New analysis of energy tariffs has shown British bills have fallen by as much as 11 per cent in the last 12 months – depending on where you live.

New analysis of energy tariffs has shown British bills have fallen by as much as 11 per cent in the last 12 months – depending on where you live.

The data, released by price comparison website MoneySuperMarket this week, highlights a downward trend in average energy prices over the past year.

The average cheapest dual fuel tariff available in the first quarter of 2018 fell almost £50 from the same period in 2017 – dropping from £923 to £874.

The price comparison site’s Energy Price Index analysed millions of customer quotes and more than six years of energy market data to understand what is influencing gas and electricity costs.

Regional variations

The data shows that prices have fallen across all regions in the UK in the past 12 months, most noticeably in the South East where the cost of the average cheapest tariff has dropped 11 per cent, from £961 to £858 – a difference of £103.

Average cheapest dual fuel price quote:

Region Mar-17 Mar-18 £ change % change

South East £961 £858 -£103 -11%

East Midlands £925 £863 -£62 -7%

Yorkshire and the Humber has replaced the West Midlands as the most expensive region for energy, with the cheapest annual bill now standing at £902.

This is followed closely by the North West (£889), West Midlands (£884), Wales (£882) and the East (£878). The South West claims the title for the cheapest region for energy with bills falling two per cent, from £855 to £841.

Winners and losers in 2018

As well as significant yearly price fluctuations, some regions in the UK have seen noticeable price changes in the first three months of 2018. Prices for those in the South East dropped five per cent between Q4 (Oct-Dec) 2017 and Q1 (Jan-March) 2018, from £904.77 to £859.53, whereas those in the North East (two per cent), London (one per cent), Yorkshire (one per cent) and the East (one per cent) all rose.

On average, prices have risen one per cent (£8) in 2018.

Stephen Murray, energy expert at MoneySuperMarket, commented: “It’s always interesting to see how energy prices vary from region to region and year to year. The Big Six energy companies attribute the differences to how they buy energy, distribution costs and how many customers are based in each region. However, in addition we frequently see companies pushing prices up in one region to allow them to lower it in another and keep the “average” bill size the same. “Customers can’t control prices set by the energy suppliers, but they can make sure they’re on the best tariff their household needs. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, it’s likely you’re paying far more than you should be for energy. Switching energy suppliers is simple, it only takes five minutes and our research has shown that the average household can save £250 or more.”

The ocean currents that help warm the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America have significantly slowed since the 1800s and are at their weakest in 1600 years, according to new research my colleagues and I have conducted.

by Peter T. Spooner, UCL

As we’ve set out in a new study in Nature, the weakening of this ocean circulation system may have begun naturally but is probably being continued by climate change related to greenhouse gas emissions.

This circulation is a key player in the Earth’s climate system and a large or abrupt slowdown could have global repercussions.

It could cause sea levels on the US east coast to rise, alter European weather patterns or rain patterns more globally, and hurt marine wildlife.

We know that at the end of the last major ice age, rapid fluctuations in the circulation led to extreme climate shifts on a global scale.

An exaggerated (but terrifying) example of such a sudden event was portrayed in the 2004 blockbuster film The Day After Tomorrow.

The recent weakening we have found was likely driven by warming in the north Atlantic and the addition of freshwater from increased rainfall and melting ice. It has been predicted many times but, until now, just how much weakening has already occurred has largely remained a mystery.

The extent of the changes we have discovered comes as a surprise to many, including myself, and points to significant changes in the future. The circulation system in question is known as the “Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation” (AMOC). The AMOC is like a giant conveyor belt of water. It transports warm, salty water to the north Atlantic where it gets very cold and sinks.

Once in the deep ocean the water flows back southwards and then all around the world’s oceans. This conveyor belt is one of the most important transporters of heat in the climate system and includes the Gulf Stream, known for keeping western Europe warm. Climate models have consistently predicted that the AMOC will slow down due to greenhouse gas warming and associated changes in the water cycle.

Because of these predictions – and the possibility of abrupt climate changes – scientists have monitored the AMOC since 2004 with instruments strung out across the Atlantic at key locations. But to really test the model predictions and work out how climate change is affecting the conveyor we have needed much longer records.

Looking for patterns

To create these records, our research group – led by University College London’s Dr David Thornalley – used the idea that a change in the AMOC has a unique pattern of impact on the ocean. When the AMOC gets weaker, the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean cools and parts of the western Atlantic get warmer by a specific amount.

