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Meteor shower set to light up the sky tonight

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You won’t need a telescope to stargaze this weekend because the Perseid meteor shower is set to light up the sky tonight.

Named after the Perseus constellation, this annual galactic event takes place every August when “Earth ventures through trails of debris left behind by an ancient comet”, according to NASA.

This year’s Perseid meteor shower will be the debris from the tail of Comet Swift-Tuttle and will give stargazers a glimpse of around 100 meteors, or ‘shooting stars’, an hour.

Set to travel through the sky at 132,000 miles per hour in a north-easterly direction, the Perseid meteors can peak at anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit as they race through the sky.

“At that speed, even a smidgen of dust makes a vivid streak of light when it collides with Earth’s atmosphere,” says NASA.

But don’t worry about the meteor shower battering earth any time soon as most burn 50 miles above the planet.

It’s set to be a spectacular display of shooting stars, so look up to the sky on the evening of Saturday 12 August for your best chance of witnessing the Perseid meteor shower.

How can I see them

To see the meteor shower, you don’t need a telescope, binoculars or any other equipment.

It’s best to the weather forecast in advance via www.metoffice.gov.uk as the clearer the skies, the more you’ll see - and if there’s heavy cloud, you’ll struggle.

Find a spot away from bright lights and allow time for your eyes to get used to the dark. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes - so get comfortable.

If you’re out at night, even in August, the temperature can get quite chilly, so dress accordingly and take extra warm layers even if it doesn’t feel cold when you head out. It’s easy to get cold if you’re waiting around.

Sleeping bags, blankets and food and drink supplies can all help make for a more comfortable experience while you’re out searching for shooting stars.

The meteors appear randomly everywhere in the sky, so you do not need to look in any particular direction as meteors appear randomly anywhere in the sky - just keep looking up, filling your gaze with as much of the sky as possible for as long as you can.

It may take a little while before you see one, and it’s easy to look away and miss one!


VIDEO: On your marks to join Britain's top athletes in #teamparkrun events on August 19

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On you marks, gets set....for YOUR chance to join National Lottery-funded athletes including Olympic and Paralympic superstars taking part in #teamparkrun 5k events all over the UK on August 19.

You don't have to run, you can jog, or walk - and you are even guaranteed to finish ahead of the big names.

The guest athletes will literally get behind the nation as so-called Tail Walkers', volunteers who ensure no one ever finishes last at parkrun events.

More than 630 free parkruns (5k) and junior parkruns (2k) take place every Saturday morning in parks across the UK.

The National Lottery and UK Sport, which funds elite UK athletes from Lottery ticket sales, have now teamed up with organisers parkrun UK for a series of high profile #teamparkrun events on Saturday, August 19.

The aim is to get the nation active, while celebrating the public’s support of elite and community sport through playing The National Lottery.

It is backed by Sport England, sportscotland, Sport Wales, Sport Northern Ireland, the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association, as well as a host of national governing bodies.

REGISTER TO TAKE PART: It's free to take part but you need to register in advance. For full details and to register visit www.teamparkrun.com.

VIDEO: World Championship gold and Olympic bronze curler Eve Muirhead brought up the rear at a parkrun in Falkirk. Watch her four tips on how to Parkrun in the UK Sport video at the top of this page.

It is hoped some people will take part in a parkrun for the very first time – either walking, jogging, running or volunteering themselves – with a view to starting their journey to a more healthy, active lifestyle.

The #teamparkrun event follows the success of last year's I am Team GB, which inspired nearly 1 million people to take part in the UK's biggest ever sports day - with athletes joining in community sports events as part of a Rio 2016 Olympians homecoming.

That day celebrated the role the nation played in supporting elite athletes by playing The National Lottery.

This year's event follows the IPC and IAAF World Athletics Championships, hosted in the iconic London Stadium, which was the epicentre of the London 2012 Games,

National Lottery players have been backing Britain’s record-breaking Olympic and Paralympic athletes for 21 years.

Dame Katherine Grainger, five time Olympic medallist and the newly appointed Chair of UK Sport, said: “The nation, and specially National Lottery players, have been backing us as athletes for 21 years now and none of us would be where we are today without their support.

