This is the shocking moment a thankfully empty child’s buggy was ripped apart when it rolled across a railway platform and into the path of an oncoming train as footage is released to serve as a warning to parents.

Video footage shows the pink pushchair, which had shopping bags attached to it, slowly drifted away from the mum, who was holding her child in her arms.

The empty pushchair hit the side of the train and was smashed to bits as the shocked mum watched on in horror.

The 1.03-minute video ends with the mangled buggy and its contents strewn across the platform on Nuneaton Train Station, Warks.

Footage of the incident, which happened back in July, was this week released by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) as a warning to parents.

Paul Leach, the RSSB’s lead human factors specialist, said: “The best way of keeping you, your children and your belongings safe is to keep hold of your pram, fully applying the brake where possible.

“We know that anyone looking after children will have their hands full and may feel they can’t keep an eye on everything and everyone at once.

“But the CCTV at Nuneaton shows just how important it is to keep control of a pushchair.

“For its part, the rail industry will always want to work to make things safer for passengers.

“We are working closely with Network Rail, passenger and freight train operators and other rail bodies on the issues.

“Our research on aerodynamic risks have informed better standards for companies to follow, to help reduce risk to passengers on trains and on stations.”

A charity ambassador for Luton and Dunstable University Hospital is visiting Jules Fashion Accessories in Leighton Buzzard to promote breast cancer awareness next week.

Denise Coates, of Houghton Regis, is visiting the fashion shop in Market Square to raise awareness in the town about the work the Breast Cancer Unit at the hospital does and raise money for the unit.

Jules Fashion Accessories will be donating 10% of the week’s takings, from Monday, October 16, to the Breast Cancer Unit at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

Mary Shilletto, who has owned the shop since 2010, said: “We are supporting the event next week because I think it is a great cause, I have known Denise for quite a few years and I am happy to support her in raising money for the Breast Cancer Unit at the hospital.

“The majority of our customers are women so hopefully we can help raise awareness, we are a local business and we like to give back when we can and we thought this would be a great opportunity.

“What they do is amazing and hopefully we can raise a few hundred pound for them, so if anyone is thinking about starting their Christmas shopping early, next week is a great time to pop in store.”

Denise will be at the store on Thursday, October 19, she wants to give back to the hospital after they cared for her during her treatment, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent surgery and radiotherapy treatment.

She said: “I am grateful for the support from Jules Fashion Accessories and hopefully we can raise awareness in the community and raise money for the unit.

“I want to give back and help the medical staff and the breast cancer care unit continue their incredible work. I’m fundraising and visiting schools to give talks on Breast Cancer awareness and early detection. We are hoping to raise £74,000 to purchase an ultrasound and portable X-Ray machine, to help further improve the quality of care.”

Anglian Water is issuing advice to residents after engineers had to clear a blockage in a sewer in Hockliffe today (Tuesday).

Engineers were alerted to a water leak in Birch’s Close, when they arrived they established that it was water coming from a sewer, caused by items which should not be in there.

An Anglian Water spokesperson said: “We were alerted to a leak from a nearby sewer on Birch’s Close, Hockliffe.

“Sadly, this was entirely avoidable as it was caused by a build up of cooking fats and wipes, which should not be in the sewer in the first place.

“The fats and wipes combine in the sewer and cause fatberg blockages that force the sewage to back up and overflow.

“Our engineers worked on site today (Tuesday, October 10) to clear the blockage and wash and disinfect the patch of grass that had been affected.

“Everyone can do their bit to keep pipes clear and prevent a repeat issue.

“The good news is it doesn’t take much effort: allow fats to cool and scrape them into the bin rather than pouring them down the sink.

“And put wipes in the bin, not down the loo - even if they say flushable on the label.

“We clear a blockage every 15 minutes on average, and we spend £15 million every year jetting and clearing sewers - that’s money that could be better used elsewhere if these items were not flushed or rinsed down the sink.”

Harlequins are celebrating eight county champions after a sensational display at the Artistic County 4 Piece Competition.