We can look for this pattern in past records of ocean temperature to trace what the circulation was like in the past. Another study in the same issue of Nature, led by researchers at the University of Potsdam in Germany, used historical observations of temperature to check the fingerprint. They found that the AMOC had reduced in strength by around 15% since 1950, pointing to the role of human-made greenhouse gas emissions as the primary cause. In our paper, which also forms part of the EU ATLAS project, we found the same fingerprint.

But instead of using historical observations we used our expertise in past climate research to go back much further in time. We did this by combining known records of the remains of tiny marine creatures found in deep-sea mud. Temperature can be worked out by looking at the amounts of different species and the chemical compositions of their skeletons.

We were also able to directly measure the past deep ocean current speeds by looking at the mud itself. Larger grains of mud imply faster currents, while smaller grains mean the currents were weaker. Both techniques point to a weakening of the AMOC since about 1850, again by about 15% to 20%.

Importantly, the modern weakening is very different to anything seen over the last 1,600 years, pointing to a combination of natural and human drivers. The difference in timing of the start of the AMOC weakening in the two studies will require more scientific attention.

Despite this difference, both of the new studies raise important questions regarding whether climate models simulate the historical changes in ocean circulation, and whether we need to revisit some of our future projections. However, each additional long record makes it easier to evaluate how well the models simulate this key element of the climate system.

In fact, evaluating models against these long records may be a crucial step if we hope to accurately predict possible extreme AMOC events and their climate impacts.

Peter T. Spooner, Research Associate in Paleoceanography, UCL

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

We have been spoilt with sunshine for the last few days and the sunglasses have been out in force.

It has been perfect sunbathing weather with many people spending the last few days in the park or even in their local beer gardens.

As a result, sunglasses have been essential attire but if you’re wearing them while driving you could be in trouble.

We all want to avoid the glare when driving and, according to the Highway Code, you must slow down or pull over if you’re dazzled by bright sunlight.

But, it is also illegal to wear some types of sunglasses while driving. There are two essential requirements for lenses to be used for driving – vision must remain clear, and sufficient light to let you see properly must get to your eyes.

However, some sunglasses that are sold for general can be too dark or unsuitable for driving.

Sun lenses for driving fall into two main categories - ‘fixed’ and ‘variable’ tint.

Most sunglasses will be category two - meaning they filter between 18 and 43 per cent of light and are suitable for driving. However, Class 4 sunglasses will filter between 3 and 8 percent of light and are to be used for exceptionally bright sunlight.

If you have these type of sunglasses, then it is illegal to use them while driving. According to the AA: “Filter category 4 lenses only transmit between 3% and 8% of light and are not suitable for driving at any time. Sunglasses with these lenses should, by law, be labelled ‘Not suitable for driving and road use’.”

The public has expressed strong reservations about the possibility of Central Beds Council introducing three-weekly black bin collections or a £40 annual garden waste charge.

The council’s public consultation ended on Friday, but preliminary results collated a little before the closing date have shown a resistance to the two most controversial ideas that were put forward.

About 14,000 survey responses were received and on the issue of switching general waste pick-up from fortnightly to three-weekly, 44% strongly disagreed, 13% disagreed, 6% gave no preference, 21% agreed, and 16% strongly agreed.

Regarding the suggested garden waste charge, 41% strongly disagreed, 16% disagreed, 11% gave no preference, 22% agreed, and 10% strongly agreed.

The council’s sustainable communities overview & scrutiny committee will discuss the findings on Tuesday morning (April 24), and report their views to the Executive which will meet on May 10 to make a decision on the best way forward.

As well as the two ideas which have drawn substantial criticism, some of the options being mooted could see new services introduced, such as for food waste and glass, while others suggest changes to the current arrangements for recycling, including separating paper/cardboard.

A council report states: “Interim consultation results suggest that the public are supportive of enhanced recycling with a preference for food waste collections and separate paper/card recycling services.

“Opinions on both three-weekly residual (black bin) collections or chargeable garden waste services are less positive, however such views would be influenced if mitigating factors were put in place.”

The council says the best value option would be a move to a new recycling service including separate paper and card

collection, combined with a chargeable garden waste service.

The next best value choice would be to introduce three-weekly residual black bin collections (instead of chargeable garden waste) together with separate paper and card collection and food waste collection services.

But it says not all the options are predicted to achieve the environmental performance target of 50% recyling. The option that delivers the highest recycling rate includes food waste collection together with separate glass collection and three-weekly black bins (57%).

The report adds: “Participants reiterated the need for education and feedback to help encourage recycling. If a significant

education and information campaign accompanied the changes to bin collection, it could help reduce some people’s concerns and support people to recycle more.

