Singing for Pleasure, which has been running successfully in Brighton, Hove and Southwick for five years under musical director Simon Gray, will show its skills on Saturday, September 10 in a concert at Portslade Town Hall at 2.30pm.
As Simon, who has been involved in the musical scene for more than 30 years, explains: “Singing for Pleasure Goes to the Movies offers a programme of songs that have featured in films and film musicals. There will also be a Last Night of the Proms finale in which the audience will be invited to join in and wave union jacks!
“SFP is delighted to announce that Loren Bennett will be one of the soloists. Fifteen year-old Loren, diagnosed with chronic anxiety and Asperger’s, has made astonishing progress in just a few months since joining Singing for Pleasure.
“Singing is now widely recognised as producing a whole host of health benefits, and it could be argued that singing should more broadly be part of everyday life. Singing, through the emotional experience of one’s feelings, has the power to alter and enhance the mood of the singer. Since ancient times singing has been considered a great healing tool as it can influence brain wave frequencies and promote well-being.
“Medical papers have now proved singing and listening to music helps relieve a large number of health conditions. It can lower blood pressure, ease depression, improve lung capacity, and help breathing as when you sing your lungs take in more oxygen. Joining a singing group helps make new friends which in turn helps the feel good factor.”
Simon is pleased to include Loren among the group’s success stories: “Loren had been suffering with chronic anxiety and had been diagnosed with Asperger’s. Loren is a gifted singer with an exceptional voice but singing in front of anyone, other than her voice teacher or parents, had become impossible for her. It was suggested that maybe she should come along to Singing for Pleasure and sing along with other people with no pressure to perform on her own.
“Loren (who lives in Rottingdean) came along with her mother to the Hove group and within a couple weeks she was feeling very comfortable singing and socialising with the other members – so much so that by week four Loren felt brave enough to get up and sing a solo! This was a huge breakthrough, and Loren has since gone on to perform solos with SFP on a weekly basis as well as taking part in concerts elsewhere, including a solo recital for family and friends. She also appeared in a concert at the Barn Theatre in Southwick alongside experienced professional performers from the world of musical theatre and opera.”
Loren’s mother Rebecca Bennett said: “Since being diagnosed with Asperger’s and chronic anxiety, we had really given up on her singing, but since coming to [SFP] she has made incredible progress, so much so she is now enjoying performing and socialising with the lovely group of people each week, both of which I never thought she would feel comfortable doing. I will definitely recommend Singing for Pleasure as a form of therapy for Asperger kids and adults.”
Simon added: “Also in the groups there are singers living with cancer, Lupus, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, all of whom find great comfort, relief and inspiration from singing in a friendly environment on a weekly basis. Indeed, several of them have even reported a distinct improvement in their conditions which they attribute to regular singing.
“If anyone is tempted to come and join SFP then come along to Portslade Town Hall to see what the group does. There is no upper age limit and there are no auditions. Song choices are taken from musical-theatre shows, some classical songs as well as some of the great standards. We also welcome song suggestions from the group members.”
Simon added: “Throughout the year there are Singing for Pleasure fund-raising events in support of local charities. Indeed, the group is happy to assist all charities by singing free of charge at suitable events. Please phone 01273 555089 for more information. SFP have supported events raising funds for The Martlets Hospice and Chestnut Tree House.”
Tickets from Robert Blass on 01273 555089 or singingforpleasure@hotmail.co.uk.
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Concert illustrates health-giving benefits of singing


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Nodding off in the middle of the day may be down to pollution generated by traffic, suggests new research.
The study shows exposure to traffic pollution is a trigger for daytime sleepiness - and may also trigger SNORING.
More than 12,000 adults were included in the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study.
The findings show that people exposed to high levels of pollution had a 65 per cent greater chance of suffering from daytime sleepiness, compared to those who had no exposure.
Traffic noise in the bedroom was also a trigger - with people 46 per cent more likely to feel sleepy in the day if exposed.
And the research also suggests that people are also 29 per cent more likely to be a habitual snorer if they are exposed to traffic noise while they sleep.
Daytime sleepiness affected one in five people involved in the study, while one in four reported habitual snoring.
Ane Johannessen, an epidemiologist at Bergen University in Norway, wrote the study together with Professor Thorarinn Gislason and other Northern European researchers.
She said: “Exposure to traffic should be taken into account when planning treatment for patients with sleep disturbances, because reducing noise and pollution exposure in the bedroom may have a beneficial effect.
“Reducing exposure through relocating the bedroom away from pollution sources or making the bedroom more soundproof to protect against traffic noise, as well as mapping alternative and less polluted outdoor everyday routes may help patients with their sleep disorders.”
The study also showed that men, older subjects, smokers and those with lower education were more likely to report habitual snoring.
They were usually less physically active, with a higher BMI, and more likely to have a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Women, older people, smokers, and those with lower education were more likely to report daytime sleepiness.
The new research is due to be presented at the European Respiratory Society’s International Congress in London next month.
Professor Jorgen Vestbo, President of ERS and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, said: “The question of who snores may be a running joke in some households but for many snoring is a serious issue, with direct links to physical and mental well being and the same is true for daytime sleepiness.
“We want people to think more about the environment around them and the impact it can have - from the way they sleep to the air they breathe.”
To coincide with Congress, the ERS will be holding some free public lung function testing, starting in Trafalgar Square on September 2 and 3.

Sleepiness linked to traffic noise and pollution


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Five men who died off the coast of Sussex this week have now been named by police.
They are Kenugen Saththiyanathan, 18, and his brother Kobikanthan Saththiyanathan, 22, both of Normandy Way, Erith.
Their friends Nitharsan Ravi, 22, of Admaston Road, Plumstead, Inthushan Sriskantharaja, 23, of Chadwell Road, Grays and Gurushanth Srithavarajah, 27, of Elsa Road, Welling, also died in the tragic incident.
Police say the men all travelled together to Camber Sands for the day on Wednesday (August 24) where they sadly died. Their deaths have now been passed to the coroner.
Ajirthan Ravi told national media his brother Nitharsan was studying aeronautical engineering at the University of Brighton and was just about to start his second year.
RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling Camber Sands over the Bank Holiday weekend, following the tragic deaths.
The RNLI, working with Rother District Council, says it aims to provide reassurance to the public by providing the temporary service.
A spokesperson for the RNLI said: “The charity will provide a team of five or six lifeguards and appropriate equipment over the Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday – Monday) 9am-6pm on Camber Sands who will work alongside the Local Authority Beach Patrol teams.
“The Royal National Lifeboat Institution offered to provide lifeguards over the weekend and the council accepted our offer.
“In addition to the lifeguard service the RNLI will also be providing a face-to-face team who will be on hand to provide key safety information to all visitors at the beach.”
A Rother District Council spokesman said: “We very much welcome and appreciate the support the RNLI are offering to provide a temporary lifeguard service.
“People are understandably concerned in the light of the tragic incident at the beach this week and this service will provide reassurance to the public in one of the busiest weekends of the year at Camber.
“We continue to work with the RNLI, the emergency services and other partners to identify any additional measures we might need to introduce at the beach in the future.”
The RNLI added: “The RNLI provides lifeguard cover on over 240 beaches throughout the UK. The lifeguards are there to provide safety cover and advice and we would advise anyone who is not familiar with the area to come and chat with the lifeguard.
“Before visiting the coast you can visit www.RNLI.org/respectthewater”
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Police have provided an update into the sudden death of an 18-year-old man, saying that a ‘hazardous chemical substance’ was believed to be near the body.
Emergency services were called to a house in Grove Road, Worthing at lunchtime yesterday and ambulance staff wearing bio-hazard suits were seen entering the property. Click here to read the original story.
Emergency services were called to a chemical incident at Grove Road in Worthing yesterday, where an 18-year-old man died. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
The road was temporarily closed, and neighbours are believed to have been told not to leave their houses while emergency services dealt with the incident.
Sussex Police has issued a statement, which said: “Police were called to a report of a man found dead at his home in Grove Road, Broadwater, Worthing on Monday (29 August) at 12.35pm.
“It is believed that there may have been some hazardous chemical substance near the body of the 18-year-old so specially trained ambulance and fire crews attended the scene. The body was recovered safely.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner’s officer is dealing with the incident.”
Emergency services were called to a chemical incident at Grove Road in Worthing yesterday, where an 18-year-old man died. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
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Emergency services were called to a chemical incident at Grove Road in Worthing yesterday, where an 18-year-old man died. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
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COUNTY NEWS: Hazardous chemical involved in teen death


