Just over two weeks after Oakman Inns was awarded the prestigious Princess Royal Training Award, their Human Resource programme received further recognition at the National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs) at the Café de Paris in London.

The NITAs celebrate those who have demonstrated training excellence and innovation in the licensed retail sector.

Oakman Inns, which was started by entrepeneur Peter Borg-Neal in Tring, Herts, now has 20 contemporary Inns with letting rooms and ‘all-day’ pubs across Beds, Bucks, Herts, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and beyond.

And it is fast establishing itself as a leading operator in the industry having won the award for The Best Casual Dining Training Programme after passing a rigorous first stage entry process, followed by a final judging assessment by the British Innkeepers Institute (BII). The assessment included a demanding process of presentations and interviews in front of a panel of industry experts last month.

Oakman Inns’ CEO, Mr Borg-Neal, said: “I am delighted for this recognition of the work Oakman has undertaken under the guidance and inspiration of our HR Director, Jill Scatchard and Learning and Development Manager, Laura Douglas. We have already felt the impact on staffing of the Brexit decision and the fall in the value of sterling, so we are all having to work much harder and very quickly to enthuse, recruit and train the people we need for tomorrow.”

Oakman Inns, which owns and operates 20 distinctive pubs, restaurants and inns, has developed its own bespoke Online Craft Academy to support their growing teams with knowledge and experience. Reflecting the ethos and personality of the company, Oakmanology was designed from scratch by CPL Online to mirror the company’s existing HR programme and to support each Oakman employee’s progression in their chosen career pathway. Learning activities are as visual as possible and after a compulsory ‘induction’ stage, all the craft modules are available 24/7 to every individual regardless of their job role or personal career journey.

This inclusive, flexible approach means that everyone, whatever their role or passion, has access to a structured learning environment where they can find out about other roles and develop new, core skill-sets required for running a casual dining venue.

Jill Scatchard, Oakman Inns’ HR Director, said: “Oakman has won many awards for our staff engagement; for the wide range of benefits we provide; and, most importantly, the career path we develop for our employees. Using the Oakmanology programme, the progress of each individual can be tracked in real time which is linked to an achievement-based incremental pay programme. We have seen more team members experiencing real personal growth and expressing a desire to progress within the company and make a career in hospitality.”

BII CEO, Mike Clist, commented: “The NITAs are a celebration of the most successful individuals and businesses in the licensed retail market today. Our finalists have shown that they value, support and champion their people by continuing to invest in and develop their training programmes. It’s vital that we recognise, reward and share their successes so that we can encourage further innovation in our fantastic industry for years to come. The use of new technology and the holistic approach to the way they design their training programmes, has benefitted their businesses from the ground up and directly impacted on financial performances, growth and staff retention - we congratulate them all.”

The Oakman Collection comprises:

Berkshire:

Walter Arms, Sindlesham

Bedfordshire:

White Hart, Ampthill

Buckinghamshire:

Beech House, Beaconsfield

Dog & Badger, Medmenham

The Akeman Inn, Kingswood

Betsey Wynne, Swanbourne

Essex:

King’s Head, Chipping Ongar

The Anchor, Hullbridge

Hertfordshire:

Kings Arms, Berkhamsted

Banyers House, Royston

Beech House, St Albans

The Red Lion, Water End

The Akeman, Tring

Northamptonshire:

The Navigation at Thrupp Wharf, Cosgrove

Oxfordshire:

The Crown & Thistle, Abingdon

The Old Post Office, Wallingford

Blue Boar, Witney

Warwickshire:

The Globe, Warwick

Four Alls, Welford on Avon

West Midlands:

Beech House, Solihull

OPENING FIRST HALF 2018:

Beech House, Amersham

Cherry Tree, Olney Milton Keynes

Royal Foresters, Ascot

A vet from Heath and Reach Veterinary Surgery is preparing to shave off all her hair in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.

Lisa Roan, 44, works at the vets on Brickhill Road, she is shaving off her hair in an attempt to raise £1000 for the charitable programme that aims to raise money for cancer research.

Her hair will be sent to the Little Princess Trust, a charity which makes wigs for children who have lose their hair to cancer or other illnesses.

She said: “Recently I have lost a family member suddenly to cancer and a colleague lost her dad to cancer, it seems to be a disease that is affecting so many people and I thought enough is enough, I need to try and do something to help, I want to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer’s life-changing research.

“For me, shaving my hair off is something that I am able to do to raise money and I will be helping the Little Princess Trust at the same time.

“I am feeling nervous about it, this won’t be an easy thing for me to do - I love my hair and haven’t had it short in over 30 years.

“It’ll be tough, but certainly not as tough as having cancer and losing your hair to chemotherapy.

“I was hoping to raise £750 but I have already raised £700 so I am going to increase it to £1000.”

Lisa’s hair is just longer than shoulder length, she will be getting a grade one cut at Heath and Reach Vets on Saturday, December 2.

To make a donation go to: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/lisas-giving-page-76.

Morrisons will be supporting KidsOut this festive season with a toy donation station in store.

The supermarket on Lake Street, has chosen to support the charity and is appealing to its customers to donate toys to give to underprivileged children.

KidsOut works to give disadvantaged children positive experiences to support them becoming future members of society and the workforce.

Katharine Smith, community champion for Morrisons Leighton Buzzard, said: “I’m pleased to announce that Morrisons are again supporting children’s charities across the country.

“We are appealing to the generous people of Leighton Buzzard for toy donations for underprivileged children this Christmas.

“The donation station will be accepting gifts of unwrapped toys and children’s books until Monday, December 18. Morrisons would like to wish all their customers a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

The charity believes all children deserve fun and happiness, it organises fun days out, online resources to help with education and the toy box appeal.

