and ladies joined forces to share the spoils 3-3 with the juniors for the Kingston Trophy. Ben Proud and Shin Bateman, Andres Valentine and Olivia Campbell, and Edward and George Stephenson won for the juniors while Denis Leitch and Terry Wright, David Sweetnam and Barbara Rickard and Chris Figg and Avril Simpson won for the Seniors and Ladies with Paul Johnson and Gill Ladd halving their match against George Wooster and Brandon Sanders.

Leighton’s inter-club team celebrated a 3-2 victory over Millbrook, with Graham Freer and Tony Simpson, Chris Yirrell and Andrew McDonald, and Adrian Stephenson and Simon Enright returning winning cards and Jeremy Taylor and Eddie Stephenson claiming a vital half.

Adrian Stephenson and Steve Leng, Lee Sanders and Shane Kimber, and Stuart Goodwin and Eddie Stephenson won for Leighton in a 4-2 victory over Whipsnade.

, with Mark Reynolds and Paul Dowdeswell and Matt Sale and Stephen Schmidt halving their matches.

Leighton Ladies beat the previously undefeated Pavenham Park 5-2 in their Shield match with wins by Avril Simpson, Patti Marriott, Christine Rimmer, Beryl Wood and Barbara Rickard, having beaten Aspley Guise by the same score, while the Mixed team has beaten Bedford 5-4, Aspley Guise 9-2 and Whipsnade 5-3, losing only to John ‘O Gaunt.

A Facebook group encouraging people to moan and complain about things has been set up.

Dave Bierton, of Leighton Buzzard, set up Leighton 
Be-B*****ed last month so the people in the town could have a moan.

He said: “I was looking on Facebook and there are groups for different things in the town but I couldn’t find anything like this.

“I wanted a group where people could have a moan about anything, that is what people love to do.

“My idea was that if people complain about something on one page then hopefully the police or council might take notice and things might change. I am hoping some good will come out of the group.”

The page is open to everyone and people are free to comment what they like but Dave will monitor the page and remove any inappropriate or offensive posts.

Dave added: “The page has proved popular so far, people like to complain about things, there are 255 members.”

To visit the group go to: www.facebook.com/groups/davidbierton/?fref=mentions

A ground breaking exhibition that explores the complex notion of identity through the characters of Star Wars is now in London and will remain there throughout the school summer holidays.

An exclusive collection of 200 props, models, costumes and artwork from the iconic Star Wars films is on display.

Visitors are taken on an interactive identity quest, leaving with their own personalised and unique Star Wars character.

A team of experts is behind the scientific content of the exhibition including the fields of genetics, neuropsychology and psychology.

For almost 40 years, audiences around the world have followed the adventures of Anakin and Luke Skywalker, cinema’s most famous father and son duo.

Now, Star Wars Identities presents a redefined modern exhibition experience in which visitors can rediscover the unforgettable characters of Star Wars in a whole new way.

Through the collection on display, an interactive identity quest and insightful scientific content, visitors will develop a better understanding of what makes the characters of Star Wars who they are, and at the same time explore their own identity with one question - what forces shape you?

“This exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the beloved characters of Star Wars,” said Jacques-Andre Dupont, president and executive producer of X3 Productions who developed it in collaboration with Lucasfilm Ltd.

“We get a deeper understanding of their identities and, at the same time, we get a deeper understanding of our own.

“The collection, the interactive components and the scientific content work hand in hand here to create a seamless and exciting experience for our visitors. It’s a character driven adventure into identity.”

The study of identity has been divided into three major themes: the origins of the characters, the influences that shape them, and the choices they make during their life.

Within these three themes, 10 components of human identity are explored: species, genes, parents and culture in Origins; mentors, friends and marking events in Influences; and occupation, personality and values in the final zone, Choices.

These components form the backbone of the exhibition, exploring the complex notion of identity both in the real world and in creative fiction.