A coastguard helicopter has been spotted circling above Camber Sands days after five men lost their lives on the beach.
It follows reports that a swimmer has been reported missing.
The Royal National Lifeboat Association has been contacted for more information.
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COUNTY NEWS: Coastguard helicopter circling above Camber Sands


Littlehampton’s Edwin James Festival Choir remembers fondly one of its finest at its forthcoming concert performance of One Sun, One World, an environmentally-themed work by Peter Rose and Anne Conlon.
Spokeswoman Madeleine Wadley said: “Commissioned by the World Wide Fund for their 50th anniversary, One Sun, One World has an environmental theme that reaches out with a message of hope for the future of the natural world and humanity’s place within it. The musical takes the audience on a journey through the great forces of earth, the power of the sun, the ocean tides, wind patterns, the miracle of rainfall and a web of cold and heat.
“One Sun, One World has been chosen as a musical memorial for Joe Costa, a larger-than-life, well-loved member of the choir and Littlehampton local community who lost his battle for life in February.
“Joe was born in Singapore in March 1940 during the Japanese occupation and was the youngest of five children. His father was Spanish and a civil engineer who had been posted to Singapore prior to the war and unable to return to Spain. He met Joe’s Vietnamese mother while travelling. She was very strict with her children to protect them from the soldiers and died ensuring they had food daily. Joe remembered little about Singapore except the Japanese encampment near the village where he lived, Jalan Seyom. Joe spoke several languages – Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and English and was looked after by his step-sis. They immediately took him out of education and used him as a household servant. When his sister returned she sent Joe back into full-time education under the care of a French priest at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
“Joe lived there and served at services held in Latin, later gaining work experience as a messenger and later in a shoe shop. Joe wanted to emigrate and the priest encouraged him to save hard for his journey and kindly gave him half the money. At the age of 15, Joe finally secured what proved to be a traumatic sea passage, alone but befriended by a Vietnamese man. Joe had met an Englishwoman prior to his departure who had him encouraged to visit Newcastle-upon-Tyne to see her parents. His journey took him via Genoa, Marseilles, Dunkirk, Dieppe, Dover and finally a train to Newcastle. On arrival he discovered the Englishwoman was staying at her parents home and they set about making a safe life for Joe, helped him secure a job at the Royal Station Hotel and wanted to adopt him.
“Joe Costa met his future wife Eva at a dance hall in 1960 and within six months of meeting they were married. In 1966 they moved to Colchester where they lived for 38 years where Joe worked as an engineer. Following redundancy the couple set up tea rooms which they ran for several years before moving to Selwyn Avenue in Wick in 1995 with Joe obtaining work at Euro-therm and Eva at Hi-Tech. Joe retired at the age of 68 due to ill health. He loved his family, his many friends, gardening (winning awards in the Littlehampton Town Garden Competitions), cooking - famed for his curries, profiteroles and lemon drizzle cake. Joe and Eva attended Wick Chapel for a few years and then Parkside Evengelical Church where he played in the music group.”
James Rushman, musical director for the Edwin James Festival Choir, said: “Joe and Eva joined the choir seventeen years ago. Our motto is Music is Life and it certainly was for Joe who not only sang but played the oboe, clarinet and keyboard. He became very accomplished and joined The Littlehampton Town Concert Band and the music group at the church. Joe was small in stature but big in heart. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him and he will be remembered by all who met him as a gentle man with a big heart. He loved the choir, his music, the concert band and was a loyal friend. His big smile, Geordie/Asian accent and tam-o-shanter will long remain in the memory of all who knew him, not to mention his famed lemon drizzle cake.”
The Edwin James Festival Choir will be performing One Sun, One World on Saturday, August 27 at the Parkside Evangelical Church at 4pm. There is no admission charge but there will be a retiring collection in aid of St Barnabas Hospice. All are welcome.
The Edwin James Festival Choir rehearse every Wednesday evening from 7.30pm at St James’s Church Hall, East Ham Road, Littlehampton, and prospective members of all ages are welcome to visit. More information from www.edwinjamesfestivalchoir.co.uk. The choir is currently rehearsing the Faure Requiem, Goodall’s Every Purpose Under the Heaven as well as Rock Nativity by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent.


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Students and staff at Ormiston Six Villages Academy in Westergate are celebrating today after achieving a huge leap in GCSE results.
High performances came across core subject areas and the percentage of students achieving A*-C in English and maths is at 59 per cent this year, a 17 per cent increase on the same measure last year.
Emily Wildey with her dad David
Pupils achieved some quite exceptional results.
Three students all called Tom achieved all As and A*s across the board.
Tom Scott got 8 A*s and two As; Tom Morgan seven A*s and three As; and Tom Pierce two A*s and eight As.
All three were delighted with their fine results and are all heading to Havant College to do their A-Levels.
Students looking at their strong results
Edward Follis got five A*s, four As and one B and is also going to Havant. He said: “I’m very happy, I was hoping to do well but I was quite worried I wouldn’t so it’s great.
Ellie Smith achieved seven A*s, two As and one B and said she was happy to be accepted to Chichester College to study further.
Across geography, history, languages and science, students made significant gains.
Students particularly excelled in history, with 44.8 per cent of all grades being achieved in the top A*-A bracket.
Other pupils who did brilliantly well:
Caitlin Morton, a young carer who achieved five A*s across the EBACC subjects and five As, balancing hard work and revision with her caring responsibilities.
Cherian Neeliyara joined the school in Year 8, having not been to school in the UK before and speaking little English.
He leaves us with one A in maths, four Bs, including in English language, and three Cs.
Louie Hayman, who achieved one A*, six As and three Bs.
Ormiston Six Villages has seen a new principal, new governors and close support from Ormiston Academies Trust over the last period, and everyone at the school is delighted that so many of its students will be able to take up their chosen pathways.
Umbar Sharif, principal at Ormiston Six Villages Academy, said: “Students, staff and families have all worked really hard to achieve today’s results and I am so proud of our Year 11s.
“The results across all measures have leapt up and we are delighted that students will be progressing onto a range of A Levels, BTECs and apprenticeships.
“We wish our cohort all the best for the future.”
Toby Salt, CEO of Ormiston Academies Trust, added: “It is our absolute priority to ensure that every student fulfils their potential, regardless of their starting point, and we are delighted to see a strong rise in GCSE results at Ormiston Six Villages Academy.
“Students, staff and parents deserve great credit for these results which reflect their commitment and determination to succeed and we look forward to building on these achievements year after year.”
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GCSE results: Ormiston top achievers celebrate


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Twin sisters who both go to St Philip Howard Catholic High School achieved some quite phenomenal GCSE results today.
Katherine and Emily Broadhurst, from Lyminster, shared a staggering 22 A* and A grades between them.
Katherine gained three A*s, seven As and one B, while Emily got five A*s and six As.
They admit there was competition between them, but that it’s always friendly as they helped each other revise for their exams.
“We’re both really happy,” Katherine said. “We studied hard together, we made index cards for each other.
“I was actually hoping to do a bit better, the one B is quite annoying.”
Emily added: “I won’t be rubbing it in too much (about doing slightly better). We’re really happy for each other.”
St Philip Howard in Barnham celebrated some of their best ever results, see the full story here
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GCSE results: Twin sisters share 22 top grades