There’s a very special connection between Harlington Lower School and CHUMS, the mental health and emotional wellbeing service for children and young people.

And now that close relationship is being featured in a festive song, Together at Christmas Time, sung by a 30–strong choir from the school.

It was composed by local musician Julian Winn and is now available to download later with all money raised going to the social enterprise.

The number was recorded at Stowe School in October.

Julian, 48, who lives in Westoning Road with wife Fiona – a violinist with the Royal Ballet Symphony - has an impressive CV. His credits include being musical director and keyboard player at several West End shows including Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and the current production of Mamma Mia.

The couple’s elder son Jay, 11, went to Harlington and six-year-old Aaron is in Year 2. Both boys took part in the recording.

Julian has always enjoyed composing upbeat songs to engage young minds and decided to adapt the lyrics of one of his compositions for this seasonal fundraiser. He was helped by Jamie Copperwheat of CHUMS who said: “Christmas isn’t always easy, particularly when you’ve lost someone you love, so we rewrote the words to reflect that. But it’s also about hope and standing together in difficult times.”

CHUMS has had a major impact on the school after its compassionate work with youngsters who’ve suffered a bereavement.

Deputy headteacher Mrs Tina Edmonds said: “Several children have had one-to-one emotional support from the service.

“The mother of one young pupil was diagnosed with a brain tumour and CHUMS helped prepare the child for what was going to happen. They were just amazing.

“They were also there for another little girl whose daddy died, so it seemed an obvious charity for us to support.”

Mrs Edmonds added: “Julian held a music workshop at the school and managed to enthuse everyone - they’ve all been very excited about the song.”

Together at Christmas Time is also available on a school programme called Inspiring Music. See http://chums.uk.com/togetheratchristmastime/

Smash hit ITV comedy Benidorm will bring sunshine and smiles with its first ever UK tour coming to Milton Keynes Theatre.

Litten has written an all new set of Alicante escapades for the much-loved cast members, including Jake Canuso (Mateo), Janine Duvitski (Jacqueline), Adam Gillen (Liam), Sherrie Hewson (Joyce Temple-Savage), Shelley Longworth (Sam), and Tony Maudsley (Kenneth) as they swap sangria for the stage next year after a quick spruce at the Blow ‘n’ Go!

Benidorm – Live will be the stage debut production of the hugely popular TV show, and on making its transfer, writer Derren Litten said: “I’ve loved ten years of writing my TV show Benidorm but despite a successful writing career I’m first and foremost a performer so have always been secretly frustrated I couldn't hear the audience’s laughter.

"This national tour of Benidorm Live will not only make a long lasting dream come true but will also mean I no longer have to stand in strangers gardens listening at their windows at 9 o’clock on cold winter evenings.”

ITV’s smash-hit comedy celebrates a decade of all-inclusive hilarity, having followed the ensemble cast of holiday makers and staff for nine series since it first broadcast in 2007.

Season 10 is due to broadcast early 2018. Critically acclaimed, Benidorm has received two National Television Awards a TV Quick Award and nominations at the British Comedy Awards and BAFTAs.

After leaving school in Hull in the late 1980’s Derren Litten spent a year working as a professional magician whilst auditioning for drama schools. He won a place on the 3 year acting course at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama where he met fellow student Catherine Tate.

After 10 years of working as an actor, Derren was asked by Catherine to write for her newly commissioned TV sketch show, The Catherine Tate Show; in which he also appeared in many of the sketches.

After co-writing and appearing in two series and a Christmas Special, Derren was given a script commission by legendary comedy producer Geoffrey Perkins, “just write anything you want as long as it’s funny” he said; that show turned out to be ITV’s BAFTA nominated hit comedy Benidorm.

Derren’s hobbies include drinking and karaoke, usually in that order. He splits his time equally between homes in London and Spain.

Benidorm will visit Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday to Saturday October 15 to 20 next year. Tickets for the show will go on sale from Monday December 4. For further information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call 0844 871 7652.

The Christmas school holidays in LBO land will soon be upon us and here is a reminder of important diary dates for your children, which every parent needs to jot down.

Central Beds Council’s autumn term officially ends with the last lessons on Tuesday, 19 December.

The spring term then starts on Wednesday, 3 January.

Over the border in Bucks, the schools also break up on Tuesday, December 19, but pupils go back a day later than Central Beds, on Thursday, January 4.

Please also check your child’s own school website in case of teaching training days straddling the holidays.

A far right leader banned from Luton has spoken of her delight after being re-tweeted by Donald Trump.

The US President re-tweeted three posts by Britain First leader Jayda Fransen, titled “Muslim migrant beats up Dutch boy on crutches”, “Muslim destroys a statue of Virgin Mary” and “Islamist mob pushes teenage boy off roof and beats him to death!”

Fransen later took to Twitter herself to express her delight at reaching Trump’s 43.6m followers.

She posted: “THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, DONALD TRUMP, HAS RETWEETED THREE OF DEPUTY LEADER JAYDA FRANSEN’S TWITTER VIDEOS! DONALD TRUMP HIMSELF HAS RETWEETED THESE VIDEOS AND HAS AROUND 44 MILLION FOLLOWERS! GOD BLESS YOU TRUMP! GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

Trump’s re-tweeting of the far right leader has been widely condemned across social media.

Brendan Cox, the husband of murdered MP Jo Cox – whose killer shouted “Britain First” before her attack – also took to Twitter. He posted: “Trump has legitimised the far right in his own country, now he’s trying to do it in ours.

“Spreading hatred has consequences & the President should be ashamed of himself.”

St Mary’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, based in Luton, also expressed its disapproval. A spokesman said: “We have met with [Bdritain First]. We have worked to challenge their presence in our town and we have reached out to those impacted by their hatred.