The Leighton Buzzard sent 21 gymnasts to the competition and as well as eight champions, boasted plenty of medallists too.

In Level 7 aged 7/8, Hannah Cladd took the bronze medal on bar with a score of 11.1, took bronze on beam with a score of 10.45, took the gold medal on floor with a score of 11.8 and came 7th on vault with a score of 9.86. She took the silver medal overall with a score of 43.21. Ruby Perkins took the silver medal on bar with a score of 11.2, came 4th on beam with a score of 10.15, took the silver medal on floor with a score of 11.6 and took another silver medal on vault with a score of 10.46, earning her the title of county champion with a score of 43.41. Lucy Walsh took the gold medal on bar with a score of 11.4, came 7th on beam with a score of 9.5, took the bronze medal on floor with a score of 11.5 and took the gold medal on vault, to earn herself a bronze medal overall, scoring 42.9.

In Level 7 aged 9/10, Ulani McCabe Huggins took the silver medal on bar with a score of 10.45, took the bronze medal on beam with a score of 8.5, took the silver medal on floor with a score of 11.75 and took a gold medal on vault with a score of 10.4, to receive a silver medal overall with a total score of 41.1. Amy Sayell took gold on bar with a score of 11.15, took gold on beam with a score of 11.3, took another gold on floor with a score of 11.9 and took a silver medal on vault with a score of 10.13, becoming county champion with a score of 44.48. Annie Hoskins came 4th on bars with a score of 10.15, took the silver medal on beam with a score of 9.4, took a bronze medal for floor with a score of 11.1 and earned another bronze on vault with a score of 10.1. She took the bronze medal overall with a score of 40.75.

In Level 6 aged 9/10 Stella Rowley took a bronze medal on bar with a score of 9.95, came 5th on beam with a score of 10.4, came 4th on floor with a score of 10.95 and took the bronze medal on vault with a score of 10.4, to come 4th overall with a score of 41.7. Evie-Mai Crossley took the silver medal on bar with a score 10, took another silver on beam with a score 11.55, added another silver to the collection with a score of 11.65 on floor and came 4th on vault with a score of 10.36, to take the silver medal overall with a score of 43.56. Shai-Amari Freckleton had a clean sweep taking the gold medals for all four pieces, with a bar score of 10.05, a beam score of 11.8, a floor score of 11.75 and a vault score of 10.86. Her overall score was 45.46, earning her the title of county champion.

In Level 6 aged 11+, Olivia Lawrence came 4th on bar with a score 8.8, took the bronze medal on beam with a score of 9.9, took the silver medal on floor with a score of 11.1 and the silver medal on vault with a score of 10.16. She took the bronze medal overall, with a score of 39.96.

In Level 5 aged 9, Darcey Wraight took the gold medal on bar with a score of 10.85, took gold on beam with a score of 11.4, took the silver medal on floor with a score of 10.8 and took another gold medal on vault with a score of 10.66, earning her the title of county champion with a score of 43.71.

In Level 5 aged 10/11, Emma Layzell came 4th on bar with a score of 10.15, took the bronze medal on beam with a score of 11.3, came 5th on floor with a score of 10.9 and came 4th on vault with a score of 10.43, receiving the bronze medal overall with a score of 42.78. Clara Foster took the gold medal on bar with a score of 11.2, came 5th on beam with a score of 9.75, came 4th on floor with a score of 11.1, and took the bronze medal on vault with a score of 10.56, to come 4th overall with a score of 42.61. Cassidy Pratt took the bronze medal on bar with a score of 10.65, took the gold medal on beam with a score of 11.85, took the gold medal on floor with a score of 11.9, and took the silver medal on vault with a score of 10.66. She scored 45.06 overall, to become county champion. Elizabeth Hardie took the silver medal on bar with a score of 10.75, came 4th on beam with a score of 10.85, took the silver medal on floor with a score of 11.2 and took the gold medal on vault with a score of 10.83, to take the silver medal overall with a score of 43.63.