21 contemporary British figurative artists, established and emerging, cast their gaze over our social, cultural, religious and political icons through their 21st-century looking glasses for the latest exhibition at Chichester’s Candida Stevens Fine Art.
Curated by Candida, new works created for the show will be introduced from Stephen Chambers, Eileen Cooper, Nicola Green, Annie Kevans, Irene Lees and Jane McAdam Freud. Pieces are also featured from Tracey Emin, Nicole Farhi, Grayson Perry and Marc Quinn. Visitors will be able to see images ranging from The Queen to Kate Moss, Barack Obama to Anna Wintour, Marx and Engels to Aung San Suu Kyi, the Mother & Child to the Moon.
Providing the Obama is London-based Nicola Green who is delighted to show her work in Chichester, a place full of family associations for her. Her contribution to the show is a one-off work from her series In Seven Days.
Coming just as President Obama approaches the end of his second term, it represents the sacrifice and personal toll of his presidency as well as being a reflection of the complex nature of the hope that was and still is projected onto him, Nicola explains. The multiple impressions in the work of President Obama echo the different ways in which the press have represented him with lighter or darker skin colour at various points of his presidential career. Nicola explains, the work questions how these representations reflect the mood of the press and public and their responses to the question of identity and race in relation to the first African-American President of the USA.
“I made this piece specifically for the exhibition but part of the wider series which I made in the two years after 2008. I spent a lot of time with President Obama’s first presidential campaign in 2008. Nobody thought he was going to win. My husband was actually the first black Briton to study at Harvard. He was not there at the same time as Obama, but they met some years later. In 2005, he spent some time with Obama, and I was pregnant with my first child. Obama said he was thinking about running for president, and for me, I was thinking about the kind of world that my son might be born into, thinking about the role models and how their experiences are changed by the colour of their skin and how the world view would be different. And I was starting to think about the long-term implications, thinking about the role models in popular culture – or the lack of them. I was rooting for him as president for myself in a personal sense but also as an artist. I started thinking that my children were too young to witness the moment. In 2008, when he was campaigning to get the nomination, my second son was born. My children were very little, and I felt I really wanted to witness these events on their behalf. I felt that as an artist, I had an opportunity to think about the long-term meaning of the story.”
The exhibition runs at Candida Stevens Fine Art, 12 Northgate, Chichester from Sept 10-Oct 22; Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm.
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Obama among iconic figures in city art show


Adrian Cox, one of the UK's leading reed players, is the latest guest at Steyning Jazz Club on Friday, September 2.
Adrian founded the Adrian Cox Quartet in 2012 acquiring a dedicated and enthusiastic following, playing their energetic mix of traditional jazz and swing from the 30s onwards, in the styles of Benny Goodman to Ben Webster via Ed Hall to Jonny Hodges.
Club spokesman Colin Jilks said: “Adrian has toured and recorded with T J Johnson, Paloma Faith and Bad Manners. He has hand-picked the very best from the UK's leading jazz musicians, to form his quartet: Nils Solberg guitar, who has played from The Kremlin to The Royal Albert Hall, George Trebar double bass and a leading player on the gypsy jazz scene, and Mez Clough drums, a London-based player for the main jazz venues in the UK.
“Since Adrian's last appearance at the club, there have been passionate and growing calls for his return, a return which promises to deliver a spectacular evening of the finest music, all tantalisingly wrapped in Adrian's irresistible playing style, with its syncopated fluidity and lilting cadences.”
Colin added: “This September meeting opens our new season and is membership renewal evening, so join us in a glass of fine wine and renew your membership for the coming year: annual membership is £10.”
Steyning Jazz Club meets at The Steyning Centre, Fletcher’s Croft, 8.30pm. Doors open 7.30pm. Information from Denis Cummings on 01903 814017.


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The parents of a teenager whose body was found on Thursday have paid a heartfelt tribute to their ‘beautiful girl’ and released a photograph of her, Sussex police has said.
Sharon Grice and Richard Green of Hove, parents of Shana Grice, 19, said: “Shana is our beautiful girl, a kind thoughtful, caring daughter who always thought of others.
Shana is our beautiful girl, a kind thoughtful, caring daughter who always thought of others Sharon Grice and Richard Green
“We would like to thank Ashley and his family for their support.
“We would also like to thank everyone for their beautiful kind words.
“We would like to ask that our privacy be respected through this difficult time.”
According to Sussex Police, Ashley was Shana’s current boyfriend.
Shana’s body was found at her address in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak, on Thursday morning.
The 27-year old man arrested on Thursday on suspicion of murder in Burgess Hill is still in custody for interview and further enquiries, police said.
Magistrates at Brighton today granted a warrant authorising his continued detention if necessary until Sunday.
A post-mortem is currently taking place in Brighton but is not expected to conclude until later tonight.
As previously announced, the death has been notified to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. To read the full story, click here.
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COUNTY NEWS: Murdered teen’s parents pay tribute to their ‘beautiful girl’


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A conflict between police and an armed man has entered its 22nd hour.
Sussex Police have issued an updated statement about the incident, which is continuing at a property in Harbour Road, Pagham.
Police have cordoned off a house in Harbour Road, Pagham and are negotiating with a man armed with a gun. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
As previously reported, trained police negotiators are at the scene speaking to a pensioner armed with a gun. Click here for the original story.
In their latest statement, Sussex Police said: “Police are continuing to talk with a 72-year-old man who is believed to be armed with a gun inside a property in Harbour Road, Pagham.
“It comes after emergency services were called to the address just after 4pm on Sunday (28 August) to a report of threatening behaviour.
“A woman known to the man was also in the house at the time, but she left shortly after police arrival and is safe and well.
“The 72-year-old man remains in the property alone.”
Detective Superintendent Carwyn Hughes said: “I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we deal with this ongoing situation.
“Harbour Road remains closed and a cordon around the area is still in place.
“The safety of local residents is our priority and we are doing all we can to make sure their daily routines and Bank Holiday plans are not disrupted. People living in properties along Harbour Road are free to come and go with police support.
“Communication between a trained negotiator and the 72-year-old man in the house continues.”
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COUNTY UPDATE: Armed man siege reaches 22 hour mark


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New research conducted by Foster Grant has established the average person takes around nine shots before choosing the perfect photo to put on Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook but are you of the many that feel like they are missing a trick and just can’t get it right?
Take a leaf out of Kylie Jenner’s book and follow these easy to remember tips to make the most of your pictures;
Tip 1
Try different angles
Most of us have a “good side” and by tilting your head to the right it tends to be more interesting than just a straight on shot and can also be a more flattering angle. Taking a photo from above is also a great way of displaying different angles and can highlight all the bits you want to show off.
Tip 2
Don’t underestimate good lighting and a filter- from black and white to sepia tones- accentuate your features and bring out your inner model with your Instagram filters or just pose with a good ray of sunshine on your face.
Tip 3
Get creative
Take a selfie snorkelling in the sea or the side of a mountain. Not only is the scenery eye catching but you will be the envy of all your friends. Don’t be afraid to use accessorise and incorporate these items into your selfie. New glasses, big jewellery and rings are great at grabbing people’s attention
Tip 4
Use your arms as a frame- whether single armed or using both, let your arms show the rest of your body off, just be careful your fingers don’t cover the lens! If you are not a fan of the extended arm selfie then you should definitely consider a selfie stick.
Tip 5
Show off your personality. Smile, frown, laugh make a silly face or pout- just try and avoid the duckface where possible. When you share your picture let your friend feel the true essence of you.
For all this watch the video featuring blogger Kativa Donkersely for her top tips on how to get the celeb inspired selfie from the likes of Kylie Jenner herself as well as trendsetters Rihanna and Gigi Hadid


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A health system ‘at crisis point’, a desperate need for new schools and ‘very severe’ traffic delays.
That is just three of the major issues facing Arun as it seeks to map out its housing future for years to come.
Consultants have assessed the impact of various levels of housing on the district’s infrastructure, as part of the ongoing Arun local plan process.
Scenarios explored have estimated the effect of building between 650 and 1,000 homes per annum.
A report by Hampshire County Council stated: “Whichever development strategy is proposed, there will be significant requirements for expanded and new education and healthcare provision.
“Nearly all the sites identified a requirement for primary education provision, with the cumulative pressures as a result of combinations of sites also requiring secondary expansion projects across the district.”
Arun’s annual housing delivery target, based on Government data, suggests a need to build 845 homes per year to meet demand.
Arun District Council is obliged to produce a local plan, assessing the suitability of various sites and setting a target for housebuilding.
This could be higher or lower than the Government’s figure but the strategy must be based on evidence.
In the worst-case, the report states the highest level of housing tested could require two new primary schools at Ford and Eastergate, a four-form entry secondary school and expansion of other facilities. A need for between 300 and 600 extra childcare places has been identified.
Describing the district’s health facilities as ‘at crisis point’, the report estimates up to five new practices would be required at a cost of £14million.
Sussex Police advised the consultants increased housing would result in a major uplift in incidents – a pressure expected across all emergency services. And on the roads, potential delays caused by the highest amounts of housing could be ‘very severe and potential showstoppers’.
The report concludes, however, ‘very little’ would rule out specific sites if adequately mitigated.
Click here for the full report, and scroll down to ‘Infrastructure Delivery Plan’.