“We are appalled that the President of the most powerful nation in earth has now allied himself with their agenda of hatred.”

Bedfordshire Police successfully passed an injunction against Fransen and fellow Britain First leader Paul Golding in August 2016, banning them from entering Luton or any mosque in England and Wales for three years.

House prices in Luton, Central Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire have risen higher than the national average in the past year.

The new average house price in Central Beds is up 10.58% for 2017 at £316,489 compared to £286,217 in 2016. The average was £61,115 in 1995.

In Luton average prices have risen 6.92% in a year to £240,884. In 2016 the figure had been £225,284. Back in 1995 it was £43,075.

House prices in Buckinghamshire have risen 5.9% over 12 months.

The new average house price in Bucks is £417,293, compared to £394,008 in 2016 and £83,286 in 1995.

The general trend of rising house prices is continuing, with the average UK property reaching £226,367 in September, an increase of 5.4% annually.

England continues to see the biggest price increase compared to the rest of the UK, with house prices increasing by 5.7% over the year to September, reaching £243,945 on average.

The area showing the largest annual growth was Hinckley and Bosworth in Leicestershire, where house prices swelled by 15.9% to reach £215,137 on average.

The lowest annual growth was recorded in Halton, Cheshire, where average prices fell by 5.2%. The City of London meanwhile has seen a drop of 1.7%.

Full data is available via the Office of National Statistics.

The Creagh/Carr Review gives you two bites of the cherry – the opinions of seasoned hackette Bev Creagh and flamboyant young newshound Stewart Carr. Here they talk about Sunset Boulevard, at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday December 2.

CREAGH SAYS ... Sunset Boulevard is the iconic story of fading silent movie star Norma Desmond – originally played by Gloria Swanson in the 1950 Billy Wilder movie and most recently reprised in the West End by Glenn Close.

Aspiring script writer Joe Gillis stumbles into her world when he’s escaping his creditors and she sees him as a conduit to returning to her former glory.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and an exceptionally talented cast – including Strictly star Danny Mac as the hapless Joe – this should be a stunning production.

Ria Jones in the leading role has a formidable CV and a powerful voice, but somehow fails to capture the essentially ethereal and vulnerable side of Norma. She’s chunky and in your face and you don’t really get how Joe can be seduced by her – in spite of her one-time glamour and connections – when he’s clearly in love with movie script reader Betty Schaeffer, a delightfully ingenue performance from Molly Lynch.

Adam Pearce as Norma’s chauffeur (subsequently unveiled as her husband Max Von Meyerling – the man who discovered her as a teenage starlet and propelled her to stardom) is another strong character who almost steals the show with his surprisingly rich voice.

Having a live orchestra is always a bonus and musical director Adrian Kirk’s 16-strong team certainly add to the sense of occasion, as does the set – no production of Sunset Boulevard would be complete without a fabulous staircase and this is no exception.

Of course it all ends in tears, the deluded Norma shooting Joe when he tells her she’s finished, her fan letters are all written by the devoted Max and Cecil B de Mille is really not interested in her return.

I remained curiously unmoved by her meltdown, yet Ria Jones was given a standing ovation by the first night audience.

Go see for yourself – it’s certainly great entertainment and a window on a world that’s increasingly in the spotlight, thanks to Harvey Weinstein and co.

The Bedfordshire League’s quest to claim a first ever last eight place in the FA Inter League Cup failed when they were beaten 5-4 in extra time by The Amateur Football Combination at Cranfield United.

It was the visitors who took the lead in the 13th minute via Chris Heritage and that remained the scoreline until AFC Kempston Town & Bedford Colleges Dan Green levelled matters just 15 minutes from time, to send the game into extra time.

Within three minutes AFC were back in front via Charlie Cain but this time it took the league just two minutes to draw level when Ickwell & Old Warden’s Scott Alleyne’s cross turned into an own goal and 2-2.

For the third time in the contest AFC nosed ahead again in the 103rd minute with a goal from Ryan Bright but right on the stroke of half-time Cranfield United’s Jack Goodacre made it 3-3 and left all to play for in the second period.

Within three minutes of the restart Shefford Town & Campton’s James Burnside shot the league into a 4-3 lead which was cancelled out when Ryan Bright netted from the penalty spot just two minutes later. With everyone gearing themselves up for a dreaded penalty shoot-out up popped Ellis McLennon to win the tie for the visitors in the 119th minute.

Premier Division supported by Sportsform

In a reduced Premier Division supported by Sportsform programme Crawley Green took full advantage to climb into second and within four points of leaders Shefford Town & Campton after netting a 4-2 home win over Stevington. Temitayo Akerele with a brace was joined on the Green scoresheet by strikes from Graham Clarke and Jacob Younger. Tom Roberts and Martin Danobrega netting the Stevington replies.

Now in third are Wilstead who retained their unbeaten away record with a 2-1 victory at Marston Shelton Rovers who are still awaiting their first home win. Ryan Davenport and Shaun Winconek netted the vital goals against a lone Rovers reply via Harry Murray.

There was a first home win for Queens Park Crescents with a 2-0 victory over Kempston Rovers Development, who are now on a run of eight games without a victory. Goals from Shazad Sattar and Tim Gill did the damage.

Bottom of the table Renhold United suffered their seventh defeat on the bounce when beaten 4-0 at home by a Wootton Blue Cross side winning their fourth away win in a row, Dale Armitage and Robbie O’Dell both netting braces.

Division One supported by O’Neills

There is no change at the head of the Division One supported by O’Neills table following wins for the top three sides.

Leaders Totternhoe Reserves extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a 4-3 victory at Shefford Town & Campton Reserves who had led the contest 2-1 at the break. Lee Fromant with a brace plus single goals for Antony Grady and Spencer Park marked the Totts scoresheet against Town replies via Andrew Hayday, Sam King and Sam Donadio.

