A man who carried out a revenge attack by torching a car outside his ex-girlfriend’s home which spread to the house has been jailed.
Tom Weedon, 21, fuelled by drink and drugs, had then gone on to set fire to another car some miles away at what he mistakenly thought was her new boyfriend’s home, Warwick Crown Court heard.
And a judge observed he had acted out of vengeance after his former partner had co-operated with the police to identify him on CCTV recordings of knifepoint robberies he had carried out.
Weedon, of no fixed address, was jailed for seven years after pleading guilty to two charges of robbery, one of attempted robbery, three of having a bladed article, one of theft and two of arson being reckless whether lives were endangered.
Prosecutor Graeme Simpson said that on November 2 last year there were two members of staff on duty at the BP garage in Stratford Road, Warwick, when Weedon burst in at around 3am and brandished a serrated kitchen knife.
One of the staff members rushed to a secure office from where he called the police as Weedon ordered the other assistant to open the till.
He lunged across the counter with the knife and grabbed about £350 before rushing out.
He was not identified until two weeks later when he returned to the shop as a customer, and one of the assistants recognised him.
Mr Simpson said that as a result CCTV from that visit was handed to the police, and Weedon was arrested, but he denied being involved and no further action was taken because of difficulties establishing his identity as the robber.
Then on December 4 Weedon stole a Yamaha motorbike from the multi-storey car park in Linen Street, Warwick.
At 8.20pm, wearing a motorcycle helmet with the visor down and brandishing the knife, he went into Subway at the Leamington Shopping Park. He ordered the two female staff members to open the till, but they managed to escape through a fire exit and he left empty-handed.
Two hours later he again targeted the BP garage in Stratford Road, Warwick, where he threatened a staff member with the knife as he made off with £450.
Mr Simpson said Weedon’s ex-partner assisted the police by agreeing to look at the recordings, and she recognised him on them - but he again denied being involved.
Then in the early hours of April 2 there was a report of a vehicle on fire on a drive in Yeats Drive on the Chase Meadow estate in Warwick.
Weedon’s ex-girlfriend’s black Saab had been set on fire, and the blaze had spread to her new boyfriend’s Peugeot work van – and to the front of the house itself.
They were woken by the noise caused by the fire, and could feel the heat and see the flames at the bedroom window, so called the fire brigade and escaped through the back door.
Both vehicles were destroyed, and the front of the house was also badly fire-damaged.
Weedon then went to an address in Leamington where he set fire to a Vauxhall Zafira parked outside in the mistaken belief it was the home of his ex’s new boyfriend.
The woman who lived there was woken by a loud ‘whoosh’ at 5.50am and looked out to see a trail of fire at the side of her car.
The flames again spread to the front of the house, causing the windows to burst.
Nick Devine, defending, said Weedon’s previous offences had been of a much less serious nature.
“Drugs and alcohol are the problem. At the time he was on a potent cocktail of serious drugs and alcohol.
“Money was needed to buy the drugs and to live, and he turned to crime to get that money.
“The arson offences are brought about through an entirely different set of circumstances. She was his first love, and when it came to an end he simply couldn’t cope with it.”
Recorder Goodchild said: “I accept that your personal life was in a mess, and you were taking a cocktail of drugs which completely shifted your sense of judgement.
“But there were three separate robberies, one of them an attempted robbery after the two girls, who have been terrified by the experience, fled, and the other two were actual robberies.
“Your former partner, and the mother of your child, was attempting to settle down with another man, and she helped the police. The result is that you sought revenge.
“You were steeped in drugs, and you went past and saw the car and set fire to it. It caught a van alight, and as they both blazed it caught the house. It must have been absolutely terrifying for those inside.
“What could have happened is that the occupants would not have woken up and would just have expired by smoke inhalation and would then have burned to death.”

Arsonist and robber jailed for seven years after revenge attack


A man who carried out a revenge attack by torching a car outside his ex-girlfriend’s home which spread to the house has been jailed.


Warwickshire Police is appealing for witnesses or information after an assault in Leamington on Sunday August 7.
Between 5.30pm and 10.30pm, the victim, a man in his 30s, was walking along the canal between south Leamington and St Mary’s Road when he was assaulted by an unknown man.
The victim attempted to walk home from the scene and was later found injured on Ramsey Street.
He sustained a fractured jaw and facial injuries which required hospital treatment.
Investigating officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident. Please call Warwickshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 0444 of August 7 2016.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online here.

Man assaulted on canal towpath in Leamington


Warwickshire Police is appealing for witnesses or information after an assault in Leamington on Sunday August 7.


The most popular pet name in the UK is Charlie, according to new research into the names we choose for our animals by Pets at Home.
Pets at Home surveyed more than 800,000 pet owners through its My VIP club and has found the top 50 most popular names for each pet type. Whether the pet is a bird, cat, dog, fish, horse, reptile or small animal, Charlie was the clear winner with almost 34,000 of British pet owners choosing this name for their animal friend, topping the list of most common names for birds, cats and horses.
Poppy also proved to be a popular choice for many pets, particularly canines and felines, ranking at number one for dogs and number two for cats. Other common selections include Alfie, Bella, Billy and Molly.
George also ranked highly across all species with almost 10,000 of those taking part choosing this name within the top 50, again regardless of pet type, suggesting the young Prince’s influence may not end with toddler fashion and toys.
The world of entertainment, particularly children’s cartoons, appear to have had an effect on the names owners select. Bird based film Rio saw the film’s title rank in 10th place for birds, while classic cartoon character name Tweety came in at number 32.
Bestselling book A Cat Called Alfie may have inspired cat owners, with Alfie being the eighth most popular name for cats. Winnie the Pooh fans are meanwhile drawn to Tigger, which ranked at 11 in cat names. Demonstrating that classic films can still influence our decisions, Thumper, who appeared in the 1942 film Bambi, is still the seventh most chosen name for rabbits. Nemo, is the second most popular name for the nation’s fish following Goldie in first.
Gavin Hawthorn, Group CRM Director, said: “It’s interesting to see that just as popular culture and famous faces influence what we name our children, likewise, these trends can help the nation’s pet owners select a name for their animals. It seems likely that children being allowed to name their first animal friend forms a big part of the naming process, particularly among the film and TV inspired monikers.
“However, it also seems that books and even the Royal family are also helping Brits to decide on what to call their pet. Meanwhile Charlie and Poppy scored highly across species, suggesting that cute, traditional names will always appeal when it comes to naming our pets.”
Top 10 names for British pets by species
Top 10 names for dogs
1. Poppy
2. Alfie
3. Bella
4. Charlie
5. Molly
6. Max
7. Daisy
8. Bailey
9. Ruby
10. Lola
Top 10 names for cats
1. Charlie
2. Poppy
3. Molly
4. Bella
5. Oscar
6. Daisy
7. Tilly
8. Alfie
9. Millie
10. Smudge
Top 10 names for small animals
1. Daisy
2. Fudge
3. Nibbles
4. Poppy
5. Rosie
6. Charlie
7. Thumper
8. Fluffy
9. George
10. Harry
Top 10 names for reptiles
1. Spike
2. George
3. Rex
4. Charlie
5. Sid
6. Monty
7. Bob
8. Leo
9. Rango
10. Sheldon
Top 10 names for fish
1. Goldie
2. Nemo
3. Bob
4. Bubbles
5. Fishy
6. George
7. Fred
8. Jaws
9. Dave
10. Tom
Top 10 names for horses
1. Charlie
2. Jack
3. Rosie
4. Molly
5. Harry
6. Alfie
7. Billy
8. Poppy
9. Murphy
10. Lady
Top 10 names for birds
1. Charlie
2. Joey
3. Billy
4. Bobby
5. George
6. Blue
7. Alfie
8. Rosie
9. Sky
10. Rio


The most popular pet name in the UK is Charlie, according to new research into the names we choose for our animals by Pets at Home.