In Level 4 aged 10/11, Caitlin Garbutt took the bronze medal on bar with a score of 10.3, took the silver medal on beam with a score of 9.35, took the gold medal on floor with a score of 10.8 and took another gold medal on vault with a score of 10.63, earning her the silver medal overall with a score of 41.08. Thalia Marrone took the silver medal on bar with a score of 10.5, took the bronze medal on beam with a score of 7.85, took the bronze medal on floor with a score of 10.6 and took a bronze medal on vault with a score of 10.06, to take the bronze medal overall with a score of 39.01. Imogen Cook took the gold medal on bar with a score of 10.9, took the gold medal on beam with a score of 9.55, added another gold to the collection for floor with a score of 10.8 and took a silver on vault with a score of 10.56. Overall, she scored 41.81, to receive the title of county champion.

In Level 4 aged 12/13, Madison Wraight took the gold medal on bar with a score of 10.95, took the bronze medal on beam with a score of 10.15, took the gold medal on floor with a score of 11.05 and earned a gold medal on vault with a score of 11.46. Her total score equalled 43.61, meaning she also took the title of county champion.

In Level 3 aged 11/12, Bethany Smith took the gold medal on bar with a score of 9.9, took silver on beam with a score of 9.85, took silver on floor with a score of 10.75 and took silver on vault with a score of 12.03, earning her the silver medal overall with a score of 42.53. Morgan Cook took a silver medal on bar with a score of 9.8, but took gold medals for the other three pieces. She scored 11.25 on beam, 10.85 on floor and 12.3 on vault. Her overall score was 44.2, earning her the title of county champion.

Bedfordshire Police’s Special Constabulary has volunteered over 16,000 hours of service during 100 Days of Action.

New Specials Chief Officer Clint Sharp introduced 100 Days of Action, which ran from 1 July, when he was appointed, and 8 October, to demonstrate the variety of the tasks the Specials are involved in.

In that time, the Specials have:

>arrested 95 people

>seized 27 vehicles

>issued 14 street cautions

>supported policing at five football matches

>volunteered 340 hours at community events

>spent nearly 2000 hours on duty during busy night time and weekend shifts in Bedford

>spent 1500 hours on duty at Luton airport

In addition, the Specials also ran seven Operation Meteor events, which aimed to crack down on nuisance bikers and help disrupt the illegal and dangerous practice of riding off-road bikes in public places. They also assisted with patrols in burglary hotspots, and volunteered alongside regular officers at London Luton Airport.

Ten new Special Constables were also welcomed to the force during the 100 Days of Action, after swearing an oath at a ceremony at Police Headquarters. Having completed their initial training, the new Specials will undergo further on-the-job training, receiving support from experienced colleagues before they are able to work independently.

Special Constabulary Chief Officer Clint Sharp said: “The amount of hours contributed by the Specials over the last 100 days shows extraordinary effort and dedication to fighting crime in Bedfordshire and keeping our county safe. We have a great team of officers all across the county, and the results speak for themselves.

“Specials provide a vital service to the county, supporting their regular colleagues and helping with numerous operations. I’m really proud of the results we’ve seen; particularly as the 16,000 hours have been volunteered by 174 Specials. Our Special Constabulary may be smaller than some of the other establishments, but we are punching well above our weight in terms of the hours we volunteer and the things we are able to support. The average hours per month, per officer is around 35, which is over twice the Home Office requirement and what officers sign up to.

“I’m proud of what we have achieved in the past 100 days, and I’m looking forward to seeing what more we can achieve in the future.”

To find out more about the Specials visit: www.bedfordshire.police.uk, email: CIP@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk, or call 01234 842699.

Residents complaining about noise coming from two Leighton Buzzard town centre pubs have had Central Beds Council step in on their behalf.

The Top Bell has agreed to close its beer garden after residents said they were being disturbed by customers.

Additionally, Central Beds Council’s pollution team has been in talks with the Picture House after the same complainants said they were upset at noise from an air conditioning unit.