For second place Riseley Sports it was win number six on the bounce with a 3-2 home success over Meltis Albion. Jake Hislop, Jay Willett and Josh Poole were on the Sportsman’s scoresheet against a brace in reply from Albion’s Gavin Matthews whose side are now unsuccessful in their last nine outings and remain on the bottom of the table.

Third place Wixams were the 5-3 away winners at Henlow who are still to win at home. Gareth White and Grant Tibbett both scored twice and Alex Sommers once to bring up the nap hand against home replies via a Paul Wright penalty plus Matt Sockalingham and Luke Hill.

Losing ground on the top three are fourth place AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves whose 100% away record came to an end when held to a 3-3 draw at Sandy. Matt Johnson with a brace plus Liam Brophy were on the home scoresheet against Town replies via a Charlie Corcoran penalty plus goals from Paul Obuch and Arkadiusz Boruch.

Biggleswade FC Reserves returned to winning ways for the first time in six outings with a 3-2 home win over Cople & Bedford SA. Tyler Ingram, John Veal and Gianni Batazzai all found the back of the net against SA replies from Luke Banton and Daniel Bond.

Whilst second from bottom The 61FC Luton Reserves are still looking for their first away win after losing 4-1 at Lea Sports PSG. Joe Hennem with a brace was joined on the PSG scoresheet by Glen Collins and Sean Dixon against a lone 61 reply via Jay Sharpe.

Cranfield United Reserves extended their unbeaten away ways up to four games in sharing the spoils in a 0-0 draw at Flitwick Town Reserves .

Division Two

AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves remain unbeaten on home soil after claiming a 2-1 victory over Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves. Jamie Evans and Callum Mullins were on their scoresheet against a lone Rovers reply via Carl Borromeo.

Whilst for bottom of the table Luton Leagrave AFC it was a first away point of the season when sharing the spoils in a 0-0 draw at Caldecote Reserves.

Watson Shield Preliminary Round

Caldecote A will now face a home first round tie against Clifton after they both netted 10 goal victories.

Clifton, with a hat-trick from Dylan Donaldson plus braces from Adam Norris, Ross Donaldson and Charlie Watson and a single strike from Kyle Davis, were 10-0 home winners over Dinamo Flitwick.

The boys from Harvey Close won 10-2 at Harlington Juniors, Jake Bruce netting five times to go alongside a brace for Gary Allum and single strikes from Luke Dear, Joe Rowley and Neil Giles. The other Bedfordshire Youth League side in action, Caddington, also suffered a big defeat, 8-1 at home to Flitwick Town A who will now entertain Barton Rovers Blues in round one. Dave Lyons and Dom Collins both scored hat-tricks to go alongside single goals for Rhys Pearson and Luke Snapes with the lone home reply being netted by James Chin.

Black Swan were 2-0 home winners over Lidlington United Sports to earn a first round home tie against Wootton Village, Danny McGovern and Ben Smith netting the goals.

Stevington Reserves will now be at home in round one to Kempston Athletic after being granted a bye following White Eagles failure to raise a side to meet them.

Division Three

The lone game of the afternoon saw Kempston Athletic pull four points clear following a 5-1 victory over bottom of the table Wootton Village. James Maxwell with a brace plus single strikes from Josh St Clair Pieree, Nikolay Fernades and Craig Damon brought up the nap hand against a lone Village reply from Dan Burrows.

Bedfordshire FA Junior Cup Third Round

The highest home scorers were CS Rovers who earned a 6-4 victory over Luton District & South Beds League outfit FC Polina Luton. Joe Campion led the way with a hat-trick and was joined on their scoresheet with a brace from Jack Leech and a single strike from Ultan Coonan.

There was a six goal away haul for Bedford Albion who won 6-1 at Harlington. Ryan Kelly and Adam Lewis with braces were joined on the Albion scoresheet by single strikes from Brandon Hung and Ali Bucknall against a lone home reply from Dan McMillan.

Also enjoying life on the road with wins were Henlow Reserves and Wilstead Reserves. A brace from Russell Ayles plus single strikes from Matt Rumbellow and Marcin Bator took Henlow Reserves to a 4-0 success at Houghton Athletic whilst Wilstead Reserves were the 2-1 winners at Elstow Abbey, Sean Jones and Dale Clegg netting the goals to do the damage against a lone Abbey reply from Danny Pilgrim.

Also booking their place in the hat for the quarter final draw were Sundon Park Rovers who, thanks to goals from Nick Buttigieg, Brain Fraser and Jake Harle, were the 3-0 home winners over Shefford Town A.

Joining them in that hat will be Atletico Europa, 5-4 home victors over Westoning. Aaron Van Horne, Ric Bulzis, Mo Banda, Paddy Alimanji and Osman Joshua all found the back of the net to bring up the nap hand against Westoning replies via Dean Mcelroy with a brace plus single strikes for Lewis Wilson and Taylor Clayton.

Alas it was the end of the road for Bedford Albion Reserves who had just a Simon Wade goal to show for in their 3-1 home defeat by Luton District & South Beds League side Farley Boys Reserves.

Going out to opposition from the same league were AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College A who despite goals from John Hislop and Daniel Obeji were beaten 3-2 at home by FC Koran.

Questions have been raised after a watchdog highlighted concerns over the speed of response by helicopters to incidents.

It took on average 30 minutes and 58 seconds for helicopters to arrive on scene nationally but there were significant differences between police forces, a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services found.

Bedfordshire Police is serviced by MPAS. The service it provides to the force ranks 15th slowest of the 43 forces listed, taking on average 34 minutes to get out to an incident, a full 10 minutes slower than Thames Valley Police.