For anyone who has found the whole process of internet shopping too much like hard work Amazon has come up with a solution.
The online retailer today revealed that it is introducing its Amazon Dash Buttons to the UK.
The dinky little gadgets are a one-touch way to order a host of popular products without all that complicated rigmarole of actually logging onto your Amazon account and searching for them.
The Dash Buttons are literally that, small plastic boxes housing a button, which when pressed will connect via wi-fi to your Amazon account and using one-click buying order your selected products.
Each button is linked to a particular item and there are 40 brands available from launch so you can get everything from cat food to condoms and nappies to NERF ammunition delivered to your door.
Daniel Rausch, director of Amazon Dash, explained the thinking behind the devices: “We’ve all experienced the frustration of running out of something we need - Dash Button and Dash Replenishment Service are designed to make that moment a thing of the past.
“Dash Buttons offer the convenience of one-click shopping from anywhere in the home - they can be placed near those frequently used items you don’t want to run out of, and when you see supplies running low, the Dash Button makes it easier than ever to order more. Just press the button and your item is on its way.”
The £4.99 devices are only available to Amazon Prime customers, which means you’ll have to sign up to the £79-a-year service to enjoy the Dash Button’s convenience. The good news is that you’ll get £4.99 back off your first order of each product.
Alongside the buttons, Amazon also announced the UK rollout of its Dash Replenishment Service.
Like the button this links to your Amazon account but rather than having to do the ordering yourself it allows connected smart devices to order supplies themselves.
This means the likes of washing machines, dishwashers and printers from big-name brands including Bosch, Samsung, Whirlpool and Siemens can monitor your consumables usage and order more before you run out.
If they could just design a button that remotely loads the dishwasher too, they could be onto a winner.

Amazon Dash lets you order your loo roll at the touch of a button


For anyone who has found the whole process of internet shopping too much like hard work Amazon has come up with a solution.


Leamington cruised to a 2-0 win at the DCS Stadium, with two first-half Ryan Rowe goals settling a low-key derby, writes Paul Okey.
On a warm bank holiday afternoon and coming just 48 hours after both sides had played the slow tempo was not surprising, particularly on a lush surface.
However, with so many former Brakes in the Stratford ranks, including coach Liam O’Neill, the visitors might have expected a more troublesome afternoon.
As it was, despite a second-half improvement from Town, there were few moments of alarm for Paul Holleran’s side after Rowe had bagged his fourth and fifth goals of the campaign.
There were early signs of encouragement for the home side with good interplay down the left allowing Jamie Sheldon to whip in a cross which Guy Clark headed just past the angle.
Joe Magunda picked up an early booking for an ungly lunge on Daniel Summerfield and Tony Breeden, on his return from a one-match suspension, had to be bravely off his line to deny Kieren Westwood after he had benefited from a lucky ricochet when challenging Ben George.
Ryan Rowe celebrates the first of his Stratford double.
Summerfield slid a shot well wide after patient build-up play from the home side but that was to be the end of their first-half threat as Brakes took control.
Running away from goal, Rob Thompson-Brown skewed a shot well wide, while Niall Cooper made a confident claim from an inviting George cross.
George was again the source for Brakes’ 23rd-minute opener.
His right-wing cross was slightly behind Rowe who had plenty of company 12 yards out but he used the pace of the ball well, guiding his header just inside the post and past the despairing dive of Cooper.
There was little in the way of a response from Stratford as Brakes flooded the midfield and they were restricted to aimless punts forward, much to the frustration of the home fans in a crowd of 523.
Jack Edwards showed good strength to hold off Clark and get a shot away but it was always rising over the bar, while Thompson-Brown flashed an effort across the face of goal as play was confined to the Stratford half.
The killer blow was landed a minute before the break and it was again courtesy of a deadly piece of finishing from Rowe.
The striker picked up Edwards’ flick-on with his back to goal on the corner of the six-yard box and after initially struggling to get the ball out of his feet he earned himself a yard of space and turned to crash the ball into the roof of the net.
If Stratford were to get back into the game they needed an early goal after the break and there was certainly more intent about their play following the resumption.
However, the sting was taken out of the game by a series of niggly fouls and bookings.
A Summerfield cross whistled across the six-yard box with no one there to apply the finish and at the other end Ahmed Obeng injected pace into a patient Brakes move but after space opened up he could only drag his shot wide of the near post.
Will Grocott went down in the box to elicit penalty appeals from the home players but referee Robbie Dadley was unmoved and Breeden stood tall to deflect an Edwin Ahenkorah strike over the bar as Stratford tried to work up a head of steam.
Sheldon whistled a cross-shot over the heads of a crowded box from the resultant corner and was similarly off-target with a free-kick from a central position.
The points were already safely pouched by Brakes but substitute Lee Moore was unable to add the gloss in the closing stages, heading horribly over from less than six yards after being picked out by a cute ball from Obeng.
TOWN: Niall Cooper, Daniel Summerfield, Kieren Westwood, Guy Clark (Simeon Tulloch, 83), Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Warren Brooks, Barry Fitzharris (Edji Mbunga, 54), James Fry, Edwin Ahenkorah, Will Grocutt, Jamie Sheldon. Subs not used: Richard Gregory, Liam Francis, Emmitt Defouneso.
BRAKES: Tony Breeden, Ben George, Connor Gudger, Joe Magunda (Rob Elvins, 73), Jamie Hood, James Mace, Rob Thompson-Brown, Darren Pond, Jack Edwards, Ryan Rowe (Lee Moore, 69), Ahmed Obeng (Tom James, 88). Subs not used: Ryan Quinn, Lewis Gwilliams.


Leamington cruised to a 2-0 win at the DCS Stadium, with two first-half Ryan Rowe goals settling a low-key derby, writes Paul Okey.


Kenilworth Castle is gearing up for a re-enactment of the Siege of Kenilworth this weekend as part of the siege’s 750th anniversary.
A 30-foot siege tower will be among the highlights of the battle, which will be held twice on Sunday August 28 and Monday August 29.
The event will follow the free siege commemoration in Abbey Fields on Saturday August 27, which will see a procession of soldiers march towards the castle in anticipation of the battle.
Property manager Holly Woodward said: “The great siege of 1266 is one of the most dramatic events in the castle’s history.
“We’re marking the anniversary with our biggest event of the year, and bringing some of medieval England’s most impressive siege weapons to the castle.
“Seeing a siege tower advancing towards the castle, a catapult taking aim at the walls, and a barrage of arrows firing from the ramparts is going to be quite a spectacle.
“Defending the castle for six long months was a testament to the strength of the castle, and a real feat of determination from the people of Kenilworth.
“This is a big anniversary for the whole town – it’s great to be starting our celebrations with the procession on Saturday.”
There will be plenty of other activities in the castle grounds taking place alongside the re-enactment.
Visitors will be able to explore the rebel and royal encampments, see how Kenilworth’s inhabitants survived in times of siege, and hear stories about the siege from cast of medieval characters.
Throughout the weekend there will be music and dancing, gruesome goings-on from the medieval surgeon, and the chance to see the knights prepare for battle.
And would-be young rebels can try archery, junior jousting and the Kids’ castle siege.
The Siege of Kenilworth was one of the longest in British history.
It began in June 1266 when King Henry III’s forces marched on surviving rebels who had retreated to Kenilworth Castle following their defeat at the Battle of Evesham.
The rebels were able to repel attacks inside the castle’s walls until December 1266, by which time disease and starvation were beginning to take hold. They were forced to surrender and had to accept the terms of the Dictum of Kenilworth.
Activities will take place on each day from 11am to 5pm. Tickets can be booked in advance by calling 0370 333 1183 or by clicking here. They can also be bought on the door.

Kenilworth Castle reveals details of siege weekend


Kenilworth Castle is gearing up for a re-enactment of the Siege of Kenilworth this weekend as part of the siege’s 750th anniversary.