Health system ‘at crisis point’ - and that’s just one of major issues facing Arun


It’s the farcical comedy which leaves critics stony-faced. But now Mrs Brown’s Boys has been voted the best British sitcom of the 21st century, beating Ricky Gervais’s observational masterpiece, The Office.
Mrs Brown’s Boys, starring Brendan O’Carroll as the foul-mouthed Dublin widow, topped the Radio Times poll which asked readers to choose the funniest shows broadcast since 2000.
Described as “the worst comedy ever made” by one reviewer, the broad humour of O’Carroll’s creation, initially unveiled on a RTE Ireland radio series, has been labelled sexist and homophobic.
But the BBC1 show, which O’Carroll described as a reaction against the politically-correct “alternative comedy” revolution of the 80s, has become the most-watched programme on Christmas Day and even spawned a feature film.
The troupe of largely extended family members – O’Carroll’s wife Jennifer plays his fictional screen daughter – honed their characters through live stage performances, adding to the anarchic atmosphere of the television episodes, which often embrace mistakes.
O’Carroll said of the poll victory: “It vindicates the fans’ belief in the show. They have kept us on the air – it certainly wasn’t the reviewers.”
He added: “There is an audience out there that comedy forgot, that Are You Being Served? audience has been left behind. Us winning this award proves that.”
The show was rewarded with a Bafta in 2012 as critics began to accept its merits.
Radio Times readers voted from a shortlist of the 40 funniest shows broadcast since 2000, compiled by critics and experts from the British Film Institute.
When the 14,000 votes were counted, the unashamedly populist Mrs Brown’s Boys finished ahead of the understated charms of The Office, first broadcast in 2001 and widely regarded as the most influential comedy of the century.
Peter Kay has two entries in the top 20 with Car Share and his breakthrough Channel 4 sitcom Phoenix Nights
The poll suggested that the comedy audience has yet to fully embrace funny women. Miranda, the sitcom vehicle for the comedy actress Miranda Hart appears at number 8 ahead of Raised By Wolves, the loosely autobiographical Channel 4 family series written by Caitlin Moran and her sister Caroline.
But the poll is dominated by male performers and writers. Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan has three entries with Count Arthur Strong, The IT Crowd and Black Books all featuring.
Armando Iannucci’s The Thick of It, The Inbetweeners and Jack Whitehall’s Bad Education are other sitcoms in the list which have been expanded into feature films.
James Corden’s hit BBC romantic comedy Gavin & Stacey, co-written with Ruth Jones, remains highly regarded and makes the top ten. ITV has a one entry with Benidorm.
Best British sitcom of the 21st century
1 Mrs Brown’s Boys
2 The Office
3 Peter Kay’s Car Share
4 Count Arthur Strong
5 The IT Crowd
6 The Thick of It
7 Gavin & Stacey
8 Miranda
9 Raised by Wolves
10 Outnumbered
11 Peep Show
12 Black Books
13 Green Wing
14 The Inbetweeners
15 Bad Education
16 Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights
17 Yonderland
18 Twenty Twelve/W1A
19 Benidorm
20 Detectorists

Mrs Brown’s Boys voted best British sitcom of the 21st century


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Job losses at a sub-contractor working on Sussex’s patient transport service have been announced.
Since private company Coperforma took over the contract from South East Coast Ambulance Service in April, patients have complained about numerous incidents of crews being late or not turning up at all.
While performance has improved recently, one of the company’s sub-contractors VM Langfords went into administration earlier this year, forcing Coperforma to step in to guarantee jobs, pay, and conditions.
Now Docklands Medical Services (DMS), which took on some of the former Langfords employees, said it would be informing some of its staff that the company will be ‘terminating their employment’.
In a letter to staff, Christopher Arnall, chief executive officer at DMS, said: “I have no choice as my company finances dictate that I act quickly and decisively in order to secure the stability of the company and maintain a solvent and stable company going forward in order to provide our valuable service to the patients and maintain stable secure jobs for employees who remain with the business.”
He added: “When former Langford’s employees joined DMS I gave an undertaking to these employees that all such staff would remain on ‘the same terms and conditions that they were previously on’.
“At this time I was hoping to attract additional business/work into DMS in order to be able to finance this undertaking. Again sadly this has not happened.
“Having now had the time to review the finances of my business, my work load and also my resourcing requirements I can advise that unfortunately I am no longer in a position to be able to sustain the current headcount or the previously mentioned terms and conditions.
“Over the coming days I will be meeting with employees to discuss this situation in more detail and unfortunately I will need to advise some of our colleagues that I will be terminating their employment.”
He explained that any former Langfords employees who stayed with the company would be offered DMS’ standard terms and conditions.
Last week the GMB union, which represents staff at Docklands, called on Coperforma to be stripped of its contract, and is due to hold a strike on Monday September 5.
Gary Palmer, GMB organiser, said: “No more chances, no more waiting until the dust hopefully settles, the time has come to remove Coperfoma and all those that would put profit before patients and staff.”
A spokesman for Coperforma explained that after ‘early teething problems’ the PTS was now ‘working well’, and the contract dispute between DMS and its employees would not affect the service ‘in any way’.
Working with the CCG, Coperforma had put in place a plan to mobilise extra vehicles from other providers to fill any shortfall should the need arise during the dispute.
The spokesman said that all contractual payments from Coperforma to DMS, totalling £525,000, were up to date, and justified claims from previous employees at VM Langfords would be paid, but since many of these went back several months it would take the company some time to verify them all.

Job losses at patient transport service sub-contractor planned


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Among the continuous flow of games and press conferences in the early part of the season, it’s nice to take time out on occasion to speak to various people in more depth.
Last week I sat down with Albion goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts.
Among the talk of his one-year anniversary moving to Sussex and his time in Rio after his playing career ended, he also gave us a reminder of the work that’s done behind the scenes.
He was referring to the role of Casper Ankergren, a seasoned experienced keeper who no longer features in the team but has an important job of helping the outfield players hone their skills in front of goal. Of course, he has an impact in the changing room and is also looking to prepare himself for his own coaching career.
This week we also saw the return of German centre-back Uwe Hunemeier after eight months out of action with a groin injury. What seemed initially a relatively-minor problem kept the defender on the sidelines from December 19, 2015, to August 23, 2016.
The hours of rehab and training after surgery must have taken their toll but credit goes to the player and medical staff. Many of the backroom team don’t sing their own praises or avoid the spotlight but they play a huge role themselves.
It often seems like an army of foot soldiers are on hand to help at the training ground or matchdays and it seems reasonable to ask the question – what do they all do? Well, to be honest, I don’t know but it’s nice to find out more. What I do know is that they wouldn’t be employed unless they did a valuable job that can improve the ultimate performance of players and the team.
After the Olympic Games came to a close we had another reminder of how an improvement in many different areas by small margins can amount to big rewards.
Cyclist Mark Cavendish was asked why Team GB had excelled once again in Rio. He reiterated the role of designers, technicians, physios and psychologists who all add to the overall performance.
We may all know it but we don’t always see it and every so often it is good just to tip our hat to those in the dark corners who go about their business as the pursuit of glory continues in the full face of the media and fans.
Johnny Cantor covers Brighton & Hove Albion as a commentator and reporter for BBC Sussex Sport.
Follow all the action, home or away, on BBC Sussex Sport or Twitter: @BBCSussexSport or @johnnycburger
To read more by Johnny Cantor, visit www.johnnycantor.com
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Johnny Cantor: Don’t forget those behind the scenes


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The suspected murder of a teenager has been reported to the body that oversees complaints against the police, Sussex Police has said.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission was notified by Sussex Police following the discovery of the 19-year-old woman’s body at an address in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak yesterday.
Sussex Police said: “The death has been notified to the IPCC owing to there having been previous police contact with the deceased and other people.
“Her family have been informed of this development. We await the IPCC’s decision as to how any internal investigation will be conducted.”
As previously reported, a 27-year-old man from Portslade was arrested in Burgess Hill yesterday on suspicion of murder after the body was found. Click here for the full story.
Police added that a post-mortem is expected to take place in Brighton later today, and that the address is still a crime scene as forensic work continues.
They are not formally identifying the dead woman at this stage but said they will do so as soon as possible.
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UPDATE: Murder reported to police complaints body