Chief Constable Alec Wood, Chair of the NPCC Operations Co-ordination Committee said; “We requested this study by HMICFRS and will use its findings to shape a new strategy for police air support that will resolve the issues with our current provision and take advantage of new technology. We have already started to progress some of the recommendations and have recently surveyed all forces to help inform our plans.

“The National Police Air Service has been the first specialist capability that has been nationally managed, a complex task involving 43 forces with varying requirements.”

Here is a breakdown of the average response time for forces across England and Wales, from slowest to fastest:

:: Cumbria - 66 minutes, 33 seconds

:: Dyfed-Powys - 57 minutes, 42 seconds

:: Lincolnshire - 51 minutes, nine seconds

:: West Mercia - 41 minutes, 39 seconds

:: Derbyshire - 41 minutes, 14 seconds

:: Norfolk - 40 minutes, 20 seconds

:: Nottinghamshire - 40 minutes, nine seconds

:: Staffordshire - 38 minutes, 36 seconds

:: Gloucestershire - 37 minutes, 16 seconds

:: North Wales - 37 minutes

:: Cambridgeshire - 36 minutes, 42 seconds

:: Kent - 35 minutes, nine seconds

:: Devon and Cornwall - 34 minutes, 16 seconds

:: Wiltshire - 34 minutes, one second

:: Bedfordshire - 34 minutes

:: Warwickshire - 32 minutes, 21 seconds

:: Hertfordshire - 32 minutes, 14 seconds

:: Gwent - 31 minutes, 24 seconds

:: North Yorkshire - 30 minutes, 59 seconds

:: Hampshire - 30 minutes, 43 seconds

:: Suffolk - 30 minutes, 29 seconds

:: Sussex - 30 minutes, 10 seconds

:: Cheshire - 29 minutes, 29 seconds

:: South Yorkshire - 29 minutes, four seconds

:: South Wales - 28 minutes, 36 seconds

:: Lancashire - 28 minutes, six seconds

:: Northamptonshire - 26 minutes, 31 seconds

:: Avon and Somerset - 26 minutes, one second

:: Merseyside - 25 minutes, 26 seconds

:: Leicestershire - 25 minutes, 18 seconds

:: Essex - 24 minutes, 58 seconds

:: Thames Valley - 24 minutes, 16 seconds

:: British Transport Police - 23 minutes, 48 seconds

:: Surrey - 23 minutes, 44 seconds

:: Dorset - 22 minutes, 55 seconds

:: Durham - 19 minutes, 13 seconds

:: West Midlands - 18 minutes, 38 seconds

:: Cleveland - 18 minutes, 12 seconds

:: West Yorkshire - 18 minutes, three seconds

:: Northumbria - 17 minutes, 36 seconds

:: Greater Manchester - 16 minutes, 32 seconds

:: Metropolitan Police - 10 minutes, 37 seconds

Leading vets are advising dog owners to know the signs of Alabama rot disease after a new case was confirmed in Warwickshire this week.

Alabama rot, also known as CRGV (Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy), is a potentially fatal disease which causes tiny blood clots to form in blood vessels of the skin and kidneys. This can result in kidney failure.

Although it remains a rare disease, with less than 100 cases reported since April 2017, a new confirmed case in the Rugby/Dunchurch area, has seen vets advise dog owners to know the symptoms of the disease.

Although vets are unsure how to prevent Alabama rot PDSA Vet Nurse, Katy Orton, said washing a dog after a wet or muddy walk could help prevent the disease.

Orton said: “Despite extensive research in this area, vets are still not sure what causes the disease and how to prevent it.

“With cases being reported throughout the UK, owners are understandably concerned. Washing your dog after every wet or muddy walk may be of benefit but this has yet to be proven as an effective method of prevention.”

Orton added: “The important thing for owners to do is check their dogs after every walk for any unexplained redness or sores on the skin, particularly on their paws, legs, face, mouth or tongue. In many cases, the cause of these sores will not be Alabama Rot, but it’s important for a vet to examine your dog and rule it out before it potentially develops into kidney failure.”

The PDSA says signs of kidney failure includes lethargy, vomiting and loss of appetite. Any dog with such symptoms such be taken to a vet immediately.

She added: “Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists and the Animal Health Trust are working together to research ‘Alabama rot’ and we hope in the future we will have a better understanding of this devastating disease.

Additional reporting by Alex Green, a version of this article originally appeared in the Rugby Advertiser.

Leighton-Linslade Town Council has said it plans to continue subsidising the town’s ancient market as a “community asset”.

The town council told the LBO it had no plans to follow in the footsteps of neighbouring Dunstable Town Council – which has voted to relinquish management of its general market from February 2018.

Instead, the nine remaining Dunstable traders will be encouraged to apply for street traders’ licences from Central Bedfordshire Council, with the promise of stalls and bin services being provided by Dunstable Town Council.

Leighton-Linslade Town Council clerk Mark Saccoccio said: “Street trader licences is not something that this council has had reason to consider.

“As a community asset, the town council is at present prepared to continue subsidising the running of the market in the common interests of the parish.”

Dunstable Town Council has struggled in recent years to hire market staff and has had fraught relations with traders.

On announcing this decision, Dunstable Town Council clerk David Ashlee said: “I am pleased that the council was able to ensure that a new market of street traders will keep a general market going in Dunstable. Whilst I accept that this decision might not be popular with a minority of existing traders, I feel the decision was in the best interests of all Dunstable residents and council tax payers.”

Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK should be cancelled because of his “vile hatred”, according to one Bedfordshire MP.

Mohammad Yasin, Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston, spoke out after President Trump retweeted three unverified videos that had been posted by Jayda Fransen of Britain First.

The government have so far resisted calls to rescind their offer of a state visit.