Original content throughout the exhibition sheds light on each of the components of identity; while simultaneously, ‘making-of’ featurettes explore the stories behind the development of many iconic Star Wars characters, explaining how they became who they are, and showing how different creative choices could have made them different characters altogether.

Star Wars Identities is at the O2 until Sunday, September 3.

The exhibition is open from 10am - 6pm each day with slots every 15 minutes. Ticket prices start from £20 for adults but vary with discounts for off peak times and concessions. Children under five are admitted free.

Ninety minutes is advised for the tour.

Car parking is available but may have to be pre-booked. There is a limit on the size of bag allowed into the exhibition.

For a complete schedule and ticket information visit www.theo2.co.uk/starwars or www.starwarsidentities.com

Consistency will be key for Leighton Town this season as they get the new campaign underway this Saturday against London Tigers.

After a 16th place finish in SSML Premier Division last season, manager Scott Reynolds has built a new squad over the summer, and believes if he is able to get the same players on the pitch on a regular basis, Town fans can expect some positive results.

He said: “We want consistency. While our results were mixed in pre-season, we concentrated on building a squad, a camaraderie, a team spirit and a team that enjoy playing together.

“I feel like we have that now, we’ve got a consistent squad now, and hopefully through the rest of the season.

“We’re still looking for a bit more experience, but we should look very similar for the next few weeks.”

And if their FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round opener was anything to go by, it will be a great season to come after they thrashed Oxhey Jets 4-0 to progress.

Kai Ashley, James Hatch (2) and Lorrel Smith fired Town into the next round, and Reynolds hopes for a similar result against London Tigers, though he isn’t expecting a repeat of the 7-0 thrashing handed out to them last season.

“They’re much changed from last year - they won’t look the same as the team we beat 7-0 last year,” he admitted.

“If we can go and win 4-0 again, score a lot of goals and keep a clean sheet, I’ll take it!

“But we’ll have to see what the week brings and get ready for what will be a really important league game at London Tigers.

“The FA Cup allows us to name seven subs and the league only allows us to name five so we have to fine tune.”

Spice things up this September at Waddesdon Manor’s annual Chilli Festival.

This year the Chilli Festival is back and bigger and better than ever, with more than 50 handpicked local artisan producers and some of the nation’s best loved independent traders.

Find everything for the chilli fanatic or intrepid chilli novice; delicious jams, pickles, chutneys and oils alongside spicy cheese, chilli beers and chilli chocolate. If things get a little hot, enjoy a cooling frozen yoghurt or ice cream. With live music and children’s craft activities, there’s plenty to enjoy at Waddesdon throughout the weekend.

The festival takes place on Saturday September 2 and Sunday September 3 from 10am to 5pm ar rge Aviary Glade.

Children’s activities include face painting with Lu’s Face Painting and Mexican Worry Dolls.

Face painting:

£3 for a small design

£5 for a whole face

Mexican Worry Dolls:

Make your very own Mexican Worry Doll, put it under your pillow and your worries will disappear while you sleep.

£2 per child

Mexican Wrestler Colouring Competition:

Design a colourful Lucha libre mask for your Mexican wrestler and give them a name. The best design wins!

Free

Admission:

Grounds = Adult: £10, Child: £5, Family: £25. Free for National Trust Members.

House and Grounds = Adult: £20, Child: £10, Family: £50. Free for National Trust Members.

Bookings 01296 820414 or www.waddesdon.org.uk

The son of two Bedford traffic police officers has denied falling asleep at the wheel and killing a much-loved grandmother.

Callum Wilkinson, 21, is said to have told bystanders at the fatal collision that he had “dropped off” just before his truck killed 56-year-old Sandra Nightingale.

However, in court this week he claimed not to have fallen asleep and denied a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The jury was told he has admitted a lesser charge of causing death by careless driving.

They heard Callum’s parents had brought him up to be very much aware of safety when driving, and he took their advice “incredibly seriously”.