“While sport and activity are integral to our lifestyles, we know that for some people taking up activity for the first time can be a scary prospect. parkrun offers a free, friendly and welcoming way to start, and our athletes will be there on August 19 to make any newcomers feel extra welcome.

“If you’ve been thinking about getting active, join #teamparkrun on August 19; you’ve been right behind us for so long and now your athletes will be right behind you!”

Nick Pearson, Chief Executive of parkrun, said: “One of the most common reasons that people register with parkrun but don’t go on to take part is because they don’t feel capable of running 5k. This initiative, which will see GB athletes supporting parkrunners, will reinforce the message that not only do we encourage walkers at parkrun, but that all of our events have volunteer Tail Walkers who provide support along the course.”

Arabella Gilchrist, Head of The National Lottery Brand, said: “#teamparkrun offers a brilliant way of celebrating the support the public gives British sport by playing The National Lottery.

“No one does more to contribute to elite athletes or community sports projects than our players. #teamparkrun will thank our players by connecting our Lottery-funded athletes with their local parkrun to inspire everyone, no matter what their level of fitness, to get active. We hope to see plenty of first-time parkrunners, joining their sporting heroes at their local event.”

Energy drinks could be cocaine ‘gateway drug’ say scientists

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Energy drinks could act as a ‘gateway’ to cocaine for young people, say scientists.

A study found 21 to 25 year-olds who consumed high amounts of the sugar and caffeine-fuelled beverages were much more likely to become hooked on the party drug.

They were also at greater risk of alcohol abuse and being on amphetamines and other non-medically prescribed stimulants (NPS) within the next five years.

Professor Amelia Arria, of Maryland University, said: “The results suggest energy drink users might be at heightened risk for other substance use - particularly stimulants.

“Because of the longitudinal design of this study - and the fact we were able to take into account other factors that would be related to risk for substance use - this study provides evidence of a specific contribution of energy drink consumption to subsequent substance use.”

The findings published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence suggest the drinks - which have been linked to obesity among young people - could present another danger.

Prof Arria said it is the first time patterns of energy drink consumption and drug use have been explored for such a long time - and there is reason for concern.

Regular consumers over the whole period were significantly more likely to be abusing drugs by the age of 25.

Previous research by Prof Arria’s team at the university’s Centre on Young Adult Health and Development (CYAHD) has suggested the drinks can lead to high-risk alcohol and drug use.

But this study is the first to examine the unique effect of different levels of consumption on the likelihood of later substance abuse.

Notably more than half (51.4%) of the 1,099 participants fell into the group with a “persistent trajectory” - meaning they sustained it over time.

They were much more likely to end up using cocaine, amphetamines and other stimulants - and be at risk for alcohol use disorder.

The researchers single out energy drinks because they took into account other factors that could have had a possible influence.

This included demographics, sensation-seeking behaviours, other caffeine consumption such as coffee and prior substance use before 21.

Those in the “intermediate trajectory” group (17.4%) were also at increased risk for using cocaine and other stimulants.

This was compared to those in the “non-use trajectory” who never consumed energy drinks (20.6%).

Members of the “desisting trajectory” group - those whose consumption declined steadily over time - and the non-use group were not at higher risk for any substance use.

The biological mechanism that might explain how someone who persistently consumes energy drinks might go on to use other stimulant drugs remains unclear.

But the researchers said it’s a cause for concern that should be further investigated.

Prof Arria’s research group has previously examined the health risks from consuming energy drinks.

She has been a leader in efforts to protect teenagers and children from them. These include heart damage and even death.

She has also joined with other medical and public health experts who urged the US food and Drink Administration to regulate them.

Unlike soft drinks energy drinks remain unregulated and are not subject to government labelling requirements to list caffeine content or additional ingredients that are not well understood.

Prof Arria said: “Future studies should focus on younger people, because we know that they too are regularly consuming energy drinks.

“We want to know whether or not adolescents are similarly at risk for future substance use.”

Energy drinks are flavoured beverages that contain extra caffeine as well as other additives such as taurine, guarana and ginseng.

Sales of energy drinks in the UK increased by 155% between 2006 and 2014 - from 235 to 600 million litres.

About seven-in-ten 11 to 18 year-olds in the UK and a fifth of children aged 10 and under consume THEM.

A single can of popular brands can contain around 160mg of caffeine. the European Food Safety Authority recommends an intake of no more than 105mg per day for an average 11-year-old.