Mr Yasin said: “A person who spreads such vile hatred as this has no business coming here for a state visit or any other.

“President Trump should not come, and the government must now make it clear that he is not welcome.”

A fellow Labour MP echoed these sentiments.

Kelvin Hopkins, who represents Luton North, said: “Trump’s action and previous quotes have marked him out as thoroughly nasty - a deeply racist and Islamophobic man.

“This latest action confirms that he is stupid and dangerous too, siding with the most extreme right-wing group in our country, one of whose supporters murdered Jo Cox.”

Three other MPs condemned Mr Trump’s comments, but stopped short of saying the invitation should be cancelled.

North East Beds MP Alistair Burt, who is a junior minister in the Foreign Office, said: “As minister for the Middle East, proud of our relationships with the Islamic world and those within it, the White House tweets are both alarming and despairing tonight.

“This is so not where the world needs to go.”

He added: “An invite has been issued and accepted and I believe the visit will go ahead but not imminently.

“In the light of the President’s opinions I think it will be helpful for him to come to the UK and meet British people; to see how our society works so that he no longer is tempted to believe the more extreme positions of groups hostile to all our values.”

Mid Beds MP Nadine Dorries was not available for comment.

However she posted on Twitter: “Donald Trump is not being invited to the UK. The invitation is extended to the President of the USA.

“We respect the office, not the individual. It just so happens that previous occupants were also worthy of respect as individuals.

“Not anymore.”

And Gavin Shuker, Labour MP for Luton South, Tweeted: “I face down the far right each election time; they lose their deposit.

“Mr Trump, you may wish to promote their hatred; my consitituents reject them every time.”

Andrew Selous, Conservative MP for South West Bedfordshire was unavailable for comment.

A Linslade cobbler-turned-bodybuilder has struck silver at a natural bodybuilding contest.

Dan Watkins, 29, from Wingrave, has ran Linslade shoe repairs for the past six years and he has worked as a cobbler for 12.

His real passion however is natural bodybuilding which he has competed in for the past fouryears.

And his latest achievement was to win second place in the British Middle Weight title of the Natural Physique Association (NPA) Britain contest 2017.

Dan said: “Coming second place at the British finals is my best achievement to date but now I’m working towards taking the title next season.”

The fitness enthusiast discovered bodybuilding after trying his hand at numerous sports, including martial arts, snowboarding and long distance running.

He said: “Eventually I found a sport that just clicked with me and as the years went on, I got the competitive bug to try and be the best that I can .

“Strength training in itself builds great character attributes ... patience, humility and discipline.

“I’m really passionate about doing the sport naturally because it’s amazing to see what your body is capable of on its own with just hard work, research and patience.”

To prepare for the contest, Dan underwent a gruelling nine month regime of slowly dieting while striving to get stronger in the gym.

He added: “I won’t say the diet is strict as I still allow myself a pizza here and there but I will say that it’s very hard as we still bring the calories very low.

“This causes not only hunger issues but your body goes through changes... I strive to find a healthy balance.

“My total weight loss was 40lbs and I reached around 10% bodyfat at 157lbs.”

Cedars Upper School staged its annual fun-packed Help Week and raised thousands of pounds for worthy causes in the process.

The Linslade pupils and staff were supporting four charities as they held a variety of themed days, shows and activities.

Teacher gunging, I’m a Cedars Student Get Me Out of Here!, an assault course, crossbar challenge, penalty shoot-out, a drag race, face painting, dressing up days, Cedars Un-Dateables, and Cedars Talent Show Uncut were some of the crazy antics the school got up to.

Each House also did collections for charity through shoe boxes, clothes, school in a bag and a food bank.

The money raked in, which is hoped will top £6,000 once counted, will go to:

> Solving Kids’s Cancer, which supports children and families affected by neuroblastoma (rare form of paediatric cancer),

> The Disasters Emergency Committee

> Mind, the mental health charity

> Brake, the road safety charity

On the Friday morning the company McGee came in to do an assembly to the Sixth Form about Brake, which it currently has a corporate partnership with and has pledged to donate all funds raised throughout the year to them. They also brought Brake’s charity tipper truck down to the school too.

Here are a couple of reports compiled by students on two of the activities...

Celebration Day

And so the final day arrives. The yearly, Celebration Day. Often anticipated for the hilarious costumes and shows but also the moving and great performances.

The conga started around 5 minutes into breaktime, bustling through the block two area and all around the school. A sea of costumes were on show, from Star Wars to Disney, and even Spongebob. It was an amazing sign of unity and togetherness in these times. Many of the teachers had even dressed up!

Lunchtime was greeted by an energetic santa, guiding us through the many acts on display in the talent show. Beef was finally settled between two rivaling departments, with Mrs Parkes representing English through uses of complex rhyming schemes and Mr Douglas defending science with a masterful lyrical and chemical combination.

He did however, need a bit of support, bringing on his class to back him up in a parody of “Shut Up”. Mr Douglas took it home for science, but lost it to a draw in the Sixth Form show.

Humour and Real Issues were combined in the fantastic parody song “Budget Cuts”, performed by a group of year 10’s adamant about changing the state of our education system.

Mr Berrisford brought on his soothing voice for a charming performance of “Come Fly with Me”, and Smooth synchronized steps helped the Backstreet Boys tribute act to woo over the audience, being the final act to grace the stage. Before ending the day best costume awards were handed out, with a homemade tank and a Che Guevara shirt picking up like La La Land at the oscars.

And Help Week came to an end. The shows were entertaining, the costumes marvelous and the fundraising generous. Til next year!

MAN VS FOOD

During lunchtime on Thursday 23rd November, 2 teams of Cedars students, lead by members of staff Mr Haycock and Mr Pantling, competed in food based challenges. The show was presented by Pranav and Ellie, who put on a great show.