A CBC report reveals: “We have had a number of problems with noise from the Top Bell over recent years. Currently we are dealing with a complaint about noise from patrons in the garden. We have now agreed the area will be closed completely to patrons and the complainants are satisfied with all involvement.

“The Picture House have an air con unit and extract which were causing disturbance to the same complainants of the Top Bell.

“We have met with the brewery and the air con unit has been condemned with a replacement on order. The extract will be cleaned, serviced and reassessed at a future meeting with the brewery.”

CBC also got involved with the National Noise Action Week campaign which this year focussed on noise from pubs and clubs.

It said: “We arranged drop-in sessions and information packs for licensees to provide advice on how best to manage and control noise from their premises impacting on the surrounding area.

“In the Leighton Buzzard area, we had a turn out of three licensees attend the drop-in session and a further two requested the information pack we produced.”

CBC also had a complaint that Leedon service station’s generator was causing disturbance to local residents, but it has been resolved with sound mitigation measures put in place.

In total, over the past six months, CBC says its pollution team responded to 30 complaints about commercial premises in the Leighton Buzzard area, with 24 of these due to noise (three from pubs/clubs, and five were noise from construction sites.

They also had three alleged light nuisance complaints, one of which was from a pub, and investigated two odour complaints, one of which was from a farm. There was one complaint about rubbish accumulation at a commercial premises.

Engineers have transformed a Nissan GT-R into the world’s ultimate radio controlled racer - capable of 196MPH - and raced it around Silverstone.

British firm JLB Design fitted the Nissan with four robots to operate the steering, transmission, brakes and throttle.

A dual-shock Sony PlayStation controller, with a range of 1km, can then be used to drive the car at almost three times the motorway speed limit.

Nismo racing driver and Gran Turismo gamer Jann Mardenborough was then given the controller and told to lap Silverstone.

Mardenborough, 26, sat in the cockpit of a helicopter as he tailed the Nissan GT-R around the home of racing on the Bucks and Northamptonshire border.

He managed to complete a lap of the circuit in just 1 minute 17 seconds - averaging 76mph and reaching a top speed of 131mph.

The life-size remote control car was just 7mph slower than a human driving the GTR.

Nissan says the car’s performance is not restricted by the radio controls so in the right conditions it is capable of a staggering 196mph - with no one in the driver’s seat.

Mardenborough described it as ‘once-in-a-lifetime, truly epic stuff’.

He said: “The GT-R /C has brought my two worlds together – the virtual of gaming and the reality of motorsport – in a way I never thought possible.

“The response from the car when using the controller was far more engaging than I thought it would be.

“Steering, acceleration and braking were all intelligently configured, allowing for controlled application so I could really get a feel through the corners and hold it steady down the fast straights.

“Driving a full-size, remote-control GT-R to 131mph at Silverstone whilst chasing it down in a helicopter was an unforgettable experience.”

In 2018, the Nissan GT-R /C will be used in a tour of primary and secondary schools in the UK to promote future careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects.

James Brighton, JLB Design Ltd, added: “The GT-R /C presented some unique challenges and a number of engineering firsts for us.

“We had to ensure the robotics would operate effectively during fast acceleration/deceleration as well as high cornering g-forces, deliver realistic and reassuring control of the car at all speeds, and maintain a robust connection between the car and the DualShock over variable distances and with minimal latency in robot response times.

“I’m delighted to say all these challenges were overcome but it is testament to Jann’s unique skillset that he was able to master the vehicle’s operation in a very short period of time whilst delivering some truly impressive lap times.”

Waste flytipped at the infamous “Train Robbers’ Bridge” has led to the prosecution of the operator of a Leighton Buzzard road lining company.

Lee Higgins, 45, pleaded guilty at High Wycombe Magistrates Court on October 4 to offences relating to waste dumped at Bridego Railway Bridge in Mentmore.

The court heard that in September 2016 reports of dumped waste were made by Mentmore Parish Council to an investigator from the Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire.