The heavens opened in the first half and the shots rained in in the second but Biggleswade’s water-tight defences were breached just once to deny Brakes a deserved three points on Saturday, writes Paul Okey.
After Ahmed Obeng cancelled out Inih Effiong’s 15th-minute opener shortly before the break, Biggleswade were indebted to resilient defending and an inspired display of keeping from Ian Brown to earn a share of the spoils.
The fact that so many openings were created on a wretched afternoon was credit to the home side, who grew into the game after initially struggling to get to grips with Town’s burly frontman Effiong.
The striker had already given early notice of his threat by rounding Lewis Gwilliams, deputising for the suspended Tony Breeden and then taking the ball past a covering defender. However, instead of going for goal he tried to pick out a supporting player and the chance was lost.
He was to be more clinical in the 15th minute, turning James Mace inside out before firing a low shot across Gwilliams and into the far cornet of the net.
A superb last-ditch block from Jamie Hood prevented what looked like a certain second for Effiong but as the rain turned from torrential to biblical it was now Brakes’ turn to ask questions.
Ryan Rowe and Obeng were unable to force the ball home inside the six-yard box after a superb pass with the outside of his right foot from Gudger, while Darren Pond’s well-struck effort was charged down by a visiting defender.
An Obeng run from deep took him to the edge of the Waders box but he failed to get decent purchase on his shot and it was comfortable for Brown.
He needed much less power for his next effort, however, tapping home Jack Edwards’ cross-shot at the far post to bring it back to 1-1.
The goal came three minutes before the break but Brakes were not done and could have easily been ahead going into the interval.
Gudger found Obeng on the corner of the six-yard box and after the wide man had made a hash of his initial effort, he skewed his second shot across the face of goal when it looked easier to hit the target.
Another direct run from Obeng then set up Rowe but his tame effort was straight at Brown.
A George cutback presented Edwards with the first opportunity of the second half, but with Brown motionless, his shot whistled by the post.
Courtney Baker-Richardson departed in the 56th minute after picking up a knock and his replacement, Lee Moore, was quickly into the action, bringing down a half-clearance and flashing a shot just wide of the far post.
With Effiong well-marshalled, it was one-way traffic and Moore was again unlucky not to put the hosts in front, taking advantage of defensive uncertainty to nip in between Lucas Perry and Brown and lob the keeper. However, Town skipper Russell Short raced back to clear the ball off the line.
Mace stabbed an effort straight into the arms of Brown after a dangerous ball into the box had ricocheted his way, while Gudger was narrowly wide of the mark after wriggling past two challenges on the edge of the box.
Obeng looked to be away only for a superb last-ditch challenge from Short to divert the ball behind his own goal, with Brown then producing a miraculous save at the far post to somehow keep out Hood from close range after the defender had muscled his way on to the end of Rob Thompson-Brown’s corner.
Short was again there to cut out an Edwards pull-back and Biggleswade’s goal continued to lead a charmed life as the ball pinged around the box from the resultant corner, with both Edwards and Rowe unable to get a telling touch.
Obeng drew a smart stop from Brown at his near post and Mace was inches wide of the far post with a glancing header from a Thompson-Brown free-kick before sloppy play at the back almost allowed Robbie Parker to carry out a smash and grab for the visitors but Hood put his body on the line to block the shot.
Tom James was introduced for Brakes in injury time and nearly made his short cameo count, crossing for Moore, whose first-time effort on the stretch produced a fine fingertip save from the excellent Brown.
It earned the keeper the acclaim of both sets of fans at the final whistle but that such an entertaining game took place at all in conditions bordering on farcical was also worthy of applause.
BRAKES: Lewis Gwilliams, Ben George, Connor Gudger, Darren Pond, Jamie Hood, James Mace, Courtney Baker-Richardson (Lee Moore, 56), Jack Edwards, Ryan Rowe (Joe Magunda, 84), Rob Thompson-Brown (Tom James, 90), Ahmed Obeng. Subs not used: Rob Elvins, Ryan Quinn.
Biggleswade: Ian Brown, Callum Lewis, Lucas Perry, Russell Short, Gavin Hoyte, Evan Key (Connor Hall, 46), Connor Vincent (Daniel Clifton, 36), Robbie Parker, Inih Effiong, Tony Burnett, Mark Coulson. Subs not used: Sam Donkin, Harry Norman, Chris Marsh.

Biggleswade and Brown rain on Brakes’ parade


The heavens opened in the first half and the shots rained in in the second but Biggleswade’s water-tight defences were breached just once to deny Brakes a deserved three points on Saturday, writes Paul Okey.


Social media can increasingly tell potential burglars information that will make their job much easier.
The culture of posting expensive new purchases, giving out your address and even when you are out of the country and for how long can create an enticing picture for would be burglars. Here are 10 steps you can take to protect yourself and your home during the summer period.
1) Consider taking a vacation from social media while you are on holiday or away for the day. Avoid announcements that you are going to be in another country for the next few weeks and do not check-in on social media at the airport.
2) Share vacation photos after the holiday. The photo could make clear that you are not at home even if you haven’t said where you are.
3) Consider sharing information with friends and not the entire public. At least in the weeks leading to a trip and during it.
4) Do not make details such as address, place of work or previous school public.
5) Put lights on timers during the evenings to give the impression there is someone there. Additionally outside sensors in the garden may deter potential intruders or burglars. In the absence of light, a timer on a TV or Radio could be an effective alternative.
6) Have a relative or a friend collect your mail so there is no build up of evidence to suggest you aren’t home. Don’t leave notes for delivery people suggesting you aren’t in.
7) Consider securing a visible security alarm. When asked burglars suggest the presence of a security system is the biggest deterrent to a potential burglar.
8) Keep any doors or windows, particularly on the ground floor, shut when you are not there. Remember insurance companies will often not pay out if a burglary occurs as a result of an insecure door or window.
9) Don’t forget to secure your garage or shed and if you have any power tools or gardening tools register them for free at http://www.immobilise.com/.
10) If you are going to be away for a period longer than a week it is worth informing the police of the duration of your trip. It may encourage them to actively drive by your home while they are on patrols.
Sources: Hampshire Police and Distinctive Doors

How to avoid making yourself a crime target with your social media posts


Social media can increasingly tell potential burglars information that will make their job much easier.


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


A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.


A children’s novel, Shakespeare, Wilde and a murder will be the four shows put on by the same company in Leamington Spa.
Heartbreak Productions presents Ratburger, The Tempest, The Importance of Being Earnest and Murder on the Terrace from Wednesday September 7 to Saturday September 10.
Based on the David Walliams’ book, Ratburger is suitable for the enitre family with Zoe having lost her pet hamster but her lazy stepmother Sheila doesn’t care.
The Tempest is the group’s tribute to Shakespeare and harness the humour and theatricality of the play.
The Importance of Being Earnest is transposed from the end of the nineteenth century to the eve of the Great Depression performed by a party of Bright Young Things with plenty of pace that lets Wilde’s conversational wit shine.
Murder on the Terrace – a brand new play, written by David Kerby-Kendall. It is a tongue in cheek, al fresco spoof of a whodunit with plenty of stylish audience interaction and witty repartee drawing on Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey for inspiration.
For more details or to book tickets visit www.loft-theatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0844 493 4938.

Four different plays coming to The Loft in Leamington


A children’s novel, Shakespeare, Wilde and a murder will be the four shows put on by the same company in Leamington Spa.