Five years ago a study found young people who love drinking coffee or other high-energy drinks are more likely to become cocaine or amphetamine users.

Those who responded favourably to caffeine also enjoyed the effects of the drugs - especially in high doses.

This could suggest a vulnerability to the stimulating effects of cocaine or amphetamines among some people who enjoy caffeine.

But Gavin Partington, Director General at British Soft Drinks Association commented: “It’s important to note that a study of this sort cannot prove cause and effect.

“The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) latest opinion confirms the safety of energy drinks and their ingredients and therefore does not provide any scientific justification to treat energy drinks differently to other caffeine-based drinks such as coffee.”

Console Corner: Exciting September looms large

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What’s the best thing about August?... It’s nearly September. And what’s the best thing about September? How long have you got?

This month is like treading water somewhat to get to what promises to be one of the best months of the year so far when it comes to game releases.

September kicks off with the return of Knack.

The PlayStation 4 generation’s answer to Crash Bandicoot returns on September 5th following a successful first outing as one of the PS4’s launch titles.

A day later comes the first of several triple A releases for the month as Destiny 2 finally arrives amid much hype and fanfare.

A week after that Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 hits consoles looking to build on its hugely impressive return to past glory last year. Two days after that Dishonored: Death of the Outsider joins the stellar line-up before the iconic Metroid returns to Nintendo 3DS in the rather unimaginatively named but no less exciting Metroid: Samus Returns.

A few days later on September 19 comes what promises to be one of the best fighters for years - and certainly the one boasting the biggest and baddest roster - as Marvel vs Capcom Infinite brings its seemingly infinite cast list to our screens.

New Warhammer game Total War: Warhammer hits PC on September 28 around the same time the gorgeous looking Cuphead hits Xbox One and PC. Cuphead is a new run and gun platform indie game drawn in the style of 1930s cartoons and it looks phenomenal.

And September is rounded off by the titan that is FIFA 18 looking to hold off increased competition from Pro Evo to maintain it’s decade of dominance over football games.

And if all that is not enough a little peak at the first few days of October sees the mighty Forze Motorsport return with number 7 much to the delight of racing game fans. I can feel a divorce coming on.

‘Superhero-style’ corset that could banish back pain for millions

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A Batman style superhero corset has been developed that could end the misery of back pain for millions.

The unisex underwear is suitable for nurses, surgeons and anyone whose job entails large amounts of bending that strains the discs.

The smart garment can be turned on by either tapping it or using an app - putting the strain on elastic bands instead of muscles.

It has been likened to the body armour worn by superheroes like the Caped Crusaders, or Iron Man.

Mechanical engineer Professor Karl Zelik, of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, said: “

I’m sick of Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne being the only ones with performance-boosting supersuits.

“We, the masses, want our own.

“The difference is that I’m not fighting crime. I’m fighting the odds that I’ll strain my back this week trying to lift my 2-year-old.”

Half the adult population of the UK report low back pain lasting for at least 24 hours at some time in the year.

The NHS spends more than £1 billion annually treating eight in ten people who will suffer it during their lives.

The researchers said TV infomercials offer a world of potential solutions but most are either unproven, unworkable or just plain unattractive.

So their design combines the science of biomechanics and advances in wearable tech to create a smart, mechanised undergarment.

Prof Zelik began thinking about resolving the problem when he experienced back pain himself from repeatedly lifting his toddler son.

The garment is worn on the chest and legs and consists of two fabric sections made from cheap materials like nylon, Lycra, polyester and other materials.

These are connected by sturdy straps across the middle back, with natural rubber pieces at the lower back.

Experiments showed the clothing offloads stress on the discs.

It is designed so wearers engage it only when they need it. A simple double tap to the shirt works the straps.

When the task is done, another double tap releases the straps so the user can sit down, and the device feels and behaves like normal clothes.

It also can be controlled by an app the team created. Wearers tap their phones to engage the smart clothing wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Eight subjects tested the device leaning forward and lifting 25-pound and 55-pound weights while holding their position at 30, 60 and 90 degrees.

Using motion capture, force plates and electromyography, the team demonstrated the device reduced activity in the lower back muscles by an average of 15 to 45 per cent for each task.