The first challenge was a relay, each team had a plate of cocktail sausages, one member had to run up to the table and eat 18 sausages before they could switch, the first team to finish all of the sausage were the winners of that round. Mr Haycock’s team had a good start, and sped through the first through members, as did Mr Pantlings team. However, towards the end of the round Mr Haycocks team began to slow, allowing Mr Pantlings team to take the victory.

The second hallenge was a Pizza eating challenge, Each team had a plate of pizza slices which they needed to demolish in the fastest time. Members from both teams took different approaches, some eating one slice at a time, and others shoving 3 or 4 slices in at once! Overall Mr Pantling’s team had the best technique and took the win.

The third challenge was a slightly sickening one to watch, one member from each team had to drink a 2 Litre bottle of coke in the fastest time. From the start Mr Haycock’s team managed to drink the bottle in under a minute whereas Mr Pantling’s team struggled to even finish the bottle of Coke.

The next challenge was one for both teachers, they each had a large cup full of marshmallows, where they needed to fit as many in their mouth as possible. Although Mr Haycock’s technique of putting as many in at once worked at first, Mr Pantling won the challenge by fitting of the marshmallows in in the fastest speed.

This meant, with one challenge to go both teams had equal wins, so it was all to play for in the final challenge. This was another relay where each team member would fun to the table eat two cupcakes and then swap, both teams were relatively even throughout this challenge, but Mr Haycock’s team pulled through to win this final round, meaning it was a victory for the Haycock’s team!

Overall this show received great reviews from students and staff, so a big well done to all the people who were part of putting on such a great show and raising money for charity.

Royal Bank of Scotland is to close 259 Natwest and RBS branches resulting in 680 job losses after the state-backed lender said more people are choosing to bank online or on mobile.

A total of 62 RBS branches and 197 NatWest outlets will be closed by mid 2018 as part of the move and 1,000 roles will be affected.

What Natwest and RBS branches are closing?

North England

Barnard Castle

Bawtry

Brigg

Broomhill Sheffield

Cleckheaton

Cottingham

Dinnington

Driffield

Ferryhill

Firth Park Sheffield

Gainsborough

Guisborough

Heckmondwike

Hillsborough Sheffield

Hornsea

Hoyland

Hull Hessle Road

Immingham

Millhouses Sheffield

Newton Aycliffe

Penistone

Peterlee

Pickering

Pocklington

Richmond Yorks

Ripon

Skelmersdale

Stocksbridge

Stokesley

Thorne

Whitby Yorks

Woodseats

Sheffield Yarm

Midlands and East

Bearwood

Beccles

Benfleet

Bilston

Birmingham Broad Street

Birmingham Frederick Street

Birmingham National Exhibition Centre

Bridgnorth

Canvey Island

Chipping Norton

Didcot

Diss

Fordhouses Wolverhampton

Gorleston-on-Sea

Great Baddow Chelmsford

Holt

Hunstanton

Kidlington

Kingswinford

Knowle Solihull

Narborough

Newport Shropshire

North Walsham

Oundle

Oxford North

Princes Risborough

Royston Herts

Saffron Walden

Shenfield & Hutton

South Woodham Ferrers

St. Ives Cambs

Stamford

Thetford

Thorpe Bay

Wantage

Witham Essex

South West and Wales

Ammanford

Axminster

Basingstoke Chineham

Bideford

Bishops Cleeve

Bodmin

Bristol Blackboy Hill

Bude

Cardiff North

Cardiff University Hospital of Wales

Cardigan

Caversham

Chard

Chepstow

Chew Magna

Chipping Sodbury

Cowbridge Vale of Glamorgan

Crediton C

rewkerne

Crownhill Plymouth

Dartmouth

Dolgellau

Exeter University of Exeter

Hanham

Helston

Holsworthy

Hungerford

Ilfracombe

Keynsham

Lampeter

Liskeard

Llandeilo

Lydney

Maesteg

Marlborough

Melksham

Milford Haven

Mortimer

Mumbles Swansea

Nailsea

Narberth

Newquay Cornwall Bank Street

Okehampton

Pembroke

Pencoed

Plympton

Porthcawl

Portsmouth Anchorage Park

Ross-on-Wye

Rumney Cardiff

Sherborne

Shirehampton

Sidmouth

South Molton

St. Ives Cornwall

Talbot Green

Teignmouth

Thatcham

Totnes

Treforest Estate

University Branch Reading

University of The West of England Bristol

Wadebridge

Wallingford

Wareham

West Swindon

Whitchurch Cardiff

Winterbourne

Wootton Bassett

London and South East

Acton

Aldwych

Banstead

Barnes

Battle

Billingshurst

Blackheath & Westcombe Park

Brentford Middlesex

Brighton London Road

Burgess Hill

Chalfont St. Peter

Chesham

Cobham Surrey

Cranleigh

Crowborough

Earl’s Court

East Sheen

Guildford Woodbridge Hill

Hailsham

Hampden Park Eastbourne

Harpenden

Haslemere

Hatch End

Hatfield

Heathfield

Henfield

Holborn Circus

Horley

Hounslow Blenheim Place

Langley Berks

Littlehampton

Midhurst

Morden

New Covent Garden Fruit Market

Northwood

Peacehaven

Petworth

Pinner

Portslade & West Hove

Radlett Rayners Lane

Reigate

Rye

Sandhurst Berks

Seaford

Shepherds Bush

South Norwood

Southfields

Stockwell

Storrington

Tring

Wadhurst

Wandsworth

Ware

West Byfleet

West Ealing

Wimbledon Village

Worthing 38 Goring Road

Scotland

Castlebay

Inveraray

Kyle Mallaig

Pitlochry

Annan

Gretna

Langholm

Lockerbie

Glasgow Business Centre

Stepps

Airdrie

Bellshill

Biggar

Carnwath

Douglas (Lanarkshire)