A brilliant unbeaten 154 from Kidderminster’s Mike Hill thwarted Kenilworth Wardens’ charge to Birmingham Premier League victory, writes Paul Smith.
The Staffordshire left-hander’s superb knock enabled his team to salvage a draw despite at one stage being 32 for six in response to Wardens’ 279 for eight.
The hosts eventually closed on 213 for seven as Wardens’ six-man attack was only able to claim one scalp in the closing 40 overs on a typically flat Chester Road pitch.
Nonetheless, there were plenty of reasons for visiting skipper Martin Donald to be upbeat about his team’s 17-point return which keeps them firmly in the race for the runners-up spot behind champions-elect Berkswell.
Hill arrived at the crease after Brinder Phagura’s two new-ball victims included the prize wicket of home skipper and former Worcestershire opener Matt Pardoe.
An injury to Blake Maher then saw Junead Zaman enter the attack in the seventh over and his lively outswing quickly demolished the hosts’ middle order.
However, Hill immediately launched a superb counter-attack, which took him to an even-time ton and kept Kiddy’s win hopes flickering.
He added 67 for the seventh wicket with Ryan Field (10), before eventually settling for a more sedate approach and a share of the points while building an unbroken 113-run alliance with Tom Kimberlin.
Kidderminster’s keeper, who batted two hours and 100 balls for his unbeaten 30, proved a resolute partner.
Meanwhile Hill’s superb 150-ball knock - during which he offered only one difficult caught-and-bowled chance - included 19 fours and five sixes.
Zaman (3-68) was the pick of Wardens’ attack, while Phagura claimed three for 49.
Earlier, Donald’s 87 headlined a consistent Wardens batting performance which took them to a par score on a ground with the square boundaries pulled in.
Opener Nick Seager’s recent rich vein of form continued with a powerful 43, during which he coped well with a prolonged spell of ‘chin music’ from home left-armer Richard Kimberlin.
Maher also looked set for a big innings before falling for the same score, made from 48 balls, but Wardens were faltering at 143 for four when Nathan Edwards joined his skipper.
The all-rounder reprised his excellent knock at Berkswell three weeks previously by contributing a mature 45 to a 96-run fifth-wicket partnership.
Zaman then provided excellent late impetus by thrashing 16 from seven balls, while Donald accelerated sharply in the closing stages, before being caught in the deep from the final ball of Wardens’ allowance after stroking ten fours and a six in his 116-ball knock.
Pardoe’s tidy 17-over spell of slow left-arm caught the eye, but it was seamer Liam Weston (4-54) who finished with the best return for the hosts.
Kenilworth Wardens 2nds came up well short in their Birmingham League Division One match at home to Attock 2nds.
Having won the toss and elected to bowl, Wardens made a double breakthrough early on as openers Alistair Wilkinson (1-37) and Joe Jordan (1-28) shared a wicket apiece.
Two more wickets fell for cheap scores as seamer Paul Henderson (1-27) and spinner Mark Pidgeon (1-66) also claimed a wicket each.
Paul Henderson ran out top-scorer Mohammed Harodn for 54 and Kieran Holland picked up a couple of wickets (2-63) but late-order hitting from Usman Hussain (33), Usama Khan (31 not out) and Daanyal Mirza (18 not out) lifted the visitors to a competitive yet reachable 232 for seven.
Wardens’ task was made more difficult when they lost opener Ben Rex with the score on 33.
A second-wicket partnership of 40 between Arjun Bath (37) and Robin De Regt (37) threatened a Wardens revival but, once Bath was removed, Attock dominated as wickets continued to fall and the runs dried up.
Impressive bowling performances from Daanyal Mirza (2-36), Imran Hamid (10-2-28-2) and Aarib Khan (2-17) helped put their side in a very strong position and Wardens eventually closed on 164 for eight.

Hill provides stubborn obstacle as Wardens settle for a draw


A brilliant unbeaten 154 from Kidderminster’s Mike Hill thwarted Kenilworth Wardens’ charge to Birmingham Premier League victory, writes Paul Smith.


It was a family affair for our Player of the Month Matt Edwards after the Warwickshire County Council Staff captain completed his maiden league century while batting with his dad.
Each month, in association with solicitors Blythe Liggins, we celebrate a local cricketing success, with the winner being presented with a box of six new balls for his club by the Leamington law firm.
Council Staff skipper Matt, 26, led from the front during his side’s 59-run victory over Wellesbourne 2nds in Division Two of the Cotswold Hills League, blasting a first competitive ton before capping off his day with a wicket and a run out.
After some initial setbacks for his team, Matt, batting at number five, immediately took the attack to Wellesbourne, looking particularly strong off his legs and hitting some nicely timed drives back over the bowlers’ heads.
Despite a couple of wickets falling during his knock, he reached his century in partnership with dad Keith, who had opened the innings and was forced to retire hurt before returning to the crease.
Matt said: “My dad opened and took a ball on top of the foot so he had to retire hurt. He then got hit on the same foot a few balls after coming back out, which I enjoyed!
“He was out there with me when I got my ton. I’ve scored centuries before but not in the league, so it was a nice moment.”
Matt, who has played for Staff for ten years, finished on 106 but his afternoon’s work did not end there as he proceeded to take a wicket and contribute a fine bit of boundary fielding to complete a run out.
“It’s been going really well this year,” said Matt. “I’ve always classed myself as a bowler first but this season I’ve really flown with the bat.
“I’ve been going in at five in the league and have scored three 50s, as well as the century. I scored 87 not out against the same side last season, so they’re probably pretty fed up with me.
“It’s been a great club to be around with lots of energy and support throughout the season, which has contributed to our success on the pitch.
“The first team is second in the table and our second team have already been promoted from Division Seven in the first year of us being able to field a team.”

Keith sees son Matt’s first league century up close


It was a family affair for our Player of the Month Matt Edwards after the Warwickshire County Council Staff captain completed his maiden league century while batting with his dad.


The importance of Leamington’s creative industry to the national economy has been identified in a key national report.
The ‘Geography of Creativity in the UK’ report has found Leamington is home to more than 1,500 creative businesses which employ over 7,000 people - making the town one of 47 creative clusters in the UK.
Around half of the creative industries in Leamington are software and digital companies, with the other half made up primarily of design, music, performing arts and advertising businesses, along with some TV, radio and architecture companies.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) has identified Leamington’s creative industry as major driver of the local and regional economy.
Sarah Windrum, a member of the CWLEP board, said: “The growth of the creative industries in Leamington has a substantial economic benefit to the whole Coventry and Warwickshire region.
“The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership is working with the cluster and the wider business community to encourage the sharing of best practice across all sectors to create a culture of innovation.
“This will benefit us all as creativity is one of the key drivers for economic growth and productivity.
“I am pleased the report highlights the strong foundation we have to build on which is all thanks to the hard work of our creative businesses.”
The report, which was carried out by innovation charity Nesta in partnership with Creative England, used latest data to map creative industries in the UK to demonstrate the economic significance of the creative industries across the country.
The report identified that creative companies are continuing to grow more rapidly than most other sectors nationally, with design, software and advertising sectors performing particularly well.
The growth is mainly due to an increase in small start-ups employing an average of three people.
In the recent Culture White Paper, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport identified that the creative industries contribute £81.4 billion to the economy.
The sector employs 1.9 million people and is growing twice as fast as the UK economy as a whole.
To view the full report visit nesta.org.uk/publications

Leamington’s creative companies praised in report


The importance of Leamington’s creative industry to the national economy has been identified in a key national report.


Minding your manners, avoiding emotional Facebook rants and knowing what cutlery to use are the modern day signs of class, according to new research.
A study of 2,000 Britons for fashion brand Peter Hahn identified the markers that separate the classy from the hoi polloi and they also include not showing too much cleavage, holding the door for others and speaking more than one language.
So how classy are you? Take our quiz to find out.


Minding your manners, avoiding emotional Facebook rants and knowing what cutlery to use are the modern day signs of class, according to new research.