His father Inspector Ewan Wilkinson has worked in the Bedford police traffic department for 27 years.

A self-employed tree surgeon, Callum insisted to the jury he simply could not remember what had happened during the collision almost two years ago on the A428 near Bromham. He was driving home from work when his Mazda pickup truck, with a trailer attached, ended up travelling in the wrong lane of the carriageway.

Prosecution barrister Nigel Ogbourne said experts found no external reasons for the vehicle crossing into the opposite lane.

Callum told the court: “I went straight over the roundabout, staying on the A428 and made my way up the hill and over the crest of the hill. That’s about all I remember.

“I remember going down the road as it levelled out. The next thing I remember is the shock of impact. It was like a shudder sent through my whole body and the whole vehicle.

It felt like complete darkness. “

He added: “All I could hear was things like glass shattering and metal crumpling around me. The first thing I saw was the wood chipper on its side in the middle of the road.

“At that time I didn’t really know what had gone on. Then I noticed a small blue car. I immediately ran over to it.

“I didn’t really have a clue. I knew something huge had happened because my vehicle was on the wrong side of the road. I knew it must have been my fault.”

Defence barrister Warwick Aleeson told Callum: “People reported you repeating ‘it’s my fault, it’s my fault.

t’s my fault’,” to which Wilkinson replied: “ I may have fallen asleep.

He added: “There was no other explanation, I couldn’t remember.”

Mr Ogbourne gave a list of witnesses who had been at the scene immediately after the crash, and had given evidence yesterday to the court that suggested the young tree surgeon had been asleep at the wheel.

“Why have you no memory? Was it because you fell asleep? You said there was complete darkness. You said ‘after the noise I opened my eyes’. Why were your eyes shut? Was it because you were asleep?”

Callum replied: “I don’t know. I may have said those things, I don’t know if I said any of these things.”

His mother Julie Wilkinson, said after the crash , when she was on her way to see her son, her husband Inspector Ewan Wilkinson phoned her, saying “The lady is dead Julie, the lady is dead.”

She said: “It was like a nightmare. I saw Callum sitting in the ambulance to the left with his head in his hands.”

Mrs Nightingale was a popular member of the community in Turvey. She was actively involved with All Saints church and a member of the amateur dramatic group.

Her death came as a ”huge shock”, said her family at the time.

You get two bites at the cherry with the Creagh/Carr Review – the opinions of seasoned hackette Bev Creagh and flamboyant newshound Stewart Carr. Here’s what they thought of La Cage Aux Folles, at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, August 12.

CREAGH SAYS ... It’s an eye-catching extravaganza of colourful costumes, saucy cabaret-style dance routines, camp humour and magnificent melodies.

La Cage Aux Folles is a St Tropez drag nightclub, run by gay couple Albin and Georges, and the plot concerns the carry on when George’s son Jean-Michele – allegedly conceived during a one-night stand – wants his father and ‘maman’ to meet his bride-to-be and her puritanical parents.

It’s part tragedy, part comedy, and offers a variety of morals on a variety of levels.

It’s certainly stood the test of time. Originally written in the 1970s by playwright Jean Poiret and subsequently made into an Academy Award nominated movie by Edouard Molinaro, it’s a relevant today as it was probably shocking back then.

It’s funny, poignant, contemporary, loud and absolutely OTT.

The first half drags somewhat and the sound is muffled – a shame as the clever lyrics of some of the show-stopping songs, including the gay anthem I Am What I am – were almost indecipherable.

But the second half is much faster and slicker.

John Partridge – best known as Christian Clarke in EastEnders – is fabulous as Albin. He has a strong voice, impeccable timing and plays the sometimes hysterical and always entertaining drag queen with both panache and pathos. He had the audience roaring with laughter when he compared himself to Strictly’s Tess Daly as he made a grand entrance down a star-studded staircase.