“However, for some people a change to a three-weekly collection and/or removal of free garden waste collection represent lines in the sand that they do not want crossed and there is not much that could reduce their opposition or concerns.”

The council has been at pains to point out that at this stage they are merely seeking residents’ opinions on potential new arrangements and that this is a “genuine” consultation.

Currently only 17 out of 369 district and unitary authorities responsible for waste collection have moved to a three-weekly operation for general rubbish. Rather more councils (30%) now charge for garden waste collections.

CBC says bin collections are one of the most expensive services the council provides: the council currently spends £14million a year on collecting and disposing of waste from over 118,000 households. That amounts to around 7% of the council’s budget, or 9% of residents’ council tax.

Because the current bin contracts are about to come to an end, the council is seeking ways to reduce the cost of the service; increase efficiencies; and increase recycling levels.

The options consulted on could save the council over £2million every year, which it says is money it can invest in other vital services, such as those for vulnerable adults and children.

The council’s Executive will consider all of the public feedback at its meeting on May 10. Any changes would be implemented in autumn 2019.

Bedfordshire Police arrested one man on Friday night in Leighton Buzzard after they received reports of a man with a Stanley knife on the High Street.

Reports were made to the force just after 6.20pm and armed officers attended the scene.

A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police said: “Officers attended and one man was arrested and released with no further action.”

These are the people most wanted by police forces in the UK in relation to alleged sexual offences.

They appear on the Crimestoppers Most Wanted page - a 160-strong list of men and women wanted in connection with crimes across Britain.

Crimestoppers is a registered charity helping law enforcement to solve crimes. Crimestoppers pay cash rewards of up to £1,000 for information and, since its formation in 1988, nearly 134,000 arrests have been made as a result of tip-offs to the charity.

Unlike some countries, the UK doesn’t rank its most wanted list - crimes are not ranked by their severity and there is no ‘most wanted individual’. But, according to Crimestoppers: “The nature of the crime or the investigation will influence whether an appeal is featured.”

The 13 people on the most wanted list for connection to crimes of a sexual nature:

Maciej Filip Szmurlo

Possession of Indecent Images of Children

Crime location:Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port

CS reference:CS1603-13772

Police force: Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=50766

Fatah Benlaredj

Wanted for the rape of a 7-year-old girl.

Nickname:Samir

CS reference:CS0909-3345

Police force: Other Law Enforcement

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=40273

Ali Benaun

Sexual Assault

Crime location:Timperley, Court Widnes

CS reference:CS1604-13788

Police force:Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=50782

Shaun Fox

Cambridgeshire Constabulary would like to speak to Shaun Fox regarding an incident which took place in Peterborough on 2nd April 2018

Crime location:Church Street, Stanground, Peterborough

Suspect name:Shaun Peter Graham Fox

Number of people involved:1

CS reference:CS1804-17277

Police force:Cambridgeshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=54272

Greg Ofulue

Rape

Crime location:Foregate Street, Chester

CS reference:CS1704-16064

Police force:Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=53059


Maiwand Abbasi

Police are appealing for information as to the whereabouts of Maiwand Abbasi, 22, from Archer Road in Stevenage, who failed to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on 28/11/2014 in connection with a sexual offence.

Crime location:Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City

Suspect name:Maiwand Abbasi

CS reference:CS1704-16056

Police force:Hertfordshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=53051

Hannan Ahmed

The suspect is wanted in relation to inappropriate sexual activity with a minor.

Crime location: Moulton, Northwich

CS reference:CS1604-13802

Police force:Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=50796


Leandro Felipe Kontreras-Soto

The suspect is wanted in relation to the rape of a woman.

Crime location:Crewe

Suspect name:Leandro Felipe Kontreras-Soto

CS reference:CS1604-13801

Police force:Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=50795

Rezgar Zengana

Rezgar Zengana was convicted of raping a 25 year old female.

Crime location:Glasgow

Suspect name:Rezgar Zengana

Nickname: Zengana uses various aliases including Abdul Qadar, Rusheer Ahmed, Syed Waq and Ali Kermin

CS reference:CS1003-4049

Police force:Other Law Enforcement

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=40985

Costas Sampson

Crime type:Sexual crime

Wanted for rape and other offences.

Nickname:Kostas Sampson

CS reference:CS1208-8461

Police force:Other Law Enforcement

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=45431

Filomeno Francisco

The suspect is wanted in relation to a sexual assault involving someone who was unable to give consent.

Crime location:Walthall Street, Crewe

Suspect name:Filomeno Francisco

CS reference:CS1604-13786

Police force:Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=50780

Tarsem Najjar Singh

Crime type:Sexual crime

Police in the Devon and Cornwall area are seeking 56-year-old man Tarsem Najjar Singh who is wanted for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements and immigration offences.