On September 6 the investigator inspected the dumped waste and found a large number of industrial paint tins which had contained road lining paint. Details on paperwork within the dumped waste were traced to a road lining company from Leighton Buzzard operated by the defendant Mr Higgins.

When interviewed, Mr Higgins denied dumping the waste, but admitted transferring the waste to an unknown third party without checking their identity or credentials as a waste carrier.

The Magistrates fined Higgins £450, and ordered him to pay clean-up compensation and prosecution costs of £3,000. A victim surcharge of £45 was also levied – making a total to pay of £3,495.

Aylesbury Vale District Council Cabinet Member for Environment Sir Beville Stanier, speaking on behalf of the Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire, said: “This dumping would have been avoided if Mr Higgins had used a legitimate waste company rather than paying a ‘man with a van’ cash in hand.

“Although Mr Higgins would have had to pay a professional firm for the disposal of this potentially hazardous material, it would have saved him the £3,500 bill from the court, and avoided a criminal record.”

Since November 2003 the Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire has secured over 620 convictions against individuals and companies for illegal dumping and related offences, resulting in a significant saving to the Buckinghamshire taxpayer over the period, principally through reduced removal and disposal costs.

> To report dumped waste go to http://old.buckscc.gov.uk/fly

A wide range of classical musicians will have their work played at a concert hosted by Leighton Buzzard Music Club later this month.

The Pellas Ensemble will be performing at the Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre on Saturday October 21.

This young trio of musicians consist of Oliver Wass on the harp, Henry Roberts playing the flute, and Luba Tunnicliffe on the viola.

The trip will present a varied programme of music by the likes of Debussy, Bax, Mussorgsky, Tchaikovsky and Ravel.

They are the winners of the Grand Prize in the St. Martin-in-the Fields Music Competition and many other awards, their performance creates an intimate connection with their audience.

The club has been bringing classical concerts to the town for more than six decades and have arranged several over the years.

There will be half a dozen more coming for the rest of the season which will finish in April 2018.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets for the show are £14 for adults and £12.50 for members of Leighton Buzzard Music Club. Entrance for children under 16 is free.

They are available from Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre Box Office by calling 0300 300 8125 or by visiting www.leightonbuzzardlibrarytheatre.co.uk.

For further information about the concert, future events, or the club generally visit www.lmbusic.co.uk

Big-hearted Leighton Buzzard-based golfers have donated over £4,000 to two local charities which provide support for people with health related challenges.

Members of the Plum Duffs, a group whose activities are managed by retired Leighton turf accountant Geoff Dimmock, meet for weekly competitions at the Plantation Road course – and since it was formed 17 years ago have raised over £60,000 for worthy causes.

Now after the latest charity day competition involving 117 players at the Leighton club, Geoff handed over cheques for £2,000 to the Chiltern Multiple Sclerosis Centre and £2,000 to the Leighton Otters swimming club which focuses on encouraging young people with special needs.

And with a twist of irony, it was former golf club President Kevin O’Donoghue, a long-time supporter of the Otters club, who took top spot with 41 points. Kevin has been Chairman of the Otters club for 15 years.

County President David Hawkins beat Steve Shepherd for the runners-up spot on countback after both finished with 40 pts; David Hanley pipped Mark Hammond for fourth on countback after both finished with 39pts and Barry Wills, Peter Morgan, John Latimer, Chris Figg and Steve Nicholl all finished with 38pts.

Lesley Bednarek was top scoring female with 33pts, two more than runner-up Barbara Rickard with Lesley Brazier third.

The English National Ballet will make a return to Milton Keynes Theatre with two productions.

Kenneth MacMillan’s masterpiece Song of the Earth and Frank Andersen’s recreation of the beloved classic La Sylphide are coming to the area from Tuesday to Saturday, October 17 to 21.

Song of the Earth is inspired by Mahler’s haunting song cycle Das Lied von der Erde, MacMillan brings music, poetry and choreography together to capture the fragility of life, and its constant renewal.