Adrian Zmed as the more worldy-wise Georges is also a joy but both are eclipsed whenever Jacob (Samson Ajewole) is on stage. Not only does he tower above everyone but his interpretation of the simpering butler/maid, who harbours desires to be a drag queen himself, is absolutely hilarious.

Marti Webb as Jacqueline is in strong voice and good form and the chorus is awesome. They may initially appear a little muscular of shoulder but until they whip off their wigs and step out of their tutus, you’d never guess they were an all-male ensemble.

The theatre was packed and the first night audience didn’t want them to let them go – clapping, cheering and whistling long after the final curtain came down.

A must see – if you can get tickets!

CARR SAYS ... Think of bright lights, bombastic feathers, baffling ladyboys and you’re there! Plain old words simply don’t do when it comes to a show so deliciously camp as La Cage Aux Folles.

A thoroughly distracting two hours of non-stop entertainment is what’s on the cards, with boundless energy and showmanship.

But for all its bravado, La Cage still manages to tug the heartstrings with a few moments of real poignancy.

More so than the original film, the musical takes a defiant stance on what it means to stay true to your identity.

The genderfluid Albin (played with wonderful aplomb by John Partridge) juggles being a husband to partner George (Adrian Zmed), step ‘mother’ to George’s son Jean-Michele, and most importantly, resident drag diva ‘Zaza’ at La Cage Aux Folles.

Shenanigans ensue with the announcement of Jean-Michele’s engagement to the daughter of a prominent conservative politician. But any pressures to conform are thoroughly blasted into the abyss with the show’s triumphant signature tune, ‘I Am What I Am’.

Loud, proud, and reinforcing, La Cage Aux Folles plays at Milton Keynes Theatre until August 12. See here for tickets.

The food standards agency have released an updated list of products in the UK which have been withdrawn due to possible contamination with the Fipronil insecticide.

Up to 700,000 contaminated eggs are thought to have entered the UK food chain. This represents around 0.007 per cent of the eggs consumed in the UK every year and the agency advised that “it remains the case that it is very unlikely that there is any risk to public health from consuming these foods.”

As such, the decision to withdraw these products is not due to food safety concerns, but is based on the fact that Fipronil is not authorised for use in food producing animals.

Heather Hancock, Chairman of the Food Standards Agency, said: ‘I’m confident that acting quickly is the right thing to do. The number of eggs involved is small in proportion to the number of eggs we eat, and it is very unlikely that there is a risk to public health. Based on the available evidence there is no need for people to change the way they consume or cook eggs. However, Fipronil is not legally allowed for use near food-producing animals and it shouldn’t be there.’

List of affected products

By Sainsbury’s Ham and Egg Salad - 240g - 9 th -14th August 2017

By Sainsbury’s Potato and Egg Salad - 300g - 9 th -14th August 2017

Morrison’s Potato and Egg Salad - 250g - Use by up to 13th August 2017

Morrisons Egg and Cress Sandwich - 11th August 2017

Morrisons Cafe Sandwich Selection - 11th August 2017

Waitrose Free Range Egg Mayonnaise Deli Filler - Use by 13 & 16th August

Waitrose Free Range Reduced Fat Egg Mayonnaise Deli Filler - Use by 14 August 2017

Waitrose Free Range Egg and Bacon Deli Filler - 170g - Use by 14 & 16th August 2017

Asda Baby potato and free range egg salad - 270g - Use by 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th Aug

Asda Spinach and free range egg snack pot - 110g - Use by 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th Aug

Asda FTG Ham and Cheddar ploughman’s salad bowl - 320g - Use by 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th Aug

A private ambulance service used to transport NHS patients to hospital appointments has come under fire from a health watchdog.

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire (HCB) said users of the transport provided by Private Ambulance Service (PAS) had missed hospital appointments and had little confidence in the system.

PAS was given a 12 month contract earlier this year to relay non-emergency patients to and from hospital appointments from Luton, Bedford, the Biggleswade area, Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable.