Added Prof Zelik: “The next idea is can we use sensors embedded in the clothing to monitor stress on the low back, and if it gets too high, can we automatically engage this smart clothing?”

Co researcher Dr Aaron Yang, who specialises in non surgical treatment of the back and neck at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, said the technology is aimed at prevention rather than cure.

It focuses on reducing stress and fatigue on the lower back muscles. He has seen many back belts and braces and typically meets them with scepticism.

Dr Yang said: “People are often trying to capitalise on a huge societal problem with devices that are unproven or unviable.

“This smart clothing concept is different. I see a lot of health care workers or other professionals with jobs that require standing or leaning for long periods.

“Smart clothing may help offload some of those forces and reduce muscle fatigue.”

According to the NHS almost 3 million working days a year are lost because of lower back pain.

The underwear was unveiled at the Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics in Brisbane, Australia.

Take Me Out looking for singletons for new series

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Ever fancied being on TV? Well if you’re single and looking for love, now’s your chance!

ITV’s primetime Saturday night dating show Take Me Out is looking for singletons to take part in the new series.

Auditions will take place across the country between August and October so people are being encouraged to fill in the application form now.

To get an application form, just email: takemeoutboys@thames.tv (for boy application forms) takemeoutgirls@thames.tv (for girls application forms).

All applicants must be 18 years old or over. And remember, no likey, no lighty!

MP hears about group’s concerns

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Leighton Buzzard parishioners met South West Bedfordshire MP, Andrew Selous, to show the World Bank that every child should have the power to be anything they want.

The meeting was part of aid agency CAFOD’s energy campaign and the climate coalition’s Week of Action.

In July, members of the Justice and Peace group at Sacred Heart Church held an organised walk as part of the national campaign to improve energy access around the world.

Members of the community were joined by Andrew Selous, who listened to their concerns on a range of issues, particularly climate change.

Local CAFOD representative, Deborah Purfield said: “It was a fantastic day. I wish to extend my thanks to Andrew Selous and the members of the Leighton Buzzard Justice and Peace group for their participation in speaking up for some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.”

CAFOD’s Power to Be campaign is asking the UK’s representative at the World Bank, Melanie Robinson, to use her influence to ensure children everywhere have the power to achieve great things and lift themselves out of poverty without harming the planet.

Go to cafod.org.uk/campaign

Cheerleaders do school proud in county final

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Leighton Middle School is celebrating another sporting success after its cheerleading team took part in the county finals.

Cheerleading has become a major part of Leighton Middle School with all year groups taking part in stunt cheerleading in their PE lessons.

Extra-curricular cheerleading is also on offer throughout the year for recreational cheerleading clubs and competition cheerleading, and more than 100 students have taken part in cheerleading clubs.

As a result of this the school was able to enter two teams into the Under 13 category this year in the county finals, a senior team and a junior team.

Due to commitment and enthusiasm of students, the school is very proud to announce that its senior stunt cheerleading squad finished in third at the county finals, which were held in Bedford, only missing out on first place by two points. Sixteen teams took part in the event.

Leighton Middle School PTA donated money towards the team’s new cheerleading outfits so the members really looked the part.

PE teacher Mrs Hutchings said: “I am so proud of all the students. They have gone from strength to strength in cheerleading, performing such difficult stunts and gymnastics tumbling this year.

“With only one point separating first and second place, and second and third place it was such a close competition and the girls did us proud!

“Their dedication and commitment to cheerleading is incredible and we are already looking forward to next year’s competition. Well done girls.”

She added: “Thank you to all of the parents who supported the cheerleading on the day and throughout the year.”

In June the school won the Year 6 National Rounders Tournament for the second year in a row.


UK’s longest sausage roll coming to Morrisons

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Morrisons is to sell the UK’s longest sausage roll – for just £1.

The supermarket has launched the Foot Long Sausage Roll, believed to be the largest in the UK.

At one foot long and weighing in at nearly half a kilogram, the store claims the sausage roll is double the length and four times the weight of some high street competitors.

Available from August 7 from the supermarket on Newland Street, the Foot Long Sausage Roll is freshly baked in-store by its Market Street bakers, made with seasoned pork meat and wrapped in a crisp, golden flaky pastry.

The sausage roll has to be served on a special tray that holds its weight, rather than being served in just the traditional paper bag.