He has failed to register a new address and has absconded from immigration services. A location of this male is sought to enable police and immigration services to take appropriate action for the offences he is wanted for, but also to ensure he is risk managed appropriately.

Crime location: Plymouth

Date: 12/02/2016

Suspect name: Tarsem Najjar Singh

Nickname: Tarsem Singh

CS reference: CS1607-14246

Police force: Devon and Cornwall

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=51240

Paul Dunn

Suspect is wanted for the possession of indecent imagery of minors.

Crime location: Barnton, Northwich

Suspect name: Paul Dunn

CS reference: CS1604-13800

Police force: Cheshire

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted/most-wanted-detail/?AppealId=50794


Police forces across the UK are responsible for the appeals that appear on the Crimestoppers Most Wanted page, uploading and removing entries and ensuring accuracy of any information provided.

Forces have strict controls to ensure that information provided is accurate. However, if you feel that an appeal is incorrect, contact Crimestoppers to let them know and they will pass this information to the relevant police force.

The chairman of the Leighton Buzzard Society is creating a petition to submit to Central Bedfordshire Council to improve the appearance of the pavements in the town.

Maurice Crowe has been complaining about the state of the pavements in the town centre since 2016 and although they are now getting fixed quickly, he says the appearance brings the standards of the town down.

He said: “I have had enough of the Council and their inaction, they just fill any little hole or crack with anything they can find and it is not good enough!

“I am starting a petition in the town centre to try and get Central Bedfordshire Council to improve the state of these pavements.

“It has been a continual problem for a few years now, and although they are now fixing the cracks, what they are fixing them with is not good enough.

“They just fix it with whatever they can, be it tarmac or cement and it looks ridiculous, like they can not be bothered and it is not good enough.

“I appreciate that they need to quickly repair any cracks in the pavement but they should come back when they have time and repair it properly. This is a town that has a high quality image and the pavements, the way they are, does not reflect that.

“They said they were going to investigate it in December but nothing has happened. If Waterborne Walk can keep their pavements to a high standard, why can’t Central Bedfordshire Council?”

Maurcie will be walking around the town centre at the end of the month and visiting the shops with his petition, he is hoping to get 20,000 signatures, he will then take it to Central Bedfordshire Council.

A spokesman for Central Bedfordshire Council said: “The council is aware of these pavements, but would like to reassure the public that this is an aesthetic rather than a safety issue.

“We are often required to make repairs on a short timescale. These repairs are made using standard kit that can be quickly used at any location to make holes and defects safe. As such, they may not match the existing surfaces.

“Leighton Buzzard town centre has a number of different types of bespoke paving that we do not automatically hold in stock, and which can be difficult to obtain.

“We will do a review and plan more repairs that match the existing surfaces as close as possible when finances allow.”

An obese patient from Linslade was freed from their home using rope rescue equipment, a titan stretcher, an aerial platform and megamover sheets, according to Beds Fire and Rescue Service.

Crews from three stations – Leighton Buzzard, Luton and a specialist technical rescue team from Dunstable – were called earlier this month to assist East of England Ambulance Service removing the patient from their home.

In order to free the patient, crews used rope rescue equipment, a titan stretcher and megamover sheets.

A Beds Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “Crews from Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard and Luton assisted the ambulance service with a patient who could not be removed via the stairs from the first floor of their property for medical reasons.

“Firefighters used an aerial platform as a ‘high deviation point’ allowing rope rescue experts from Dunstable Fire Station to construct a system of ropes and pullies to facilitate the rescue.

“Once the patient was secure and stabilised crews were able to lower them from a first floor window in a basket stretcher and into the care of the paramedics.”

A runner from Hockliffe took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Chris Pearce, 32, raised £440 for the charity to thank them for the support and help they gave him when he was diagnosed with skin cancer when he was 19.

Teenage Cancer Trust works to improve the cancer experience of young people aged 13-24, offering support and care.

Chris said: “As a teenager I was diagnosed with skin cancer and Teenage Cancer Trust supported and helped me during a difficult time.

“I was treated at a specialised cancer centre and the support I received there from the charity, friends and family helped me to battle through.

“Since then I have always wanted to raise money for the charity but haven’t had a chance, when I saw the application for the London Landmark Half Marathon, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for me to raise money for them.

“People may be aware of some of the fantastic work this charity does, I wanted to help them provide more care and support for young adults diagnosed with cancer.”

Chris completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday, March 25.