A superb partnership between Basit Zaman and Blake Maher provided the backbone to Kenilworth Wardens 49-run Harlequin Logistics Floodlit T20 Cup final win over Knowle & Dorridge.
The second-wicket pair added 174 as Wardens racked up 285 for eight before restricting their Birmingham Premier League rivals to 236 for seven in response.
It meant hosts Wardens, who have already won the Coventry Knock Out this season, lifted the trophy for a third time since the competition’s inception in 2012.
After despatching the opening delivery of the night from Warwickshire 2nd XI seamer Ben Brookes back over his head for six, Zaman, who was named man-of-the-match, smashed 93 from only 25 balls with 11 sixes.
Aussie import Maher who was named Archway Bathrooms player of the tournament, matched him stroke for stroke, clearing the ropes nine times in a 28-ball 85.
But after they were dismissed, K&D’s Sam Reddish (3-35) and Dan Wright (3-44) found some success with the ball, and despite skipper Scott Stenning’s breezy 37, Wardens fell 30 runs short of what seemed likely at the innings’ midpoint.
While Beau Webster (29) and skipper Alex Phillips were in residence, a successful run chase then looked a distinct possibility, but once Phillips was well caught in the deep for a 30-ball 70, Wardens were always likely winners.
Nathan Roberts provided late defiance, hitting five sixes in a 28-ball half-century, but Maher (1-30) and Zaman (2-30) kept things tight to ensure the cup returned to Kenilworth after a 12-month absence.
Wardens had previously beaten Knowle & Dorridge by 24-runs in a fine match during the competition’s round-robin stage.
Nathan Edwards (103) and Martin Donald (68 not out) enabled the hosts to recover from a sticky start to post 298 for six against their final opponents but, when openers Dom Harding (112) and Phillips (103) passed 200 without being parted, Wardens still looked to be heading for defeat before fine spells from Maher and Brinder Phagura swung the game their way in the latter stages.
The hosts had previously disposed of Berkswell and Leamington more comfortably after twice setting new scoring records for the five-year-old competition.
Wardens posted 333 for seven against the defending champions thanks to Maher’s 34-ball 116, before rattling through Spa’s batting line-up for 136.
Berkswell were then despatched for 355 for five as Maher smashed 17 maximums in a 44-ball 151 and Basit added a 26-ball 79, to which the Birmingham Premier League champions-elect responded with 248 for eight.
Dominic Ostler’s team had previously slipped to a 98-run defeat at the hands of K&D who racked up 314 for four thanks to Aussie star Beau Webster’s 41-ball unbeaten 101.
However, Berkswell did manage to win the closest match of the week when they overcame Leamington by three runs in a thrilling finale.
Former Warwickshire and Glamorgan all-rounder Nick James smashed 171 and Amir Sidiqkhil added 89 as Berkswell posted 334 for four, but while Tom Warner (114 from 34 balls) was at the crease Spa seemed certain winners.
However, Liam Gateley claimed three wickets in an excellent final over which produced only six of the nine runs required.
K&D qualified for the final on net run rate after also claiming one win in the round-robin competition after losing their contest with Leamington by six wickets.
Phillips made 102 and Chris Kenny an unbeaten 79 for the Solihull-based team before Max Webber (61) led Leam’s quest for 252 which was clinched by Warner hitting 32 from an over.

Zaman and Maher blitz Knowle in T20 Cup final


A superb partnership between Basit Zaman and Blake Maher provided the backbone to Kenilworth Wardens 49-run Harlequin Logistics Floodlit T20 Cup final win over Knowle & Dorridge.


Brakes’ 100 per cent start bit the dust despite the visitors, having lost Tony Breeden to two yellow cards, producing a battling second-half display at Hardenhuish Park, writes Paul Edwards.
The three points saw the hosts edge ahead of Leamington at the top of the Southern Premier Division table and it clearly meant a great deal to their manager Mark Collier who celebrated rather enthusiastically at the final whistle.
Substitute keeper Rob Elvins comes up for a late dead ball. Pictures Sally Ellis
There had been precious little to record at either end prior to David Pratt’s solitary strike in the 33rd minute, but Chippenham had began to build up a head of steam and would have gone in at half-time hopeful of adding more to their tally as they were kicking down the slope in the second half.
However, it was a measure of Leamington’s collective spirit that they rolled their sleeves up and restricted their hosts to only one clearcut chance to extend their lead right at the death, while coming close to levelling things up on more than one occasion.
Rob Thompson-Brown saw an early free-kick blocked along with his follow-up shot, while a dangerous low left-wing centre from the same player bounced off Ahmed Obeng as he tried to control the ball.
Breeden received an unnecessary yellow card for kicking the ball away, with Brakes angry about the award of a free-kick 20 yards from goal.
Andy Sandell stepped up to curl in the dead ball which Breeden flung himself to his right to push over the bar.
The danger remained from the corner and Pratt capitalised, firing a low drive inside the post to hand his side the lead.
Alex Ferguson screwed a shot well wide as the Bluebirds looked to build on their advantage and they were handed a further boost minutes before half-time when Breeden raced from his goal to try and beat Pratt to the ball close to the corner flag.
The Chippenham striker did not need a second invitation to go down under the challenge from the Brakes skipper and the referee immediately went for his top pocket, leaving the visitors a man light.
Lee Moore was the man sacrificed and, with no replacement goalkeeper on the bench, Rob Elvins came on and donned the gloves.
He was not called into action before half-time but Chippenham came very close to a second when James Guthrie sent an angled drive whistling across goal and just past the far post.
There was some concern among the travelling support during the interval that the goals could stack up if the home side bagged an early second but they need not have worried as their team rolled their sleeves up and protected Elvins to such an extent that his involvement in the game was minimal until injury time.
Sandell almost created an opening for himself inside the penalty area but was unable to dig the ball out from under his feet and the shot was blocked.
Leamington began to grow in belief and started to put their hosts under sustained pressure for the first time in the game.
Obeng won a free-kick on the left from which Thompson-Brown’s delivery was glanced behind his own goal by Pratt.
Thompson-Brown then had two powerful efforts blocked on the edge of the box and Taundry crashed a well-struck long-range drive into the arms of Kent Kauppinen.
A free-kick looped into the box from Thompson-Brown dropped just past the far post and Leamington were agonisingly close to an equaliser when substitute Courtney Baker-Richardson flicked Thompson-Brown’s low right-wing cross past Kauppinen but inches wide of the far post.
The Bluebirds keeper then scrambled across his goal, only just keeping the ball from squeezing under his crossbar as Obeng’s cross ricocheted off defender Michael Pook, Alan Griffin hacking the ball clear as it was fired into the penalty area once more.
Substitute Matt Jones preserved Chippenham’s advantage when he was in the right place to clear a thundering header from Jamie Hood off the line and Pratt was very close to adding a late, late second, nipping in behind the Leamington defence to go in on goal. Elvins did well to advance from his line and narrow his angles and as Pratt lifted the ball over him Hood was on hand to clear.
Chippenham Town: Kent Kauppinen, Connor McCormack (Mark Preece, 80), Nuno Felix, Michael Pook, Greg Tindle, Will Richards, Alex Ferguson, Matt Smith, David Pratt, Andy Sandell (Alan Griffin, 75), James Guthrie (Matt Jones, 79). Subs not used: Chris Allen, Andy Jenkinson.
BRAKES: Tony Breeden, Ben George (Courtney Baker-Richardson, 77), Richard Taundry, Darren Pond, Jamie Hood, James Mace, Lee Moore (Rob Elvins, 40), Jack Edwards, Ryan Rowe (Tom James, 76), Rob Thompson-Brown, Ahmed Obeng. Subs not used: Joe Magunda, Ryan Quinn.

Battling Brakes lose Breeden and their 100 per cent start to the season at Chippenham


Brakes’ 100 per cent start bit the dust despite the visitors, having lost Tony Breeden to two yellow cards, producing a battling second-half display at Hardenhuish Park, writes Paul Edwards.


The A429 has now been re-opened in both directions between Wellesbourne and Ettington following a single vehicle collision that happened earlier this morning (Monday).
Police were called shortly before 7:30am to a report that a blue Mitsubishi estate had left the road and collided with a tree.
The car was travelling in the Ettington direction.
The driver sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital.
The fire service also attended.
Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision.
Call 101 quoting incident reference 53 of Monday 22 August.

Wellesbourne crash update: police appeal for witnesses


The A429 has now been re-opened in both directions between Wellesbourne and Ettington following a single vehicle collision that happened earlier this morning (Monday).


British Transport Police have issued a warning after a gang placed wooden planks across a railway line and watched a train smash into them.
The gang are currently being hunted by police after the incident in Buckinghamshire on August 11, where a group were caught on camera putting large wooden planks across railway tracks.
A member of the public called 999 but before anything could be done, a train crashed into the planks.
The train was badly damaged but not derailed and there were no injuries. However, passengers said they felt the carriage ‘jump in the air’.
Investigating officer PC Jay Townsend used the incident as an opportunity to fire out a nationwide warning.
“This was an incredibly stupid thing to do and it beggars belief that someone would think this was a funny thing to do,” he said.
“Not only is trespassing on the railway extremely dangerous – with trains travelling well in excess of 100mph – but this could have caused the train to derail, and who knows what might have happened.
“We were lucky this time but acts like this can easily have fatal consequences.”
PC Townsend is now hoping to catch the culprits and bring them to justice.
“Although these images are grainy, we are releasing them in the hope that someone comes forward with information,” he added.
“Do you know who might have done this? Have you seen someone bragging about this on social media, or maybe uploading a video of themselves on the tracks?
“If you have any information, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting 505 of 11/8.