Three central figures portray the bittersweet reality of love, loss, and mortality: a Woman, a Man and an enigmatic Messenger.

First performed in 1965, Song of the Earth was a point of departure for MacMillan’s choreography, surprising and captivating audiences and critics.

A spokesman for the English National Ballet said the company is honoured to add this revered MacMillan work to its repertoire.

It has been described by the Financial Times as a piercing art of work.

La Sylphide is set on the morning of James’s wedding to his sweet fiancée Effy. James awakens from a dream to see a mysterious and tantalising Sylphide before him.

His obsession with her sets off a fateful sequence of events where joy turns to sorrow, love to betrayal and infatuation to tragedy.

August Bournonville’s classic romantic ballet is devotedly recreated by Eva Kloborg and Frank Andersen in this captivating production, and is accompanied by an enchanting score, played live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic.

Tickets cost from £13.90 to £49.90 with matinee performances starting at 2.30pm on the Thursday and Saturday of the run.

For further information about the show or to book tickets in advance call the box office on 0844 871 7652 or, alternatively, visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes.

Sandy’s lead at the head of Division One supported by O’Neills is now down to goal difference after their unbeaten away run ended in a 2-1 defeat at Riseley Sports.

James Crooke and James Jermyn scored the home goals against a penalty reply from Matt Johnson, a result that sees Riseley move into second.

Now in third, just a single point behind the top two but having played two games fewer are Totternhoe Reserves who won 5-0 at Lea Sports PSG.

Tom Howson with a brace was joined on the scoresheet by Calum Burgess, Antony O’Grady and Lee Fromant to bring up the nap hand.

Whilst climbing the table into fifth are Wixams who made it three away wins on the bounce with a 5-3 victory at The 61 FC Luton Reserves who are still looking for their first win of the season. Gareth White and Grant Tibbett both scored twice and Adam Jellis once against home replies via a Kane Dempsey brace plus a single strike from Ben Holdsworth.

Also winning on the road were both Henlow and Cople & Bedford SA. Goals from Antony Bowskill and Ryan Lamond on his Henlow debut took them to a 2-0 win at Biggleswade FC Reserves whilst the SA claimed their first win of the season in winning 7-2 at Meltis Albion. Ollie Hughes led the way with a hat-trick and he was joined on the scoresheet by single goals from Lucas Banton, James Munns, Gary Canzano and Ben Marwood againt an Albion brace in reply from Adam Cranny.

Division Two

League leaders Houghton Athletic failed to take full advantage of second place Renhold United Reserves and third place Wilstead Reserves sitting the afternoon out when they were held to a 0-0 draw at Luton Leagrave AFC to skip just a point clear at the head of the standings.

Henlow Reserves missed the chance to move into second when suffering their first defeat of the season 3-2 at home against Bedford Albion. Paul Babbington, Adam Lewis and Ryan Kelly were on the Albion scoresheet against home replies via Russell Ayles and Keith Milburn.

Now just behind Henlow Reserves in fifth spot are Atletico Europa who are unbeaten in their last five outings after winning 3-0 at CS Rovers who were duly losing their seasons 100% home ways. Aaron Van Horne with a brace plus a single strike from Paddy Alimanji did the damage.

Elsewhere Elstow Abbey came from behind to win 2-1 at Westoning. A James Stewart penalty fired the home side ahead before first Dean Leydon levelled matters up in the opening half and Charisma Agyemang banged home the second half winner.

Division Three

The new Divison Three leaders are Kempston Athletic who maintained their unbeaten away record with a 3-2 victory at Sandy Reserves who have now lost their last five games. Josh St Clair Pierre with a brace plus Kian Marashi saw their goals only replied to by a home brace from Liam Brophy.

Losing out on that top spot were White Swan who lost their 100% away record when beaten 5-2 at Clifton who are now just goal difference behind them in third and still unbeaten this season. Cameron Lewis with a brace plus goals from Josh Darnell, Dylan Donaldson and James Gough brought up the home nap hand against replies via Levi Yearwood and Callum Green.