University of Chichester graduate Joe Perkins tries to capture a little bit of chaotic Quo in his new album.
Joe, who studied commercial music graduating in 2012, has long been a huge Status Quo fan: he first saw them, aged ten, in Bristol 16 years ago.
“And I have seen them with the modern line-up loads of times, always the perfect Quo. But then they played with their original line-up, and they were just all over the place in terms of the timing and the notes, but in terms of the musicality, they were just so exciting.
“They had the danger back, and it was just so much better for not being perfect, and I think that is one of the lessons I have learnt.
“You record a song and then you can edit it and edit it until it is perfect, but that’s not necessarily the best way to do it.
“You want the edge, which is what Quo had. They looked terrified! But that nervous energy made it the best Quo show I’d ever seen. It was so much more exciting for being edgy and dangerous. It was four humans all playing together with the whole thing likely to implode at any point. It was pure rock & roll!
“We are human beings. We are not perfect. We all make mistakes. With technology, you can make it perfect, but you lose the fact that we are all musicians playing together. It’s about the spontaneous things that can happen, and that’s what I have wanted to capture.
“There are little mistakes, but the album is what I sound like when I play the guitar. And it is the first album I haven’t done in a recording studio. I did it in the dining room at home. It was about giving free rein to the music.”
It was while he was at Chichester that Joe did his first album: “It was a very good course, but for me the most important thing was the studio facilities that we could book out. The course was very wide-ranging, but in your spare time you could get into the studio and having the studio was great. You got taught all the basics of making a record, but then you could develop it all further.
“I did my first album then which I released free online. So many people had got involved and given their time for free that it wouldn’t have been right to try to sell it.
“It was call Host of Other Artists. It was all songs I had written and played pretty much every instrument, but it was other people doing the lead vocals. I did some backing vocals, but I am not strong enough a singer to do the lead vocals.”
Now comes the new album, purely instrumental. Double Denim is released on Friday, September 2, as a vinyl + CD bundle (limited to 300 copies) and as a download – both available from joeperkins.co.uk. Both are priced at £7.99.
“Releasing the album on vinyl isn’t purely nostalgic,” Joe says. “Sure, I personally prefer buying music as a physical entity and enjoying it as a piece of art, and I think vinyl is the best for that.
“But the audio is actually much higher definition than the CD and has a more dynamic master. You’ll have to turn it up a bit, but it sounds more natural. Nowadays we all need to own our music digitally too, so with the enclosed CD you get that as well.
“So that’s Double Denim. There’s rock; bluegrass; ballads; a snare drum with far too much reverb on it; potentially the world’s loudest cajón; an army of pots and pans; an outrageous amount of guitars; a sense of humour; and real human musicians playing their instruments.
“And who else gives you all that on an outdated format from the 1930s?”


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A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in Sussex after a woman’s body was found, police have said.
Sussex Police said that at just before 9.45am today, officers were called to the address in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak, which is in Portslade, East Sussex, over concerns for the welfare of a 18-year woman living there who had not arrived at work this morning.
Our thoughts are with the deceased and with her family and friends Superintendent James Collis
The body of a woman, believed to be the resident, was found inside the house, police said. Formal identification has not yet taken place.
They added that nobody else was in the house at the time.
The cause of death has not yet been established but it is being treated as suspicious by police and detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team led by Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rymarz, are investigating.
A 27-year old Portslade man was arrested this afternoon at an address in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody for interview and further enquiries.
Superintendent James Collis of the Brighton and Hove Division said: “Our thoughts are with the deceased and with her family and friends, who are receiving our support at this time.”
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COUNTY NEWS: Man arrested for suspected murder as woman’s body found


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Models of the Coca-Cola Powerbank have been recalled due to a potential fault in the units.
Halfords have recalled three models of the Coca-Cola shaped Powerbank 2200mAh, with product codes 243524, 243516 and 243581 have been removed from sale while an investigation takes place.
Customers have been advised not to use the product, which enables people to charge and sync devices when on the go, but rather to return it to their local Halfords shop, where they will receive a full refund.
The issue affects products with the item-codes above only, with no other products or powerbanks affected.
A company statement read: “We take the quality and safety of our products extremely seriously and would like to apologise to customers affected for any inconvenience this may cause.” Queries can be made to Halfords’ customer services team on 0345 504 53 53 or customer.services@halfords.co.uk.
Home, garden and leisure products chain The Range is also recalling two models due to a potential fault - the Coke Powerbank 1a 2200 Mah, with product code 135749, and the Coke Powerbank 1a 7200 Mah with code 135750.
Customers are advised to stop using the device immediately and return the Powerbank to their local store with a valid proof of purchase to obtain a full refund of the purchase price.
Customer queries can be directed to 0345 026 7598 or help@therange.co.uk


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A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.
Financial recruiter Goodman Masson took first place in the list by jobs site Glassdoor, based on reviews submitted to its website by current and former staff.
The company, which is based in London and also has offices in Dusseldorf, was praised by staff for its “huge investment” in staff benefits and “great” parties twice a year.
“The attention paid to the wellbeing of staff is at a level rarely matched elsewhere,” said an anonymous employee working in the London office.
In second place was technology firm Cisco Systems, and in third place was insurer HomeServe.
West Midlands-based HomeServe, which employs 1,200 people at its headquarters in Walsall and has 2.1 million customers in the UK, was commended for its attitude towards the treatment of its staff.
“The salary is very competitive and you are rewarded very generously for your hard work and just for carrying out your role. The company has a great framework for career progression and is always looking to promote people internally for job roles,” said a water supply engineer working at the firm.
Greg Reed, chief marketing officer at HomeServe, said: “We believe if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers. This means creating a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work every day because they feel what they do really makes a difference in our customers’ lives.”
Temping firm LOLA and Screwfix completed the top five. Other companies in the top 20 included Apple, American Express Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever and John Lewis.
Google is known for its plush offices, but doesn’t make the top 20 companies for work-life balance. Its new London office has sleep pods so workers can take a nap, although perhaps this is an indication of long hours.
For a company to have been considered, at least 50 work-life balance ratings must have been submitted by UK-based employees in the past year.
The top 20 companies for work-life balance:
1. Goodman Masson
2. Cisco Systems
3. HomeServe UK
4. LOLA Staffing
5. Screwfix
6. American Express
7. BP
8. Peninsula Business Services
9. ARM Holdings
10. Unilever
11.Thomson Reuters
12. Kantar Worldpanel
13. Atkins
14. Téléfonica
15. Credit Suisse
16. Rolls-Royce
17. John Lewis
18. Waitrose
19. Lloyds Banking Group
20. Apple

Revealed: The top UK companies for work-life balance


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Albion signed Belgium international defender Sebastien Pocognoli from West Brom on a season-long loan last night.
The 29-year-old left back adds competition to Brighton’s full-back areas, with Gaetan Bong the only recognised senior left-back in the squad, while Liam Rosenior missed the Newcastle game with the ankle injury he sustained at Reading.
Albion boss Chris Hughton said: “We are delighted to add Sebastien to our squad, as the injury to Liam has left us a little bit short of cover in both full-back positions.
“Sebastien has a vast amount of experience having played in some of the top divisions in Europe, as well as in the Champions League. He is the type of quality player we want to add to the squad, and we are looking forward to working with him.”
Pocognoli began his career in the youth team at Standard Liege before moving to Genk at the age of 15.
He made his first team debut aged just 16, and went on to make a total of 46 appearances before moving to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. After 70 appearances and five goals for the Dutch outfit he returned to Standard Liege, where he played 98 times, scoring twice. A move to the Bundesliga followed with Hannover 96, before switching to the Premier League with West Brom in July 2014. He has made 21 appearances for the Baggies. Pocognoli has represented his country at under 16, 17, 19 and 21 levels, as well as making six appearances for Belgium in the Beijing Olympics. He has won 11 senior caps.
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Pocognoli joins Brighton on season-long loan