British Transport Police issue warning after train ‘jumps in the air’


British Transport Police have issued a warning after a gang placed wooden planks across a railway line and watched a train smash into them.


The internet is 25 years old today and we take a look at 25 things the world wide web changed forever.
Happy 25th birthday to the internet! In August 1991, British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee published the first web page.
And on August 23, 1991, he gave the public access to it.
Handily, the page told readers how they could set up their own website, whatever the heck a website was.
You can view a version of that original web page here. Compared to what we have now obviously it is very basic but will go down in history as one of the most important developments of all time.

The World Wide Web is 25 today: Here’s 25 things the internet changed forever


The internet is 25 years old today and we take a look at 25 things the world wide web changed forever.


Gutsy Wimbledon qualifier Marcus Willis will be the star turn at Sunday’s free ‘Try Tennis’ family session at Warwick Boat Club.
Willis, a coach at the club when not playing on the international circuit, is back after a heady few weeks following his life-changing run at Wimbledon where he won six matches to qualify for the Championships.
Ranked 772 in the world, he then sensationally won his opening match against world number 54 Ricardas Berankis before bowing out to former champion Roger Federer.
The club launched the Try Tennis initiative in June to take advantage of the surge of interest in the sport after Willis’s heroics and Andy Murray’s second Wimbledon crown.
Already scores of hopefuls aged from five to 75, both novices and lapsed players, have been down to the club to try their hand at tennis with friendly games, drills and coaching tips from expert coaches.
“We’re delighted Marcus can take part in this Sunday’s session,” said Warwick Boat Club head coach Gavin Henderson, Willis’ doubles partner in the Coventry League.
“He’ll be coaching, giving tips and helping to inspire everyone in a fun environment on our great courts on the River Avon right beside Warwick Castle.
“Our Try Tennis initiative is going really well. It’s had a great response and a lot of the people who’ve come along on spec have decided to take up the game.
“Everyone’s welcome; just come along. All you need is a pair of trainers and comfortable clothing - we even supply the rackets and balls and refreshments including cake, tea and soft drinks are available.”
The sessions are open this and every Sunday from 2pm to 4pm.

Wimbledon hero Willis set to pass on his secrets


Gutsy Wimbledon qualifier Marcus Willis will be the star turn at Sunday’s free ‘Try Tennis’ family session at Warwick Boat Club.


A pastor and a Rolls-Royce aerospace engineer are among the 12 hopefuls competing to win the 2016 series of The Great British Bake Off.
The amateur bakers, competing to follow in the footsteps of last year’s champion Nadiya Hussain, will again seek the approval of judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood.
However the seventh series could be the last on the BBC. Its three-year deal with producers Love Productions expires at the end of this run and ITV is bidding to poach the format.
Ms Berry, 81, hinted at tensions behind the scenes between the new batch of contestants donning their aprons. She said: “They know the standard that it is, which is now pretty high. And I think they were slower to bond this year than they were in the past.”
The bakers include Andrew, 25, originally from Northern Ireland, he now lives in Derby and works as an aerospace engineer for Rolls-Royce. A Cambridge University graduate, Andrew has set his heart on designing a baguette concorde.
The oldest contestant in this year’s lineup will be Lee, a 67-year-old who has worked in various pastoral ministries for the past 30 years – most recently as the pastor of his local church in Bolton. A former builder, he had a complete change of direction in the mid 1980s, when he turned to theology and took up baking.
The youngest baker is Michael, a 20-year-old from London who is studying politics and economics in Durham. He enjoys making “big grand cakes” and making Greek pastries inspired by his Cypriot heritage.
Teaching Assistant, Benjamina, 23, who started baking aged 14 just for fun, recently graduated with a 1st in Economics & lives in south London.
The contestants also include 66-year-old former primary school head teacher Val, and 31-year-old secondary school PE teacher Candice. Mother of two Kate, 37, is a farmer’s daughter from Norfolk, is a qualified nurse and works on an acute respiratory ward. Candice, 31, from Bedfordshire, was taught to bake by her beloved Nan, and strives to emulate her bakes aiming to be “even half the lady she was.”
Hollywood said Nadiya’s success – she is judging a junior version of the series and is presenting a documentary on her culinary inspirations – had raised the bar for this year’s batch.
“Nadiya went to a whole new level, and because of that I think it put the pressure on them more, and I think we felt that in the tents as well,” the judge said. “But actually they came out tops.
They started quite nervously but once they settled down they got into it. Then the baking started to flow and the standard got really really good.”
The Great British Bake Off launches on August 24 on BBC One at 8pm.

Great British Bake Off contestants: Rolls-Royce engineer and pastor join 2016 lineup


A pastor and a Rolls-Royce aerospace engineer are among the 12 hopefuls competing to win the 2016 series of The Great British Bake Off.


Stockton’s 100 per cent start to the Coventry Alliance Premier Division season was ended on Tuesday evening when they were held to a 2-2 draw at Town Piece by Whitnash.
The home side had better of the opening exchanges and went in front through Tom Callaghan but were unable to build on their lead and Lee Scott pounced on a loose ball in the box to restore parity.
Whitnash were buoyed by the goal and went in front ten minutes into the second period when Craig Watkin slotted home from the spot after the lively Rich Powell was adjudged to have been pushed in the box.
The goal roused Stockton and they got back on level terms with a penalty of their own, Henry Leaver stepping up to send goalkeeper Neil Stacey the wrong way after a foul on Tom Shanley.
Stockton pressed for a winner as Town tired in the closing stages and they were denied a second penalty when Ross Briscoe appeared to be tripped in the box, leaving manager Scott Easterlow a frustrated man.
“On the scale of chances a draw was probably about right,” he said.
“I felt after we went one up we had them on the back foot for 15 minutes and should have really forced the issue but we let them off the hook and they came back into it well.
“I hate blaming refs as it’s done far too often and is an easy way out but for me he ruined the game.
“He gave a penalty for each side when I didn’t think either was, then right at the death when there looked a blatant penalty to us, he’s done nothing.”
On Saturday, Stockton made it three wins from three with a 3-1 success at Brinklow in what Easterlow described as their “best defensive display so far”.
Leaver scored twice for Stockton, once from the penalty spot, with Briscoe also on target.
Whitnash Town went down to a 2-1 defeat at Coventry Colliery.

Stockton drop their first points in derby encounter


Stockton’s 100 per cent start to the Coventry Alliance Premier Division season was ended on Tuesday evening when they were held to a 2-2 draw at Town Piece by Whitnash.


A Kenilworth fish and chip shop will be donating its profits over two days to Myton Hospices after the charity looked after the manager’s mother.
Whitemoor Road Chippy will be selling its food at half price on Monday September 19 and Tuesday September 20 to encourage people to come and raise money for the charity.
Manager Soulla Mairoudis explained why she wanted to raise money for Myton Hospices.
She said: “My mum had cancer for 10 years, and she was looked after for six months by Myton.
“It’s the closest charity to me and I just appreciate everything they did for my mum and my immediate family - it really meant a lot to me.”

Kenilworth chippy’s profits going to Myton over two days


A Kenilworth fish and chip shop will be donating its profits over two days to Myton Hospices after the charity looked after the manager’s mother.