Morrisons has created the Foot Long Sausage Roll after listening to its customers, who said that they wanted a bigger version of the British classic.

At only £1, the jumbo-sized British favourite can be bought hot and ready-to-eat from Morrisons Pie Shop counters on Market Street. It could be enjoyed as part of a picnic, shared with the family, or eaten by customers with big appetites.

The sausage roll is being launched in time for the start of the football season to be the ultimate match day pie experience.

Kissing injuries better really works

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Kissing it better really does work... thanks to a protein in human saliva, according to new research.

Injuries in the mouth heal faster and more efficiently than those elsewhere - and now we know why.

A chemical in saliva boosts the formation of blood vessels, a process that is critical in recovering from an injury.

Harnessing its power opens “a wide door” to improving the treatment of wounds, said an experts.

And it shows ‘licking your wounds’ is more than just an expression and is based on scientific fact.

Prof Vicente Torres, of the Institute for Research in Dental Sciences at the University of Chile, Santiago, said: “These findings open new alternatives to better understand the biology underlying the differences between oral and skin wound healing.

“We believe the study could help the design of better approaches to improve wound healing in tissues other than the mouth.”

The research published in The FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) Journal revealed the salivary protein histatin-1 aids wound healing.

Prof Torres and colleagues made the breakthrough by delving into the mystifying fact mouth wounds mend better and quicker.

Until now, it was understood saliva played a part in the wound healing process, although the extent of its role was unknown.

The study examined the effects of histatin-1 on new blood vessels, a process known medically as angiogenesis.

It showed the molecule promoted angiogenesis, as well as improving the contact and migration of cells.

Prof Torres’ team carried out experiments on chicken embryos and human skin and blood vessel cells.

Using these three models, histatin-1 and saliva samples obtained from healthy donors were found to increase blood vessel formation.

The researchers have already begun using these molecules to generate materials and implants to aid in wound healing.

Prof Torres said: “Saliva is a key factor that contributes to the high efficiency of wound healing in the inside of the mouth.

“This is not only attributed to physical cues but also to the presence of specific peptides in the saliva, such as histatins.

“Histatin-1 is an antimicrobial peptide, highly enriched in human saliva, which has been previously reported to promote the migration of oral skin cells in lab animals.

“However, the participation of histatin-1 in other crucial events required for wound healing, such as angiogenesis, is unknown.

“Specifically, histatin-1 promoted skin cell contact and spreading as well as migration in the wound closure tests.

“Finally, we showed that salivary histatin-1 is required for the promigratory effects of saliva on skin cells.

“In conclusion, we report salivary histatin-1 is a novel proangiogenic factor that may contribute to oral wound healing.”

Journal editor Dr Thoru Pederson, of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, welcomed the exciting discovery.

He added: “The clear results of the present study open a wide door to a therapeutic advance.

“They also bring to mind the possible meaning of animals, and often children, ‘licking their wounds.’”

Complaints about parking charges more than doubled in the last year

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Complaints about parking charges more than doubled in the last year according to the latest figures released by consumer advice website, Resolver.

The research found that 2,748 people complained to Resolver about their parking fines in the last financial year. This was an increase of 111 per cent on the previous year (1,300).

However the latest findings do not fully depict the scale of charges of council land as individual councils are responsible for these fines.

People don’t realise they have a right to complain

With 1,405 parking fine complaints made from April 2017 alone, Resolver expects this trend to continue.

James Walker, founder of Resolver says, “We’ve seen a huge increase in complaints about private parking fees over the last few years at Resolver.

“Yet the vast majority of people we speak to still tell us that they didn’t realise they had any right to make a complaint, felt intimidated into paying up, or were just so angry about their experience they didn’t want to deal with it.”

He adds, “So if you feel that you’ve not been treated fairly due to a parking charge, don’t give up – it’s not hard to make a complaint.”

In total Resolver has received 5,663 complaints about private parking companies since the service began in September 2014.

Resolver’s private parking tips

1. Don’t stick your head in the sand. Private parking companies will increase their charges if you don’t pay up. Act quickly and tell them to suspend charges while you formally complain.

2. Don’t pay up straight away. But do tell the firm you’re going to appeal. It’s often harder (but not impossible) to get your cash back after you’ve paid. But don’t assume the firm has no right to charge you. Deal with the situation head on.