Motorists from around Sussex are being advised to avoid using the M20 if travelling to Kent after a bridge collapsed.
Kent Police said that officers were called at 12.10pm today to a report of a bridge collapsing between Junction 4 and Junction 3 on the M20 London-bound.
Police said a lorry collided with a pedestrian bridge which collapsed onto the carriageway below.
Officers are in attendance along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service.
No people are believed to be trapped in the debris, however one person is believed to have suffered injuries, not reported to be life threatening at this time, Kent Police said.
Police are treating this as a major incident and the M20 has been closed in both directions to allow this incident to be dealt with.
The scene on the M20 between Borough Green and Leybourne in Kent after a lorry hit a foot bridge and it collapsed. Picture: @emmaraphaelx / SWNS.com
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and take an alternative route.
Highways England has said that the road closure will last until at least tomorrow. For the latest updates, click here.
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The scene on the M20 between Borough Green and Leybourne in Kent after a lorry hit a foot bridge and it collapsed. Picture: @emmaraphaelx / SWNS.com
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COUNTY NEWS: Warning to Sussex drivers after bridge collapses


The stand-off between negotiators and an armed man continues, police have said.
A statement from Sussex Police said: “Emergency services remain outside a house in Harbour Road, Pagham this morning (29 August) as trained police negotiators continue communication with a lone 72-year-old man who is still believed to have a gun.
Police have cordoned off a house in Harbour Road, Pagham and are negotiating with a man armed with a gun. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
“Police were called to the property at around 4.10pm on Sunday (28 August) to a report of threatening behaviour.
“A woman known to the man was also in the house, but she left shortly after police arrival and is safe and well.
“The 72-year-old man remains in the property alone.
“A police cordon is still in place and the road remains closed.”
Local residents in Harbour Road have been advised to stay inside Detective Superintendent Nick Sloan
Detective Superintendent Nick Sloan said: “The safety of the local community is our utmost priority.
“Local residents in Harbour Road have been advised to stay inside, but should they wish to or need to leave their properties, we will be able to facilitate this with police support.
“Communication continues with the lone man in the house and we hope to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible.”
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A Facebook post shows armed police in Pagham following reports of a man with a gun using threatening behaviour. Picture: Bognor News and Local Events
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Police have cordoned off a house in Harbour Road, Pagham and are negotiating with a man armed with a gun. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
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UPDATE: Police stand-off with armed man continues


West Sussex provides the second best area in England and Wales for quality of life for pensioners a new report claims.
The Quality of Retirement Index from Prudential assessed counties against seven criteria to indicate the extent to which people could enjoy a happy and comfortable retirement. These were: access to healthcare, crime levels, pensioner incomes, the weather, life expectancy, how many pensioners already lived in a particular area and how many were moving into the county. The counties were then given a score and ranked.
Prudential used data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) among other sources to make its findings. Dorset topped the table but West Sussex and Herefordshire came joint second, with Devon in fourth position and the Isle of Wight and East Sussex ranked joint fifth. Prudential said Dorset topped the rankings for quality of retirement owing to its “all-round appeal”. The research also found pensioners in Surrey, ranked at number 10, received the highest average annual retirement income, at £21,200. The full table is:
1. Dorset =2. Herefordshire =2. West Sussex 4. Devon =5. Isle of Wight =5. East Sussex 7. Rutland 8. Dyfed 9. Norfolk 10. Surrey

Retiring? Then West Sussex is the place to be


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Arundel Cathedral once again was the imposing venue for the 30th Annual Festival Organ Recital
Organised by the “Plumley Collection”, founded by the redoubtable Nick and Sarah Plumley, this year’s recital featured ace-organist Neil Wright from Farnborough Abbey, exchanging the Abbey’s Parisian Cavaillé-Coll instrument for the restored 1873 Hill organ of the Cathedral.
Neil specializes in French organ works by 19/20 century composers such as Theodore Dubois, Cesar Franck, Jean Langlais and Maurice Durufle. The only two exceptions today were the immortal J.S.Bach and Wright himself, who today gave the 1st performance (and possibly his last) of his own Improvisation on a hymn tune handed to him by Nick only seconds away from the performance!
Organists are expected to improvise at the beginning and end of Sunday services, and it takes considerable talent, ingenuity and daring to create a substantial piece using a given theme. Wright studied both improvisation and composition with some of the world’s finest teachers, winning prizes and performing in many countries across Europe
The organ is known as the King of Instruments, producing a plethora of magical sounds and effects in the capable hands (and feet) of the right performer. Today we were transported into the ether in “Fiat Lux” (Let there be light), the triumphs of “Pièce Heroique” and the glory of “Te Deum” (Praise be to God), as well as the spell-binding celestial sounds of “Pièce Modal de Re” and “Prelude and Fugue sur le nom d’Alain” Even the great J S Bach’s contribution sported a French title “Pièce d’Orgue”
Wright also studied piano, harpsichord and clavichord, and in addition worked as a choral director, organist and singer in the United States, founding and directing Lauda early music ensemble. But it was as a virtuoso organist that Wright earned the appreciation of today’s audience.
Marilyn Hurdwell
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REVIEW: ARUNDEL FESTIVAL ORGAN RECITAL, ARUNDEL CATHEDRAL


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There’s nothing quite like a gentle British comedy.
We do seem to create these movies with a certain style.
It does help, of course, having an amazing pool of talented actors to call on.
And Golden Years certainly has an incredible cast.
Bernard Hill, Virginia McKenna, Simon Callow, Sue Johnston, Una Stubbs, Phil Davis, Alun Armstrong - any director would be salivating at the thought of having such people on hand.
And director John Miller is certainly lucky as this was his first major project.
Also heavily involved was TV presenter Nick Knowles, who shared the writing and production credits.
Hill plays Arthur, a kindly pensioner who is looking after his wife (McKenna) who has health problems.
His world is turned upside down, though, when he discovers a financial crash has decimated his pension pot.
Faced with trying to pay for his wife’s treatment and realising his friends are similarly cash-strapped he decides to ‘take back what he’s owed’, courtesy of robbing the odd bank or two.
While there are some dubious moral dilemmas raised, the accent is on humour.
We have a workaholic policeman (Armstrong) and his frustrated wife (Johnston) and the up and coming detective Stringer (Brad Moore) who is too clever for his own good.
While the jokes are unlikely to have you falling off your seat, this is a good family bit of fun that doesn’t outstay its welcome.
DVD Specs:
RRP: £17.99
Cat. No: HFR0423
Run time: 96 mins
Cert: 12A


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A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.
Financial recruiter Goodman Masson took first place in the list by jobs site Glassdoor, based on reviews submitted to its website by current and former staff.
The company, which is based in London and also has offices in Dusseldorf, was praised by staff for its “huge investment” in staff benefits and “great” parties twice a year.
“The attention paid to the wellbeing of staff is at a level rarely matched elsewhere,” said an anonymous employee working in the London office.
In second place was technology firm Cisco Systems, and in third place was insurer HomeServe.
West Midlands-based HomeServe, which employs 1,200 people at its headquarters in Walsall and has 2.1 million customers in the UK, was commended for its attitude towards the treatment of its staff.
“The salary is very competitive and you are rewarded very generously for your hard work and just for carrying out your role. The company has a great framework for career progression and is always looking to promote people internally for job roles,” said a water supply engineer working at the firm.
Greg Reed, chief marketing officer at HomeServe, said: “We believe if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers. This means creating a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work every day because they feel what they do really makes a difference in our customers’ lives.”
Temping firm LOLA and Screwfix completed the top five. Other companies in the top 20 included Apple, American Express Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever and John Lewis.
Google is known for its plush offices, but doesn’t make the top 20 companies for work-life balance. Its new London office has sleep pods so workers can take a nap, although perhaps this is an indication of long hours.
For a company to have been considered, at least 50 work-life balance ratings must have been submitted by UK-based employees in the past year.
The top 20 companies for work-life balance:
1. Goodman Masson
2. Cisco Systems
3. HomeServe UK
4. LOLA Staffing
5. Screwfix
6. American Express
7. BP
8. Peninsula Business Services
9. ARM Holdings
10. Unilever
11.Thomson Reuters
12. Kantar Worldpanel
13. Atkins
14. Téléfonica
15. Credit Suisse
16. Rolls-Royce
17. John Lewis
18. Waitrose
19. Lloyds Banking Group
20. Apple

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Revealed: The top UK companies for work-life balance