A fresh warning has been issued by Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting body, over iTunes gift card scams.
The iTunes scams first came to light in May this year and, to date, victims have reported almost £520,000 lost to fraudsters.
Apple’s iTunes store sells music, movies and other media via digital download and the vouchers, which can be bought online and are widely available in supermarkets and high street stores across the UK, serve as a popular gift in an era where CDs and DVDs have been surpassed by digital download as the format of choice for many.
Fraudsters have sought to confuse people unfamiliar with Apple’s contactless payment system Apple Pay and trick them into using iTunes gift cards to pay for goods or services over the phone or online.
The criminals don’t need the physical card to redeem the value, and they trick victims into reading out the code over the phone or sending via email. Once they have the code, fraudsters can steal the balance of the card.
Action Fraud has received multiple reports of this approach being used across a variety of scams including loan scams, fake mis-sold PPI scams and schemes urging victims to take action against banking errors.
One victim reported losing £46,000 to scammers via iTunes cards.
A spokesperson for Apple said: “iTunes Gift Cards are solely for the purchase of goods and services on the iTunes Store and App Store. Should you receive a request for payment using iTunes Gift Cards outside of iTunes and the App Store please report it to Action Fraud”.
If you have been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud using their online fraud reporting tool.

Fresh warning over iTunes gift card scam


A fresh warning has been issued by Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting body, over iTunes gift card scams.


Warwickshire Bears have strengthened their squad by signing two Great Britain internationals.
Jacob Robinson and Siobhan Fitzpatrick, who have known Bears coach Tom Masterson for a number of years, will join up with the newly promoted side ahead of their debut campaign in Division One of the National League.
“I’ve known Tom for ages,” said 18-year-old Fitzpatrick. “I’ve trained with him on and off and I promised I would come and play for Bears when they got promoted to Division One so, once they did, I had to keep my promise.”
Robinson and Fitzpatrick have played for London Titans for several seasons.
Robinson, who is 20 and is studying law and criminology at university, began playing wheelchair basketball when he was 11.
He became a full junior international in his teens and represented Great Britain in the Under-23 European Championships.
He also played in the Champions’ Cup in Japan last November, helping GB to the gold medal.
He has since decided to retire from international basketball to concentrate on his studies.
“I want to get back to club basketball and hopefully helping Bears win the Division One title next season,” he said. “I had a good time with GB but I think it is time to focus on my career.”
Fitzpatrick, however, has set her sights on reaching the Tokyo Olympics. She is currently on standby for Rio as a reserve and is determined to make the full squad in 2020.
“I’m hoping to go to university in Worcester in September,” said Fitzpatrick, who has travelled the world with the GB women’s team this year, starting with a training camp in Lanzarote and then heading for Japan, Canada, Germany and Holland.
She captained the team to gold in the European Championships in July where GB beat defending champions Germany. And all this while studying biology and psychology A-levels.
“The teachers were phenomenal,” said Fitzpatrick, who left Cardinal Newman School in Coventry in July. “They emailed and Skyped me and were really accommodating. I think I was probably only at school for about a month in total.”
Providing she gets her grades, Fitzpatrick will take up a sports scholarship in autumn at Worcester University which is where the GB women’s training centre is based. She currently drives there up to five times a week from her home in Coventry.
“It will be great to have everything on hand,” she said. “And I’m looking forward to helping Bears in their bid for promotion to the Premier Division.
“It is quite a big step-up from Division Two to Division One so it may take a couple of seasons but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Bears welcome experienced players and complete beginners to their training sessions at Warwickshire College sports hall in Henley on Tuesday evenings.
Contact coach Tom Masterson on 07946 518354 for details.

Newly promoted Bears swoop for Great Britain duo


Warwickshire Bears have strengthened their squad by signing two Great Britain internationals.


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QUIZ: How well do you know your retro games?


Can you get 10/10 in our retro games quiz?


A show depicting the more adult behind the scenes at a pantomime can be seen at The Priory Theatre in Kenilworth.
Look Behind You by Daniel Wain will be staged from Wednesday September 7 to Saturday September 17.
Welcome to the cross-dressing, thigh-slapping, wise-cracking world of pantomime, where men are women, monkeys talk and dreams come true.
Now look behind the scenes at the bad-mouthing, two-timing pressure cooker that is the backstage reality.
A time for peace, goodwill and happy-ever- after? Not for the mixed bag of mixed-up has-beens, wannabes and never-will- be’s of a godforsaken seaside town, somewhere far, far away from the paved gold of London Town.
Whether you love panto or hate it there is something in this dark comedy play for you. Daniel Wain’s tragicomic panto-within- a-play chronicles both the on and off- stage lives of the cast and crew of a repertory production of Dick Whittington that is rapidly going downhill even on the opening night.
The traditional family pantomime? Oh no, it isn’t!!
The show is not suitable for children.
For tickets visit www.priorytheatre.co.uk or by phone on 03336663366.

Kenilworth play looks backstage at pantomime


A show depicting the more adult behind the scenes at a pantomime can be seen at The Priory Theatre in Kenilworth.


All Saints’ Parish church’s newly repaired roof will be rededicated by the Bishop of Coventry at a special service on Sunday September 4.
The South Aisle of the Leamington church has undergone extensive work and been re-slated, at a cost of £157,000.
To celebrate this and to rededicate the roof, the Rt Revd Dr Christopher Cocksworth, during a special parish communion, will preside over the service and preach.
The roof had been in a serious condition, with damaged and slipped slates and poor rainwater disposal, resulting in frequent water entry into the church which causes significant amounts of damage internally.
In addition to this, some of the roof timbers had been attacked by dry rot.
The Listed Place of Worship Roof Repair Fund donated £110,000, with additional finance being donated by the Garfield Weston Foundation, Warwickshire & Coventry Historic.
Churches Trust, All churches Trust, and kind individual gifts and loans.
Leamington Mayor, Cllr Ann Morrison, will be in attendance and towns people, friends of the church, and visitors are warmly invited to attend.
The Vicar, Fr Christopher Wilson, said: “We are delighted that this part of our lovely historic church has been repaired.
“I’d like to place on record our thanks to the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund and other donors.
“Please join with us on September 4 to celebrate this milestone - we’d love to see
you - and keep on coming for worship and the many other activities which take place here.
“Now that this project is complete, we shall begin work on a major grant application for further repairs.
“We are also working, with the Friends of All Saints’ Parish Church and other groups and individuals, on a number of other projects.
“These include the repair of the clock, the regeneration of the churchyard, the refurbishment of the beautiful Lady Chapel, and the repair of historic textiles. We’re most grateful to all the individuals and organisations which make this possible through gifts, legacies, and grants.”

Bishop to rededicate repaired roof at All Saints’ church in Leamington


All Saints’ Parish church’s newly repaired roof will be rededicated by the Bishop of Coventry at a special service on Sunday September 4.


A TV company is on the hunt for separated families and parents across the UK, to take part in a new Channel 5 series.
The show, with the working title of The Modern Family, wants to talk to people who would like help resolving any issues they feel are getting in the way of co-parenting, or getting on with an ex-partner for the sake of their children.
Separation affects around a quarter of children in the UK, with the common belief being that being brought up by both parents after separation, where safe and possible, is in the best interests of a child.
“Breaking up with a spouse or partner is one of life’s biggest upheavals,” said a spokesperson for producers Pulse Films. “The difficult part is getting to the stage where separated parents are still able to do things for the sake of the child, like arrange a joint birthday party, or attend a parents’ evening together.”
So the team at Pulse want to film with separated mums and dads who may have moved on to other relationships, and are keen to sort out the issues with their ex for the sake of the children.
Francine Kaye, relationship expert, family mediator and author of Divorce Doctor said: “Kids don’t divorce, parents do. Paradoxically couples need to understand each other more during and after separation, than they did when they were together - in order to parent effectively.”
Working under the guidance of a trained therapist, anyone who has children with an ex and has difficulty with the complicated relationships this has created, can get more information by texting ‘FAMILY’ or call: 07983 640463 / 07555 242 993, by emailing: modernfamily@pulsefilms.co.uk, or by calling Janette Hodds or Lyttanya Shannon on 0207 426 5700.


A TV company is on the hunt for separated families and parents across the UK, to take part in a new Channel 5 series.