3. Gather evidence. The pay and display sign forms part of your contact with the parking firm. If it’s unclear, hidden, overgrown, vandalized, etc, you can argue you were misled. Take photos, write down everything you can remember, get witnesses if need be.

4. Give the human touch. We’ve seen shocking cases, from midwives at hospitals being ticketed while helping expectant mothers to people rushed in to hospital being charged for not being back to their cars in time. Parking firms aren’t charities. But explain why you weren’t able to pay in time or return to the car.

5. Tell the landowner. Parking companies are working for the landowner. If their contractor is being overbearing or intimidating, they need to know about it.

Nando’s giving away FREE chicken to all A-level students

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Restaurant chain, Nando’s, is giving away free chicken to A-level students across the UK this week.

“On August 17 anyone picking up their A-Level (or equivalent) results will be able to grab themselves a free quarter chicken or Firestarter* on that day,” a Nando’s spokesman confirmed.

“Just bring your results papers, ID and spend a minimum of seven pounds in any restaurant across the UK (excluding Scotland) and you will be eligible.

“Don’t worry Nando’s don’t need to see your grades, unless you want to brag about them!”

The deal does not include Wing Roulette or All Together Now and the offer is open to students who are legal residents of the UK with the exception of Scotland.

The offer runs until 17th August 2017 and can only be redeemed once.

For more information and the terms and conditions visit the Nandos website.

Leighton back in pole position for promotion to the top flight

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Leighton Buzzard retook Cherwell League Division 2 top spot as they cruised past Cropredy on Saturday.

Their six wicket triumph saw them take over at the top of the league table, just a single point ahead of Buckingham Town 2nds, who beat fellow title contenders Challow and Childrey as they slipped from first to third, 13 points adrift of the new leaders.

Things got off to a flyer at Bell Close, and it was a start the visitors would never recover from.

With the combination of Dan Scott and Jack Kempster, Cropredy quickly found themselves 6-4 as the duo tore through them. Kempster would end with figures of 3-40, while Scott took 3-23, and it spelled disaster for Cropredy, who limped to 46-7 before mounting something of a resistance.

Jake Waters (44) and Jamie Jennings (28 not out) managed to put some runs on the board for the visitors, but when Alan Francis (2-19) removed Waters with the score at 81-8, the writing was on the wall.

The tail showed a little sign of life, but they eventually succumbed for just 124.

Stark contrast to Cropredy’s opening, Leighton openers Kempster and Phil Whatmore set out their stall early, and put the home side in pole position to take the victory.

Putting on 56 for the opening wicket, Kempster fell for 24, and though they lost Mark Burfoot for a duck, Leighton and in particular Whatmore, continued to power on.

Whatmore would go on to score 76 of Leighton’s 128 runs before being bowled out by Jacob Heath, so it was left to Wayne Tyas (19 not out) and Dave Roberts (3 not out) to seal the victory, and indeed top spot.

In Division 5, Leighton Buzzard 2nds climbed to fifth with a four wicket win over Oxford 3rds.

Greg Proudfoot was the pick of the bowlers for Leighton as his remarkable 4-4 saw Oxford back in the pavilion with just 135 runs to their name.

The reply got off to a shaky start though with just seven runs scored by the top four, but an unbeaten 57 from Andy Smith guided Leighton (138-6) to victory.

Smith’s brace gets Leighton Town off to winning start

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Lorrel Smith fired a late winner six minutes from time to hand Leighton Town a 2-1 victory over London Tigers on Saturday on the opening weekend of the SSML Premier Division.

Smith’s strike in the 84th minute came after his first half opener, and just four minutes after London Tigers thought they’d done enough to snatch a point when Kledes Ramas equalised for the home side.

Town dominated the first half proceedings, but struggled to get the killer touch and take the lead.

James Towell stung the palms of Tigers keeper Dorzas with a good strike, while Dom Marsala was proving to be Town’s best outlet, zipping a ball across the face of goal without a Town boot to convert it.

But with a minute of the half remaining, Smith managed to get on the end of another Marsala cross, this time poking it home to give Town the lead heading into the second period.

Tigers looked a much better prospect in the second half as Town sat back and allowed the home side to attack, much to manager Scott Reynolds’ dismay.