Nodding off in the middle of the day may be down to pollution generated by traffic, suggests new research.
The study shows exposure to traffic pollution is a trigger for daytime sleepiness - and may also trigger SNORING.
More than 12,000 adults were included in the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study.
The findings show that people exposed to high levels of pollution had a 65 per cent greater chance of suffering from daytime sleepiness, compared to those who had no exposure.
Traffic noise in the bedroom was also a trigger - with people 46 per cent more likely to feel sleepy in the day if exposed.
And the research also suggests that people are also 29 per cent more likely to be a habitual snorer if they are exposed to traffic noise while they sleep.
Daytime sleepiness affected one in five people involved in the study, while one in four reported habitual snoring.
Ane Johannessen, an epidemiologist at Bergen University in Norway, wrote the study together with Professor Thorarinn Gislason and other Northern European researchers.
She said: “Exposure to traffic should be taken into account when planning treatment for patients with sleep disturbances, because reducing noise and pollution exposure in the bedroom may have a beneficial effect.
“Reducing exposure through relocating the bedroom away from pollution sources or making the bedroom more soundproof to protect against traffic noise, as well as mapping alternative and less polluted outdoor everyday routes may help patients with their sleep disorders.”
The study also showed that men, older subjects, smokers and those with lower education were more likely to report habitual snoring.
They were usually less physically active, with a higher BMI, and more likely to have a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Women, older people, smokers, and those with lower education were more likely to report daytime sleepiness.
The new research is due to be presented at the European Respiratory Society’s International Congress in London next month.
Professor Jorgen Vestbo, President of ERS and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, said: “The question of who snores may be a running joke in some households but for many snoring is a serious issue, with direct links to physical and mental well being and the same is true for daytime sleepiness.
“We want people to think more about the environment around them and the impact it can have - from the way they sleep to the air they breathe.”
To coincide with Congress, the ERS will be holding some free public lung function testing, starting in Trafalgar Square on September 2 and 3.

Sleepiness linked to traffic noise and pollution


Police have confirmed they are looking for a missing swimmer at Camber Sands – days after five men lost their lives at the beach.
A coastguard helicopter is circling above Camber Sands, and a spokesperson for the RNLI confirmed they had lifeboats at the scene.
Sussex Police said they were called to the scene after a member of the public contacted them and the coastguard at Camber Sands after seeing an abandoned pair of flip flops next to the sea and a female diving into the water at this location.
A spokesperson added: “Officers at the scene are doing coastal checks to see if there are any persons swimming having difficulty”.
An RNLI spokesperson said the search for the ‘potentially missing swimmer’ was being co-ordinated by Sussex Police and the coastguard, and that their lifeguards were keeping watch from the beach with binoculars.
This search comes after five men lost their lives at Camber Sands last week, and the RNLI donated lifeguards to patrol the beach over the Bank Holiday weekend. Click here to read more.
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Search for ‘missing swimmer’ at Camber Sands


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England’s Medieval Festival, at Herstmonceux Castle, is the largest of its kind in the UK.
The festival has been taking place now for 24 years and it continues today (Monday, 29th August).
http://www.englandsmedievalfestival.com/
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PICTURES: Herstmonceux Medieval Festival


Sussex motorists who are travelling to Kent are being told the M20 motorway will be shut until at least this afternoon.
Highways England issued a statement saying that the M20 is closed between junctions one and four, and ‘is likely to remain closed until at least Sunday lunchtime’.
The scene on the M20 between Borough Green and Leybourne in Kent after a lorry hit a foot bridge and it collapsed. Picture: Natasha Najm / SWNS.com
The closure comes after a lorry struck a footbridge in Kent, causing it to collapse. Read more here.
Highways England said that diversions are also in place and it is likely the M26 which links the M25 to the M20 will also remain closed until the incident is cleared.
The diversion for the M20 is via the A2 or M2 using the A229 and A228, and the diversion for the M26, closed at M25 junction five, is to use the M25 junction two and then travel on the A2 or M2.
Highways England south east operations manager Gary Coleman said everything was being done to reopen the motorway again, but safety had to come first both for workers and drivers.
“We are facing a real challenge to lift two HGVs and a motorbike clear of the scene and deal with all of the rubble from the collapsed bridge strewn across both carriageways.
“There is also the issue of the remaining part of the footbridge, which is still in place over the coast-bound side of the motorway. We have crews on scene ready to take action as soon as the police have completed their investigation. We also have cranes en route and lighting so work can continue through the night.
“We are doing everything we can to safely reopen the motorway, but we’d ask drivers to please bear with us as this is a complex operation and it will take time and skill to complete. We’ll keep everyone updated.”
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TRAFFIC UPDATE: Motorway closed until ‘at least’ lunchtime


What are you doing this Sunday evening?
Comedian Eddie Izzard was never going to be loafing around at a loose end so he’s opted for a gig on the terrace of the De La Warr Pavilion.
The DLWP patron and all-round crowd pleaser will be revisiting his worldwide smash hit show Force Majeure in this strangely familiar outdoor setting. Last time he performed there he pointed along the coast and showed his audience where he went to school in Eastbourne.
Tickets go on sale from 10am Thursday August 25 - £20 adult, £10 under 18s (limited tickets): ground seating on the south terrace £30, chair seating on the balcony. All proceeds from the evening go to the De La Warr Pavilion Charitable Trust.


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Video game escapism in its purest form.
No Man’s Sky in undeniably a work of art, but have you got time to look around the whole gallery?
No Man’s Sky launched last week after much hype and billed as quite literally the biggest video game ever made.
The self-perpetuating game, which promises to be potentially endless, was four years in the making by a tiny team in game production terms. And you can tell as it will instantly take your breath away.
Make no mistake there has never been anything like this before. As you fly ever deeper into the universe, new planets and solar systems roll silently into view – some will have been seen before, others discovered for the very first time. And you have 18 quintillion of them to choose from...
Each has its own set of flora, fauna and inhabitants. By exploring, players gain information about the planets that they can submit to The Atlas, a universal database that can be shared with other players of the game and for which they are rewarded in currency each time.
Each planet is a work of art you could spend hours studying, analysing and dissecting. These works of art are housed in an endless gallery and for art connoisseurs it will be Manna from heaven.
However, most people’s playing time will be finite.... unless you’re at university and can afford to miss the odd class here and there to squeeze in just one more exploration of a peculiar alien planet.
And that is where one of the game’s key sticking points comes in. As much as No Man’s Sky takes us to Infinity and leaves us wondering what waits beyond, there is also an almost irresistible itch which you can’t scratch because you can never truly “complete” this game in the traditional sense.
But that is very much a personal take on NMS, many people might enjoy jumping on for a couple of hours here and there, discovering lots of different things and logging it to the Atlas, if anything it could be cathartic but many people like a beginning, a middle and an end to their games.
No Mans Sky is undeniably a work of art
The care, thought, time and brilliance that has gone into this utterly original video game is mindblowing and deserves to be experienced by PlayStation gamers.
It is the purest form of video game escapism we have ever seen and should be celebrated as such.
But it will more likely go down as a cult classic than the blockbuster success it’s craft deserves.


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Sussex motorists who are travelling to Kent are being told the M20 motorway will be shut until at least this evening.
Highways England issued a statement saying that the M20 is closed between junctions one and four, and ‘is likely to remain closed until at approximately 6pm’.
The collision on the M20 is causing problems for anyone driving to Kent. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
The closure comes after a lorry struck a footbridge in Kent yesterday, causing it to collapse. Read more here.
Highways England said that diversions are also in place and it is likely the M26 which links the M25 to the M20 will also remain closed until the incident is cleared.
The diversion for the M20 is via the A2 or M2 using the A229 and A228, and the diversion for the M26, closed at M25 junction five, is to use the M25 junction two and then travel on the A2 or M2.
Highways England south east operations manager Gary Coleman said everything was being done to reopen the motorway again, but safety had to come first both for workers and drivers.
The collision on the M20 is causing problems for anyone driving to Kent. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
“We are facing a real challenge to lift two HGVs and a motorbike clear of the scene and deal with all of the rubble from the collapsed bridge strewn across both carriageways. “There is also the issue of the remaining part of the footbridge, which is still in place over the coast-bound side of the motorway. We have crews on scene ready to take action as soon as the police have completed their investigation. We also have cranes en route and lighting so work can continue through the night.
“We are doing everything we can to safely reopen the motorway, but we’d ask drivers to please bear with us as this is a complex operation and it will take time and skill to complete. We’ll keep everyone updated.”
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TRAFFIC UPDATE: Motorway closed until ‘this evening’