He said: “The event itself was absolutely brilliant, it was the first one and I thought there might have been a few problems as expected with any first event, but it was excellent, well organised and everyone was kept up to date beforehand about what they had to and where to go.

“The half marathon itself was brilliant and I would definitely recommend it to anyone, i really enjoyed it and got that buzz from the atmosphere when I was running.”

To help Chris reach is £500 target visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-pearce14.

Central Bedfordshire Council will be looking to authorise the submission of its Local Plan to the Government on Thursday – but the proposed modifications do not include a change of heart regarding Green Belt land in Linslade.

Following public consultation, CBC has made a number of tweaks to the document, but that hasn’t involved a change of heart over land north of Soulbury Road.

The move to potentially build 55 homes on the 1.73 hectare site has come in for fierce criticism and a petition with 429 signatories was presented to Central Beds Council in February asking that the council remove the land from the list of areas allocated for future development.

Town councillor Clive Palmer, Southcott ward, who took the petition to Chicksands by hand, said: “It appears there are no significant modifications proposed to the draft which was consulted on at the beginning of the year, and that the allocation of Green Belt land in Linslade to the north of Soulbury Road for housing development remains in the plan exactly as before.

“This is profoundly disappointing and frustrating, given the many hundreds of local residents who objected to this proposed allocation and the overwhelming evidence which backed these objections – its Green Belt location, the detrimental landscape impact, the harm to Linslade Wood and its bird and animal life in particular, infrastructure issues, the inconsistency of the proposal with previous analysis of the site in question and planning decisions, Leighton-Linslade Town Council opposition to the development.”

“I have contacted local Linslade Central Bedfordshire councillors, and some others, in the hope that they may be able to convey the level and intensity of local dissatisfaction, although I suspect we will now, of necessity, have to focus future attention and efforts on the Examination in Public which will follow the Plan’s submission.”

The council is aiming to submit its plan to the Secretary of State on April 30, assuming approval at a full council meeting on Thursday.

The council said it received more than 6,275 representations during the pre-submission Local Plan consultation, which was held this year during January and February.

It says: “In response to this feedback, the report to Full Council recommends minor modifications to the Local Plan. If approved by councillors, these recommendations will be sent to an independent Planning Inspector to review ahead of a public examination hearing.”

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, has praised two Leighton Buzzard companies who were among the winners in the 2018 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

Peli Bio Thermal, on Stanbridge Road, and FAI Automotive, on Grovebury Road, were both recognised in the International Trade category at the UK’s most prestigious business awards, which were announced on HM The Queen’s Birthday.

Mrs Nellis said: “Bedfordshire is well known for creating an environment of innovation, entrepreneurship and commercial success.

“I am delighted that four outstanding companies have been honoured this year. My sincere congratulations to them all and best wishes for their continuing success.”

International Trade Award winners are defined as having demonstrated that their business has achieved substantial growth in overseas earnings and in commercial success, for their business size and sector, through either outstanding achievement over three years or continuous achievement over six years.

FAI Automotive is one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of replacement automotive parts, it offers an all-makes programme with the FAI brand, covering European, Japanese and Korean passenger cars and light commercial vans.

The company distributes throughout the UK to the garage industry, via a network of local stockists (Motor Factors) together with direct supply to engine re-conditioners. It also has an ever-growing export division doing business in over 55 countries around the world.

Peli Bio Thermal is celebrating its second consecutive Queen’s Award win, last year they were given an award innovation for its Chronos Advance.

The company is the global leader in design and manufacture of both high-performance case solutions and advanced portable lighting systems. Their products are used by professionals in the most demanding markets including firefighting, police, defence/military, aerospace, entertainment, industrial and the consumer market.

Peli BioThermal President David Williams said: “We are proud to receive this auspicious award again, this time for International Trade.

“It is an absolute honour to receive Royal recognition for our outstanding performance exporting our pioneering products worldwide.”

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the United Kingdom’s most accomplished business awards, which recognise and celebrate enterprise excellence.

The winners will attend a reception at Buckingham Palace later this year.

Buckinghamshire reggae artist Christopher Grant is celebrating after scooping the scene’s top award.

Born on the beautiful island of Jamaica and now residing in Aylesbury, Bucks, Christopher - who also goes by his reggae name Chris Da Ambassada - is an international recording, award-winning reggae artist making waves across the scene with his talents.

And he was ‘buzzing’ after picking up the award for Best Reggae Artist at the 2018 Premier Gospel Awards in London.

“Wow! I’m just so overwhelmed,” Chris said.