In March this year our sister paper the Biggleswade Chronicle reported how patients had missed appointments, been late or had not been picked up for the return home from hospital.

One woman was left at the hospital after the sessions were due to close and staff had to arrange for a taxi to take her home.

Another man said he got back home so late he had to sleep in his day clothes as his carers had left for the night.

A survey released by HCB this month said 70 per cent of those questioned were dissatisfied or very dissatified with communication from PAS and 67 per cent were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied that the tranport arrived on time. Satisfaction levels with the service overall were low with 55 per cent being either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. But 76 per cent praised the drivers of the service.

“Patients had experienced late pick up and drop off times, in some cases up to five hours,” said the report.

“Some patients had missed healthcare appointments or had been very late arriving and were not confident that future commitments would be met by the service.”

Those attending Bedford Hospital renal unit were particularly hard hit with staff having to make changes to their dialysis slots to minimise the impact on their treatment and home life.

“Many of the respondents commented on how the service impacted poorly on their life, causing stress and anxiety,” said the report.

There were also concerns the fabric seats of the cars and ambulances could not be adequately cleaned, raising fears of infection.

“As the service period progressed there was evidence of some improvement across all services,” said the report. “However, this was not consistent across all respondents and there was little confidence that this was a sustainable, long term improvement.”

The watchdog said PAS needed to apply a contractually agreed complaints procedure and review its vehicle stock to meet infection control guidelines.

It also recommended the HCB be included in any future negotiations for a non emergency patient transport service.

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group said the group: “takes the results of the survey extremely seriously and has been working closely with the provider Private Ambulance Service (PAS) to take action on patient feedback to tackle the issues raised head on.

“We have put in place an action plan with PAS to drive improvements. As part of this the BCCG quality team are monitoring the performance of the service closely, making unannounced visits and meeting with patients, to ensure improvements are reflected in patient experience.

“The feedback from the patient survey will also be used to inform the procurement process which is underway with a new contract due to commence in April 2018.”

Luton Borough Council is to consider the service at its Scrutiny health and Social Care Review group when it meets on Monday.

Matt Adcock reviews Atomic Blonde (15), starring Charlize Theron and James McAvoy

In the mood for some stylish violent spy action? Good, you’ve come to the right place.

It’s 1989, just before the end of the Cold War and the Berlin Wall coming down. Top MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton (Charlize ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ Theron) must use her expert killing skills to recover a leaked list of operatives which could wipe out most of the agents in the field.

Based on a graphic novel called The Coldest City, Director David ‘John Wick’ Leitch brings some of the most brutal and exciting spy-em-up action for years to the big screen and Theron is an absolute force of nature.

Fuelled by a fast-paced twisty plot which sees a Russian killer trying to sell the list of agents whilst both East and West try to recover it for themselves – by eliminating anyone in the way. Lorraine – who is the Atomic Blonde of the title – teams up with British Station Chief David Percival (James ‘Split’ McAvoy) in order to find out who stole the list and killed her friend in the process. However the two do not know if they can actually trust each other which makes for a dangerous game.

Also on hand is French agent Delphine Lasalle (Sofia ‘Kingsman’ Boutella) who takes a bit of shine to Lorraine but again – despite the two becoming lovers - can anyone actually be trusted in the Cold War paranoia?

Quality support is also on hand from John Goodman and Toby Jones who are the US and UK debriefing team tasked with finding out exactly what happened in Berlin and just why the body count is so large.

Everything about Atomic Blonde is super stylish, and the ‘80s music soundtrack is just superb – from the second New Order’s Blue Monday kicks in at the start through to use of Siouxsie and the Banshees and Depeche Mode with one of my all time faves Behind the Wheel.

If you want to quibble you could complain about the bad language or the amount of time the females spend in their underwear but overall this is a very strong new potential action franchise.

The action is frenetic and crunching – think John Wick at his best but female and every bit as cool. Theron has created a girl power action icon in Atomic Blonde – let’s hope there is a sequel.