Search for ‘missing swimmer’ at beach days after tragedy


Only 19.3 overs were bowled on the third day at the SSE Swalec because of rain and bad light, and when play was called off at 5pm Glamorgan had reached for 149 for 2 – an overall lead of 118.
With one day remaining, and Sussex hoping for a result that will challenge Essex at the top of Division 2, there is a possibility that the two captains Jacques Rudolph and Luke Wright, will agree on a target that Sussex could chase in the final innings.
We need to win games, especially after Essex’s performance against Leicestershire. Sussex coach Mark Davis
Essex’s win over Leicestershire puts them 44 points clear in the race for the one promotion spot.
Rudolph and Will Bragg had resumed on 50 for 1, and after striking three boundaries off Steve Magoffin, the Glamorgan captain was only three runs from his third fifty of the season when the Auatralian seamer got his revenge by trapping Rudolph leg before.
The second wicket pair had put on 67 for the second wicket, and when David Lloyd replaced Rudolph he was quickly off the mark with two boundaries off Jofra Archer. Magoffin, who had taken the two wickets, was Sussex’s most accurate bowler, and twice had confident lbw appeals turned down.
With Will Bragg playing watchfully at the other end, Lloyd continued to attack, and when George Garton replaced Archer, the left arm seamer was twice driven to the extra cover boundary by Lloyd.
The third wicket pair had put on 72, before the gloom descended and the umpires decided that the light was too bad for play to continue at 3pm.
Mark Davis, the Sussex coach was frustrated by the day’s events, especially after two good days’ cricket.
When asked about a possible arrangement between the two captains, Davis said “We haven’t looked into that yet, but we need to win games, especially after Essex’s performance against Leicestershire. We will see how things pan out in the morning, and take it from there.”
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County championship: Sussex and Glamorgan frustrated by weather


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Pokemon GO players who are found to be cheating will have a permanent ban slapped on them, it has been announced.
The game’s developer, Niantic, has altered the terms and conditions to include the condition that a life ban will ensue for anyone caught using trickery to bag Pokemon.
The new clause prohibits: “Falsifying your location, using emulators, modified or unofficial software and/or accessing Pokemon GO clients or backends in an unauthorized manner including through the use of third party software.”
It has been reported that some users have managed to fool the app into thinking they were at a different location. Some Pokemon are region-specific, although taken to extremes, a player could play the game without leaving their home.
“Our goal is to provide a fair, fun and legitimate game experience for everyone,” Niantic said:
“We will continue to work with all of you to improve the quality of the gameplay, including ongoing optimization and fine tuning of our anti-cheat system.”
Anyone believing that have been unfairly banned can access an appeals system.


The focus at Sussex this season has been very much on nurturing players for the future.
Fast bowlers George Garton, Stuart Whittingham and Jofra Archer have all emerged and played their part in both red and white-ball cricket.
Chris Nash. Sussex v Hampshire, NatWest T20. Picture by Phil Westlake SUS-160717-110048001
But coach Mark Davis still relies on a core of experienced players – none more so than opening batsman Chris Nash who, along with skipper Luke Wright, is the last survivor of the team which became serial trophy winners a decade ago.
Nash was seriously considered for the captaincy when Ed Joyce stepped down at the end of last season but Davis opted for Wright instead.
The 33-year-old instead poured his energies into re-booting his technique in South Africa under the guidance of Gary Kirsten and on making sure he and Joyce gave Sussex a strong platform in the County Championship.
At Cardiff this week the peerless Joyce passed 1,000 runs for the ninth time in his career and, all being well, Nash will join him on that landmark after making 132 in the first innings against Glamorgan to move onto 994 runs.
Job done, according to Nash.
“At the start of the season we knew it would be a transitional season and that the senior players had to stand up,” he said.
“Ed Joyce and I have put a huge emphasis on our opening partnership and for him to go past 1,000 runs already and me to be on 994 is just what we wanted really, and there are still four more games to go to push on.
We have put a lot of the onus on ourselves to get off to good starts because it takes a bit of pressure off some of the less experienced guys behind us in the middle order.
“I was delighted with the way I played because, on the second day, Glamorgan bowled outstandingly.”
With Essex beating Leicestershire in three days to stretch their lead at the top, Sussex probably need to defeat Glamorgan and win another three matches to have any chance of finishing in the one promotion place.
The likelihood is that Sussex will still be in the second division next season but it remains to be seen whether Joyce, who turns 38 next month, will be striding out with Nash to open the batting.
Davis and Joyce, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will sit down soon to talk about the future but Joyce might be tempted to extend his stay so he can finish his career with 50 first-class hundreds. He is currently on 45.
Meanwhile Nash was among several Sussex players to offer messages of congratulation to coach Phil Hudson, who played club cricket at Horsham with Nash, and his Sussex under-15s after they beat Staffordshire on Thursday to win the Royal London National One-Day final at Kibworth. Among the Sussex team was opening batsman Scott Lenham, who could one day continue the family tradition which is woven into the fabric of Sussex cricket.
His father Neil and grandfather Les both played for the county - as opening batsmen.
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Southern Rail bosses are advising hundreds of thousands of Airbourne fans across Sussex not to get the train on the first two days of the four-day show as it clashes with a planned strike.
The RMT has called a five-day strike from August 8-12, with the last two days coinciding with the first two days of Airbourne (August 11-14) – the annual festival of flight on Eastbourne seafront.
The town’s Chamber of Commerce bosses had written an open letter to rail chiefs raising fears that many of the 500,000-700,000 people who travel to attend Airbourne would not be able to get to Eastbourne by train.
And they asked what steps Southern was taking to plan ahead.
But this morning (Wednesday, August 3) Southern has just advised people not to travel by train.
A Southern spokesman said, “Unfortunately, Thursday and Friday’s Eastbourne Airbourne events fall within the five-day strike that the RMT has announced. We are urging the union to call off this unnecessary action and are meeting with them at ACAS tomorrow, Wednesday, in an attempt to achieve this.
“The level of service we can offer during the strike is dependent on the contingency resources available and we will only be able to provide a much reduced service between Eastbourne and Brighton and no service at all between Ashford International and Eastbourne.
“In light of this, we have no option other than to advise air show goers to seek alternative ways to get to and from the event.”
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The parents of a teenager whose body was found on Thursday have paid a heartfelt tribute to their ‘beautiful girl’ and released a photograph of her, Sussex police has said.
Sharon Grice and Richard Green of Hove, parents of Shana Grice, 19, said: “Shana is our beautiful girl, a kind thoughtful, caring daughter who always thought of others.
Shana is our beautiful girl, a kind thoughtful, caring daughter who always thought of others Sharon Grice and Richard Green
“We would like to thank Ashley and his family for their support.
“We would also like to thank everyone for their beautiful kind words.
“We would like to ask that our privacy be respected through this difficult time.”
According to Sussex Police, Ashley was Shana’s current boyfriend.
Shana’s body was found at her address in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak, on Thursday morning.
The 27-year old man arrested on Thursday on suspicion of murder in Burgess Hill is still in custody for interview and further enquiries, police said.
Magistrates at Brighton today granted a warrant authorising his continued detention if necessary until Sunday.
A post-mortem is currently taking place in Brighton but is not expected to conclude until later tonight.
As previously announced, the death has been notified to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. To read the full story, click here.
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COUNTY NEWS: Murdered teen’s parents pay tribute to their ‘beautiful girl’


A boy has been taken to hospital after being stabbed, and police are appealing for witnesses.
Sussex Police said officers are investigating the stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in Kings Road, Brighton this morning.
Emergency services were called at around 2.10am and after treatment by paramedics the victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Two men were arrested by police officers nearby; one by Pavilion Gardens, the other near Jubilee Street.
An 18-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and currently remains in police custody.
A 28-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He also remains in custody at this time, police added.
Detective Constable Rowan Carter said: “We would very much like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and who saw something suspicious.
“It was a fast moving investigation at the scene and so even if you spoke to officers in the early hours, we’d still like you to get in touch to ensure we have all of your information that could help.
“Witnesses can email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting reference 188 of 27/08.”
Alternatively, witnesses can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or go to crimestoppers-uk.org.
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COUNTY NEWS: Two men arrested after boy is stabbed


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