Slipping down the table from third to fourth are Harlington after they were beaten 3-1 at home by Lidlington United Reserves. Carl Pearson, Brendan Cunningham and Edward Janes were the United goalscorers against one in reply from Adam Morgan.

Bottom of the table Wootton Village are still awaiting their first win of the season after being defeated 1-0 at Dinamo Flitwick for whom Daniel Day netted the all important goal.

Elsewhere Bedford Albion Reserves ran out 6-3 winners at White Eagles. Tom Wade with a brace was joined on the Albion scoresheet by Aaron Wilson, Simon Wade, Dan Jeffries and Josh Emberton against Eagles replies via Andriej Zjablicews, Jan Bucur and Kamil Czajkowski.

A Leighton Buzzard firm found itself on the wrong side of the law after hundred of imported flick knives were intercepted at an airport.

Customs officers found 961 flick knives in boxes marked ‘cutlery and novelty items’ arriving from the US, when they intercepted the stash at East Midlands Airport on February 15.

UK Immigration Authority forfeited the items before they could be sent to publishers Artemis Webb Ltd, based in Drakes Avenue, Leighton Buzzard. The firm was ordered to pay costs of £376 after a hearing at Nottingham Magistrates Court last week.

A Home Office spokesman said: “Border Force plays a pivotal role in protecting our communities from harm and we have dedicated and experienced officers working tirelessly to detect and seize dangerous items like these.

“Border Force officers are the front line in protecting the country and play a key role in preventing and detecting banned and restricted goods, illegal immigration, tackling organised crime and the threat of terrorism.”

It is understood the knives have since been melted down.

Conspirators at The Rotary Club of Leighton Linslade have been discovered planning a massive bonfire and pyrotechnics display at Brooklands School.

This dastardly event is due on Saturday, November 4 at 6.45pm. Gates open at 5.45pm, with the bonfire to be lit at 6.45pm followed by fireworks.

Members of the public wishing to witness the show may purchase tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk (search leighton buzzard rotary).

You can also get tickets from Quarters Estate Agents (High Street), AEH Inwards Motors (Grovebury Road) and Adrienne’s Florists (opposite Waitrose). You can pay on the gate, but advance tickets give you fast-track access and are cheaper.

There will also be a free bus from Sandhills Shop and Bideford Green.

Proceeds from the event will support Rotary’s new venture ‘Yes We Can” disabled sports for Leighton Buzzard.

Leighton Town moved up to fifth in SSML Premier Division after a well-earned 2-1 win over fellow high-flyers Hoddesdon Town on Tuesday night.

After a scrappy 1-0 win over Colney Heath on Saturday, Scott Reynolds' side made it back-to-back league victories thanks to goals from James Hatch and Alex O'Brien.

READ MORE: Leighton boss boldly believes his side are ‘best in the league’
Hoddesdon started the better of the two sides on home soil, but barely threatened the Leighton goal as the visitors struggled to settle. When they did get into their stride though, they played the better football.

But with the game appearing to be heading to the interval goal-less, O'Brien's free kick caused havoc in the Hoddesdon penalty area, allowing Hatch to rifle Leighton ahead.

Chances were much harder to come by in the second half, but Leighton took a deserved 2-0 lead when O'Brien scored after good work from Lewis McBride.

The home side played their best football after falling further behind, but struggled to make it past some resolute defending from Leighton. But with 10 minutes to go, they pulled one back to make it a nervy final few minutes for Reynolds' side, though they held on to take the three points.

This Saturday, Town visit Tring Athletic.

Youngsters with learning disabilities had super summer adventures thanks to local sixth formers and volunteers at Leighton Buzzard Mencap.

The charity, who provide support and opportunities to those with learning disabilities and their families, held their annual Summer Holiday Club for eight to 17-year-olds, with activities ranging from swimming to circus skills.