“I’m grateful for what God is doing in this season of my life. Saturday night was amazing.”

It is yet another honour Chris brings back to his hometown Aylesbury and he said he remains passionate about what he does with his goal to bring positive changes to as many lives as he can reach through his music and ministry and generally be an inspiration to people.

“In these times that we’re living in we see a lot of negativity in the news and media all over the world,” Chris said.

“I personally want to use my music as a channel to encourage and motivate others. It’s so important to me that I use my life experiences to show that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

“I want to bring a positive change to the mindset of today’s youth and create one with a ‘can do’ attitude. When I look around me it seems violence is promoted in a lot of the music listened to by our youth. I believe that I was called specifically by God to be an Ambassador for His Kingdom, with a unique sound and style that can bring changes to the world.”

Ambassada’s stance is refreshing as he promotes positivity in his songs, which will be listened to by the same young audience he aims to reach.

This year has already been huge for Ambassada but there is still so much more to come. Currently he is adding the finishing touches to his second album which is set to be released later this year. Based on his work so far, it promises to be what they call in the industry - a banger.

Chris added: “I’d like to say a Big thank you to Premier Gospel for giving me the award, it is such an honour. Most importantly I give thanks to my Lord Jesus for the anointing He has placed on my life. I am truly grateful to have a supportive wife and kids who have stuck with me through it all, thank you my Princess and Princes. My amazing family and friends who motivate and encourage me at the right time, I appreciate you all.

“Also, I would like to echo a big thank you to Reminiss at Silent Minds from the UK and DJ Shane Harris Heavenly Waves from Canada. These guys are the fantastic producers whoe helped me to turn my thoughts into songs. Thanks to everyone who supported and took this journey with me from the beginning.

“Finally, a big thank you to my manager Marcus from Tru-Life Promotions and his team for all their help and support through this process.”

For more info on Chris and his music visit www.chrisdaambassada.com

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Four men were jailed last week over a string of burglaries and driving offences carried out in Houghton Regis and Leighton Buzzard.

Members of the group appeared at Luton Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, April 20.

Rhys Moriarty, 25, of Beech Avenue, Northampton, was jailed a total of five years and nine months for conspiracy to commit burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, drink driving and dangerous driving.

After his sentence, he faces a driving ban of three years, extended to five-and-a-half years with an extended driving test.

24-year-old Johnny Berry, of Southwood Road, Dunstable, was sentenced to three years for conspiracy to commit burglary.

A third man – Tyler Ogden-Hooper – was just 17 at the time of the offences but had since turned 18. He was sentenced to two years in a Young Offenders Institution for burglary and attempted burglary.

A 17-year old boy from Bedford, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also sentenced for receiving stolen goods to two Detention and Training Orders of four months duration, to be served concurrently.

DC Jason Wheeler said: “Moriarty, Berry and Ogden-Hooper were prolific burglars who caused misery to their victims during this crime spree.

“They committed these burglaries during the early hours whilst the occupants were sleeping. I’m pleased that these burglars have now been taken off the streets for an amount of time. I hope they reflect on their actions whilst serving out the sentences handed down to them.

“At Bedfordshire Police, we are committed to reducing burglary and these sentences show that this is a crime that we, and the courts, take very seriously.”

DC Wheeler advised that residents should double lock their front doors. “Make life difficult for opportunist burglars. If your door is equipped with double locks, please use them. This makes it harder for this type of offender to enter properties. I would also urge you to place your car keys away from the front door and out of sight.”

See further advice regarding prevention of burglary on Bedfordshire Police’s website.

Anyone with information on a crime is asked to contact the force by calling the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 55 111.

Matt Adcock reviews Wildling (15), directed by Fritz Bohm

Here’s an unusual tale of a young girl, Anna (Bel Powley), who lives locked up in a room by her daddy (Brad Dourif). When ‘daddy’ can’t stand it anymore and tries to kill himself Anna winds up in the custody of Sheriff Ellen Cooper (Liv Tyler), but is completely unprepared for the real world.

All her life Anna has been taught to fear the Wildling, a creature with sharp teeth, claws, covered in black hair – but maybe, just maybe she shares a little more in common with the monster than most girls?

Wildling is another addition to the teenage body horror genre, a kind of werewolf-em-up version of Teeth or Carrie – in fact if you have seen the similarly themed Ginger Snaps, you’ll know what to expect.

Pitched as a kind of dark fairy tale, Wildling creaks along in a horribly predictable manner. Once free of the hormone-suppressing effects of daddy, Anna hit puberty with a vengeance.