Larkhall

Lesmahagow

Strathaven

Tannochside

Campbeltown

Kilbirnie

Kilwinning

Renfrew

Rothesay

Saltcoats

Hamilton

Cadzow Street

Linlithgow

Alloa

Bannockburn

Bridge of Allan

Dunblane

Kinross

Bonnyrigg

Dunbar

Duns

Eyemouth

Hawick

Jedburgh

Melrose

North Berwick

Penicuik

Selkirk

Aberdeen Bridge of Don

Banff

Dyce

Ellon

Huntly

Nairn

Turriff

Comrie

Dundee

Stobswell

Montrose

Perth South Street

Aviemore

Beauly

Grantown-on-Spey

Inverness Queensgate (business branch)

Tain Tongue

Wick

Aberfeldy

Tickets have gone on sale for numerous dates across the region in which actress Joanna Lumley talks about her career.

Her first ever live tour, It's All About Me begins in the autumn next year with dates in Oxford (October 17), Cambridge (October 21), Coventry (November 1), Leicester (November 6), Northampton (November 9) and Aylesbury (November 10).

Joanna will take audiences through her hilarious and interesting adventures from her incredible career spanning more than four decades, recounting some never heard before stories. She will also be joined on stage by friend and producer Clive Tulloh, who will put to Joanna questions from the audience that they’ve always wanted to ask, making the show a unique and hilarious night to remember.

On announcing It’s All About Me, Joanna said: "The thought of this tour next year, travelling across the British Isles and Ireland, has completely taken over my waking hours. It’s utterly thrilling to start planning the stories I can tell, and the rapture (and gratitude, to be fair) with which I shall greet the audiences. Nothing like this has come my way before, and I may have to be dragged off with a hook at the end of each show. Oh people! This is especially for you from me, with masses of love. I think it will be fabulous."

Joanna Lumley icon, national treasure, activist, comedy actress and all-round top girl is barely off our TV screens and appears to have been a permanent fixture in our sitting rooms since she burst onto our screens as Purdey in the New Avengers in 1976. Now in a nationwide tour she will take us through the random journey that started in London in the swinging 60’s. Beginning as Jean Muir’s house model and muse, progressing to becoming a full-blown photographic model, featuring in knitting patterns, mini-skirts, toothpaste commercials and the occasional front cover.

From there Joanna will share her stories of her acting career that includes Coronation Street, On the Buses and as a brainwashed Bond Girl in Blofeld’s lair in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Joanna’s breakthrough role was as Purdey, a part for which over 800 girls auditioned. Purdey propelled her to instant fame and created one of the "must-have" hairstyles of the 1970s - the Purdey bob. She became a pin-up figure for a generation of British males who grew up watching her as the high-kicking action girl.

Alongside iconic hairstyles Joanna started to develop a nice side line as adventurer and activist; popping up all over the globe she was often seen gasping at the Northern Lights, turning her bra into espadrilles and finding the source of the Nile.

Then as Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous she became a degenerate role-model for a generation. Winning two BAFTAs, Joanna emerged as one of the best comedy actresses of her generation. For 25 years the adventures of Patsy and Edina have sporadically lurched across our screens culminating in AbFab The http://www.royalandderngate.co.ukMovie in 2016.

This intimate night with Joanna tells some of these tales and more as we gallop through almost 50 years in this business we call show.

Tickets forhttp://www.atgtickets.co.uk/aylesbury the Oxford date can be bought by visiting www.atgtickets.co.uk/oxford, for the Cambridge date visit www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/cornex and for the Coventry date head to www.warwickartscentre.co.uk. For the Leicester date, log on to www.demontforthall.co.uk, for tickets for the Northampton show, visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk and for the Aylesbury show visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/aylesbury

Almost 40 weapons were handed in during a Beds Police firearms surrender campaign.

Residents were praised for the level of response to the campaign, which ran from November 13-26).

Since launching a variety of unlicensed firearms and ammunition were handed in during the two-week campaign.

These included:

> Air weapons: 9

> Imitation weapons: 5

> Deactivated weapons: 2

> Shotguns: 10

> Rifles: 6

> Handguns: 3

> Antiques: 4

Several hundred rounds of ammunition were also handed in and the majority of the weapons surrendered were live. The weapons that are deemed to be antique or of significant historical interest will be donated to museums.

Detective Inspector, Jackie Dadd, said: “I am delighted with the response from the public who have fully engaged in this campaign and helped to make Bedfordshire a safer place to live. The aim of the campaign was to help people dispose of guns safely, especially those who have inherited or come into the possession of an unlicensed firearm.

“It is reassuring to know that the guns surrendered can no longer fall into the wrong hands or cause anyone harm. Incidents of gun crime have a great impact on the community, and such crimes remain a priority for Bedfordshire Police and the force’s Boson team, which is dedicated to tackling any kind of gun and gang criminality.”

Anyone with information about gun crime including possession of illegal firearms and ammunition is asked to contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

To find out more about firearms licensing visit the Bedfordshire Police website.

All Saints Church in Leighton Buzzard recently held a Christmas Tree Festival where local groups and schools exhibited a tree, or display, with the theme ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’.

Canon Grant Fellows opened the November 24-26 event followed by the children of Pulford School entertaining the visitors with a variety of Christmas carols and songs.

There was a steady stream of visitors over the three days, including many school visits. A church spokesman said: “This year saw a record number of trees, over 90, filling the church and the weekend was a great success, raising funds towards the ongoing life of the church. All Saints Church would like to thank everyone for supporting this event.”

> Send details of your Christmas event or school show to news@lbobserver.co.uk