While Marsala had one chalked off for offside, Town thought they’d squandered two points when Ramas fired across Tom Wyant to equalise with 10 minutes to go.

But just four minutes later, Smith burst in behind the Tigers’ defence to win it for Town, picking up their first victory of the new season.

Primark reveals how to pronounce shop name

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It’s a debate that you may not know exists, but in the world of social media, it has been a hotly debated topic.

So fierce is the debate over the pronunciation of Primark that some customers have even asked in stores across the UK about the proper way to pronounce Primark.

Others have submitted a written question on the ‘help’ section of the Primark website.

Much debate has followed the brand over the pronunciation of their name, with customers debating whether it should be called “Pr-eye-mark” or “Pree-mark”.

Finally, Primark have revealed the correct way to say their store name.

In the ‘other stuff’ segment of their ‘queries’ page, where you can search for FAQs, they answer the question: “How do you pronounce Primark?”

They responded saying: “That’s a very good question. We like to use Pr-Eye-Mark.”

Have you been wrong this entire time? How do you say Primark?


Just Ask to know more about services available in Leighton Buzzard

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Residents can find out more information about local services and support available to them at an event in Leighton Buzzard tomorrow (Tuesday, August 15).

The Just Ask event is hosted by Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council and Aragon Housing and will take place in the Market Square from 9am to 1.30pm.

Visitors to the brightly coloured bus will have the chance to find out a wealth of topics relating to social care, health, housing, children’s services and learning opportunities.

So far this summer more than 900 people have visited the one-stop shop during its tour across Central Bedfordshire.

Professionals with different areas of expertise including children, young people, families, older people and carers will be on hand to answer your questions.

Cllr Carole Hegley, Executive Member for Social Care and Housing, said: “This is a great opportunity to find out what is going on in the area as well as local support and services available. There is also the opportunity to have your say on our Draft Local Plan and other consultations currently taking place.

“If you are in Leighton Buzzard on Tuesday, please come on board and find out more for yourself, family members, friends or neighbours.”

For information about the Just Ask events you can visit Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire’s website, email info@healthwatch-centralbedfordshire.org.uk or call 0300 303 8554.

Man hurt in collision involving a car and bike in Linslade

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Police are investigating after a man was injured in a collision on Stoke Road, in Linslade, on Sunday.

Officers were called to reports of a collision involving a car and a bicycle in stoke Road at the junction with Golden Riddy, just before 9.30am.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Officers attended, along with other emergency services and the road was closed for a short time.

“One man was taken to hospital for further treatment.

“Officers are continuing to carry out enquiries in relation to the incident.”

If you have any information about the incident call 101.

Music, cider and perry at The Black Lion!

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Residents of LBO land treated their tastebuds to 101 different ciders and perries, as the annual Black Lion cider festival was a roaring success.

The Leighton Buzzard High Street pub had alcohol from across the country, some from Virtual Orchard, MK, and some from as far as Scotland! Nikki Brodin, of The Black Lion, said: “We have so much support with our festivals and we are known to go all out, with crazy flavours like banoffee and names like ‘Dark Cider the Moon’.”

Look out for their beer festival, Leighton at War, with 70 beers, from August 24-28.

A4146 closed between Stoke Hammond and Bletchley

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Motorists are being advised that the A4146 is currently closed between Stoke Hammond and Bletchley due to an accident.

The road has been closed between Stoke Road and Galley Lane, affecting traffic travelling into Bletchley and Milton Keynes.

The accident happened on the A4146 Eastbound.

Thames Valley Police are at the scene.

KidsOut boost as store staff pay tribute to Jamie

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Staff from Morrisons and Tesco raised more than £700 for 
KidsOut at the annual football match for the charity on Sunday, August 6, at Leighton Town Football Club.

This year the football match was dedicated to Jamie Parker who died in May after he was involved in a collision with a car. He worked at Tesco in Vimy Road, and his colleagues who played in the match wore shirts with his name on the back in his memory. Morrisons won the memorial shield 3-2. Both supermarkets provided raffle prizes and food for a BBQ on the day.

All the food left over was donated to Leighton-Linslade Homeless Service. KidsOut, based in Leighton Buzzard, provides a range of services to help change the lives of disadvantaged children.

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