The cinematography is classy and the cast go about the credibility straining plot with aplomb but there aren’t enough positives to balance out the negatives overall. Tyler and Powley are good together in their sort of surrogate mother / daughter relationship. Fairing less well is Collin Kelly-Sordelet as Cooper's younger brother and potential love interest for our wild heroine.

What really isn’t so great is the jumbled plot, which jumps around in tone and mood and never really feels coherent enough. Wildling is oddly unscary for a horror effort - there are a few icky moments and some gore but the rushed ending leaves viewers with a ‘meh’ than an ‘arrggghh’.

Anna’s wide-eyed navigation of her powers, her sexual awaking and her blood lust are handled in cursory style, the mythos of the supernatural elements is muddled and yet there is something worth checking for fans of fables tinged with horror elements. I wanted to like Wildling more than I did and when I was more shocked by the weird snores of my pal whom I saw this with – rather than anything on screen – I realised that this wasn’t going to be a classic addition to the scary movie canon.

Wild at heart but tame where it counts.

The stars of the hit children’s TV series Peppa Pig and PJ Masks are planning a special fun-filled weekend (28-29th April) at Woburn Safari Park.

After an adventurous road safari experience to see amazing wild animals roaming freely in beautiful parkland reserves, families can meet and take photos with their favourite TV characters on the decking of the Mammoth Play Ark in the Foot Safari.

On Saturday (April 28) the loveable Peppa Pig will be putting in a rare appearance and on Sunday (April 29), PJ Mask’s super-speedy leader, Catboy, and the youngest member of the superhero team, Gekko, will be meeting with lucky families, all the way from Adventure Bay!

Peppa, Catboy and Gekko will be making their special appearances at the park at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Families can see the popular animated stars and secure a place in the priority queue at no extra cost to standard admission with a Special Event ticket. Enjoy all of the usual fun at Woburn Safari Park and meet a favourite superhero.Children under the age of three can visit for free.

To book Special Event tickets or to find out more, visit www.woburnsafari.co.uk/events

A Stanbridge woman was inspired to run the London Marathon by her dad who suffered a severe cycling accident.

On Sunday, Daniella Harris raised £4435 for national charity Aspire, that provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by a spinal cord injury.

Last year, Daniella’s father, Stephen, had been on a fairly routine long cycle ride when he came off his bike on a quiet country lane near Tring, suffering a spinal cord injury. He still does not know how it happened.

The 19-year-old said: “Dad was taken into hospital on 17th February 2017 after being found unconscious in the road, still on his bike. After plenty of tests we discovered that dad had broken his neck at C1 level. This injury has left dad tetraplegic.”

The injury meant that Stephen became paralysed from the shoulders down.

Daniella used running to help her process what had happened to her dad. She is now a regular runner and trained four to five times a week in preparation for the marathon.

She completed the London marathon in four hours and 31 minutes.

She said: “It was an absolutely incredible day!

“It was tough, at the suspected temperature on the course being around 26 degrees due to the tarmac and crowding of people, but it was amazing.

“I have raised £4435 for Aspire which is a great amount.

“Aspire very quickly became prevalent in Dad’s independence whilst in rehab and has been a massive influence in his recovery so far.

“They have provided dad with a mouth mouse so that he can operate his compute using his mouth, this has helped him communicate with life outside of the hospital during his long stay so far.”

>> To make a donation to Daniella’s fundraising page, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DaniellaHarris.

Police are investigating after the few worldly belongings of a homeless man were set ablaze in a deliberate arson attack.

Emergency services were called at around 8.50pm on Saturday, April 21, to the fire under a bridge off Parsons Close Recreation Ground in Leighton Buzzard.

They found the makeshift camp on fire. Items including a tent and bedding, as well as personal pictures and mementos, are understood to have all been destroyed in the blaze.

Bedfordshire Police are treating the incident as an arson attack.

Paul Latimer, of Leighton Linslade Homeless Service, said the authorities were aware of the man’s condition, with a meeting held yesterday to discuss his care needs.

Mr Latimer said: “He has been there for some time now. We had a charity feed him with takeout meals when he comes to the service.

“All services are aware of him and are trying to get him to engage, without success I’m led to believe.”

It is understood that the man has since been given new belongings.

Disgust over the arson attack has been shared on social media, with one user blasting those responsible as “absolute scum”.

A Beds Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “We received a call at 8.52 pm on Saturday to a fire under the bridge in the area of Parsons Close.

“It was a small fire and crews used one jet and a thermal imaging camera to extinguish it.”