The club gives young people with additional needs the chance to try activities, with the help of ‘one to one befriending’ from sixth formers.

Chair of Leighton Buzzard Mencap, Gaye Beattie, said: “This was our 28th year and was the best yet!

“We had three jam-packed weeks of activities with the help of a large team of leaders and a huge contingent of Cedars and Vandyke volunteers.

“We can’t speak highly enough of the students from our two upper schools who give up their time to enable the young people to achieve, to build their confidence, and to have enormous fun.

“To be paired with a sixth former is one of the highlights for the youngsters.

“This year they had a go at skiing, sailing, canoeing, tobogganing, rock climbing and ice skating and they had the opportunity to try circus skills, drumming, pottery, operating a DJ deck, and more!

“We owe particular thanks to Leighton Middle School, Liscombe Park Health Club, the Snow Centre at Hemel, Xscape, and the Caldecotte Xperience, but mostly to the young sixth formers of our town without whom our Holiday Club would not function, and to the amazing group of young people with additional needs who blow our mind every year and who provide so much laughter and fun.”

With mild temperatures and sunny skies, residents and drivers in the Edlesborough and Ivinghoe area may be surprised to see a gritter salting the roads today!

Eight drivers from Transport for Buckinghamshire are taking gritter assessments over coming days (from October 12) to ensure they are ready to help keep the roads safe this winter.

Gritter drivers are required to take reassessment every five years, and demonstrate that they can safely and effectively spread salt on the highway.

Remember, all Bucks County Council’s new gritters still need names – if you have a good idea, email gritternames@buckscc.gov.uk or tweet @tfbalerts.

Two people have been charged in connection with drug offences following a raid at a property in Leighton Buzzard on Wednesday.

A quantity of Class A and B drugs were recovered during the warrant, carried out by the Central Bedfordshire community crime team.

Jordan Ballard, 24, and Jena O’Halleron, 18, both of Ashwell Road, have been charged with possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and possession of Class A drugs.

Mr Ballard and Mr O’Halleron have been bailed pending court appearances.

Anyone with concerns or information about suspicious activity in their area is asked to contact Bedfordshire Police on 101. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

> Follow the activity of the Central Bedfordshire Community Policing team on Twitter @CentralBedsCPT.

A Leighton Buzzard pensioner is facing jail after being convicted of child sexual abuse dating back 50 years.

84-year-old James Smith, of Steppingstone Place, was found guilty of ten counts of sexual abuse following a trial at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday, October 10.

He was convicted of six counts of rape, two counts of inciting a child to commit an act of gross indecency and two counts of indecent assault.

During the trial the jury heard how Smith, formerly of Houghton Regis, sexually abused a young girl over a number of years in the 1960s and 1970s.

An investigation was launched after the victim came forward to police in 2015.

Investigating officer Anthony Arrow said: “Smith carried out his despicable abuse over a number of years and we are pleased that he has now been brought to justice.

“The force is continuing to tackle sexual abuse and protect the vulnerable. We want to send a message of reassurance to victims that we will take you seriously and we will investigate all reports of this abhorrent crime. This case should show that it’s never too late to report abuse.

“It takes great courage to come forward and although nothing can change what happened, we hope the results will bring some comfort to the victim.”

Smith was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on November 24.

A successful Leighton Buzzard children’s author introduced guests to her new Highlands mystery story at her book launch in Sorelli Cafe, High Street.

Griselda Gifford, who has written over 30 children’s books, signed copies of her new story on September 26, as she told excited readers about ‘Blood on the Heather’. Main characters, Cat and Kirsty, face dangers when they attempt to help Angus, a boy fleeing from war, and the past and present intertwine in Griselda’s new book for children aged 10 plus.

Griselda said: “We had a lot of fun - it was like a coffee morning . Friends dropped in, and I sold some books! Most people liked the book’s bright jacket. I would like to thank two friends from the Quakers , Margaret Nash - author - and members of the Sorelli writing group (who meet at the cafe once a month) for coming to the signing.”