The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society have been busy bringing Susie H K Brideswell's whodunnit Murder at Haversham Manor to Milton Keynes Theatre this week

We talked to the head of the society and director of the show Chris Bean and Robert Grove who describes himself as a leading member of the society. Things may have not gone entirely to plan.

The Play That Goes Wrong is performed at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday April 28. Tickets for the show can be booked by visiting www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes or by calling 0844 871 7652

For many about to start a second tour across the UK, it is a case of half jotted notes on bits of paper flung up on walls and carpets and musings jabbed onto phones and tablets.

But broadcaster Danny Baker isn’t one of them. We speak to him two weeks before he begins the tour, which includes dates in Milton Keynes, Coventry, Dunstable, Leicester and Northampton, and there is not a single word written down.

Danny said: “Even my wife said to me before I started the last tour said, are you going to plan what you are going to say.

“But I’ve never been one of those people. If I am talking and something pops into my head which is entertaining, or a different story, it’ll be one that I want to tell and the audiences will go along with it and laugh.”

With this, it is rather difficult to ask what his new show is actually about as it is safe to say that even Danny himself isn’t entirely certain.

He said: “I have told people that this is a show about the fact that I didn’t want to go out on tour.

“But there was such demand and the audiences loved it, I found myself drawn to doing it again.

“The nice thing is that there are places that the first tour didn’t go to like Northampton and so a lot of the stories that I told on the first tour, some people will have not heard.

“But it is not a case of repeating the same things but if the audience wants to hear about something then I’ll tell them.”

The fact that he doesn’t plan anything for the shows is not a new thing for Danny.

He said: “I don’t even get nervous at all. I am incredibly lucky in that I am treated very well by the BBC who allow me to come in five minutes before I go on air and trust me to deliver the goods.”

He also says that this approach does have some positives and negatives.

Danny said: “Because nothing is written down or rehearsed, it does mean that every show will be different. So the one for Northampton will be slightly different to another venue on the tour.

“It is unique for everyone who comes to see that show in Northampton.

“But I have such a good time telling the stories that they do tend to turn into three-and-a-half hour shows. I’ve been offered the chance to put the show on to DVD but have been told they would need to be an hour-and-a-half and I lack the discipline to do it.

“Given that dear old Ken Dodd has now gone, I’m one of the few out there trying to keep marathon shows going, like a raconteur on turbo charge or Peter Ustinov with the power of a locomotive.”

Despite saying that he wants nothing more than to relax (the tour breaks so that he can watch the World Cup), he seems to be incredibly organised.

For many interviewees that we chat to, the world of theatre is in such flux that it can be difficult to plan.

But Danny’s plan will be working alongside writer Jeff Pope on the second series of the comedy Cradle to Grave which was first broadcast almost three years ago.

“The last series ended and I hadn’t even left school. So I’ll be at least growing up in the next series. We’ll spend the next few months on the tour writing the scripts .

“It will still be another year before the show is on the air I imagine.

“It will cover the time when I went to go and work on the NME and all of the people I went on to meet.”

Danny Baker – Good Time Charlie’s Back can be seen at Milton Keynes Theatre on Friday May 4. Tickets for this date can be booked by clicking here.

The following night he will be at Warwick Arts Centre and the details are here. He then goes to the Grove Theatre in Dunstable on Friday May 11 (details here) before going to the De Montfort Hall in Leicester on Wednesday May 16 (details here). He goes to Northampton's Royal & Derngate on Saturday May 26. Click here for further details of this date.

Fresh from performing a contemporary comedy, Leighton Buzzard Drama Group are taking on a vintage comedy for their next production.

Tickets have gone on sale for Blackadder Goes Forth for six performances running from Thursday to Saturday, July 5 to 14.

The group will stage three classic episodes from the final fourth series of the comedy series written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton.

It depicts the regular characters of Blackadder, Baldrick and Melchett, this time relocated to the trenches of France during the First World War.

In the episode Private Plane it will see Blackadder and his friends join the Air Corps, wrongly believing it will be less dangerous than being in the trenches.

This will be followed by the episode titled General Hospital which sees the general asking Blackadder to find a spy in the hospital. Suspicion falls on one of the patients who has a thick German accent and an interest in all things military.

The final episode is appropriately called Goodbye and sees Blackadder pretending that he is insane to avoid certain death carrying out the general’s order for the big push.

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £10 for concessions excluding booking fees. There is a 25 per cent discount on tickets six weeks before the first performance. To book call box office on 0300 300 8125 or by visiting www.leightonbuzzardlibrarytheatre.co.uk.

For further information about Leighton Buzzard Drama Group visit www.lbdg.org.uk or, alternatively, find them on Facebook and Twitter.