Mike Vaughan Cycles rider Matt Clinton retained the Midland Time Trial Championships at Wolvey, Warwickshire, in an event promoted by Aerocoach.
Last raced by Clinton in the 2015 National 10-mile TT Championships, where he placed second, the straight-out-and-back course is known to be tough and slow.
However, still conditions and a fine afternoon saw Clinton finish at just under 30mph in 20min 2sec.
The time was nearly 20 seconds down on his Nationals clocking but it would put him 12 seconds clear of Jonathan Wears, while Dean Robson would finish another 12 seconds back in third.
More importantly, as he prepares for this weekend’s National 10 Championships in Suffolk, it was the Kenilworth rider’s best power output this season on his Trek Speed Concept.
He said: “I was a little disappointed to not go under 20 minutes. However, very few people have done that and I’m pleased with my form before next weekend’s National 10.
“The 10 course is also out-and-back, but looking at the profile, there’s not one bit of flat road - hopefully that should suit me.
“The course record is 21:33. That’s putting it into perspective, being nearly two minutes slower than Wolvey, which no-one considers quick.”

Midlands title puts Clinton in good spirits ahead of National 10


Mike Vaughan Cycles rider Matt Clinton retained the Midland Time Trial Championships at Wolvey, Warwickshire, in an event promoted by Aerocoach.


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House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air - leaving it cleaner to breathe, according to new research.
The study shows certain species act like natural air fresheners - removing harmful chemicals from the air we breathe.
House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air - leaving it cleaner to breathe, according to new research
Research has shown the air in offices and family homes often contains pollutants leading to ‘sick building syndrome’ where people suffer a range of symptoms including headaches, fatigue, difficulties in concentrating and respiratory problems.
It has been estimated to blight the lives of up to three in 10 office workers. A study earlier this year estimates that annually nearly 100,000 people die from the effects of indoor air pollution.
Now new research has found the Scarlet Star (Guzmania lingulata), from South America and a member of the bromeliad family of plants, got rid of more than 80 percent of illness causing compounds.
That performed the best out of five plants tested, although the Dracaena Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans massangeana) soaked up virtually all of a particularly pungent chemical common in nail salons.
House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air - leaving it cleaner to breathe, according to new research
Native throughout tropical Africa, it is grown in many homes and offices within the UK, US and Europe.
Scientists say their findings show picking the right houseplant can clear the air of dangerous pollutants in homes and offices.
Printers and cleaning products give off potentially harmful chemicals known as VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Dr Vadoud Niri, of the State University of New York, said: “Buildings, whether new or old, can have high levels of VOCs in them, sometimes so high you can smell them.”
House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air - leaving it cleaner to breathe, according to new research
VOCs are compounds like acetone, benzene and formaldehyde that are emitted as gases and can cause short and long term health effects when inhaled. They can come from paints, furniture, copiers and printers, cleaning supplies and even dry cleaned clothes.
Explained Dr Niri: “Inhaling large amounts of VOCs can lead some people to develop sick building syndrome, which reduces productivity and can even cause dizziness, asthma or allergies. We must do something about VOCs in indoor air.”
The most common solution is to install ventilation systems that cycle in air from outside or methods using adsorption, condensation and chemical reactions.
But using plants to remove chemicals from indoor air, known as biofiltration or phytoremediation, is much simpler - and cheaper.
House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air - leaving it cleaner to breathe, according to new research
In addition to carbon dioxide plants can take up gases such as benzene, toluene and other VOCs.
NASA began studying this option in 1984 and found that plants could absorb these airborne compounds via their leaves and roots.
Since then, other studies have looked at how plants phytoremediate specific compounds, such as the cancer causing chemical formaldehyde, in a closed space.
Most of these studies focused on the removal of single VOCs by individual plants from the ambient air.
But Dr Niri wanted to compare the efficiency and the rate of simultaneous removal of several VOCs by various plants.
So his researchers built a sealed chamber containing specific concentrations of several VOCs and monitored the VOC concentrations over several hours with and without a different type of plant in the chamber.
For each plant type, they noted which VOCs the plants took up, how quickly they removed them from the air, and how much was ultimately removed by the end of the experiment.
The researchers tested five common house plants and eight common VOCs, and they found that certain plants were better at absorbing specific compounds.
For example, all five could remove acetone, the pungent chemical abundant at nail salons, but the dracaena plant took up the most, around 94 percent of the chemical.
Dr Niri said: “Based on our results, we can recommend what plants are good for certain types of VOCs and for specific locations.
“To illustrate, the bromeliad plant was very good at removing six out of eight studied VOCs - it was able to take up more than 80 percent of each of those compounds - over the twelve hour sampling period. So it could be a good plant to have sitting around in the household or workplace.”
Dr Niri says the next step in the research is to test these plants’ abilities in a real room, not just a sealed chamber.
He would eventually like to put plants in a nail salon over the course of several months to see whether they can reduce the levels of acetone that workers are exposed to.
The other three plants studied were Jade plant (Crassula argentea), the Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) and the Caribbean Tree Cactus (Consolea falcata.)

VIDEO: House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air


House plants can suck dangerous toxic chemicals out of the air - leaving it cleaner to breathe, according to new research.


The Cola-Cola glass bottle has been voted as the most iconic packaging on the UK’s shelves.
A study of 1,500 Brits exploring the influence of packaging and branding on shopping habits found that one in six people thought the Coca-Cola bottle was the most identifiable in terms of packaging.
Indeed, it was deemed to be just as recognisable without its logo or the product itself.
The research, commissioned by Easyfairs, organisers of Packing Innovations and Luxury Packaging London, found the Toblerone triangular chocolate bar finished as a close runner up, with Marmite’s glass jar rated as third-best-loved product packaging.
Beauty brands, such as the Tiffany Box and the Chanel No.5 Bottle just missed out on the top ten.
Coke’s success has been attributed to its targeting younger audience, with one in five Millennials selecting the bottle as the most recognisable pack product.Pringles’ iconic cylinder tube, fourth on the overall list, was the Millennial’s second favourite.
The study also revealed barcodes as the greatest packaging invention, ahead of more traditional items such as the cardboard box (21 per cent) - although the younger generation, 18-34 years, voted for 3D printing and re-sealable zips as its top two.
Gerry Sherwood, Event Director for the Easyfairs’ Packaging Portfolio, who commissioned the survey, said: “Millennials have officially passed Baby Boomers as the largest generation in history, and are more personally connected to their favourite brands than ever before. It is therefore not surprising to see 3D printing come out top in our poll for this age group.”
Top Ten Most Recognisable Brand’s Packaging
1. Coca-Cola Bottle
2. Toblerone Triangle
3. Marmite Jar
4. Pringles Tube
5. KFC Bucket
6. Heinz Ketchup Bottle
7. Fairy Liquid Bottle
8. Apple’s iPhone Box
9. Walkers Crisp Packet
10. Amazon Box

Coca-Cola bottle ‘most iconic packaging’


The Cola-Cola glass bottle has been voted as the most iconic packaging on the UK’s shelves.


Rob Thompson-Brown is the man who can help deliver promotion to Leamington according to boss Paul Holleran.
The summer signing from Redditch has provided the dead balls for Brakes’ goals in wins over Hayes & Yeading and Merthyr Town to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season.
And Holleran says Thompson-Brown’s free-kick-taking ability has been a major factor in their rise to the top of the Southern Premier League table.
“In the summer I was looking for a player who could deliver good set plays into the box and that was one of the reasons Robbie appealed,” said Holleran.
“We’ve won the last two games 1-0 and he’s got two assists.
“He gets so much whip and how we are set up we’ve got two or three good targets. It gives us a different dimension.”
Previously unbeaten Merthyr looked good value for their point until James Mace’s injury-time intervention.
However, Holleran said the manner of Brakes’ victory augured well for further tough assignments to come.
“It was a difficult night. Merthyr put us under the most amount of pressure this season and Jamie Hood was absolutely immense.
“They’ve signed two or three good players - Scott Barrow played 20 to 30 games in League Two last season - and they had a good set-up and shape.
“We had good control in the first half but we struggled for fluency - you’ll get that when teams put something good in place.
“Our quality in the final third wasn’t where it needed to be.
“But in the second half there was good shape and good desire to see the game through and not concede.
“In the last ten minutes we looked a threat on the break and got into some good areas, though I still couldn’t see either side scoring.”
Brakes face another tricky test tomorrow with a visit to second-placed Chippenham but expect Darren Pond to return after he missed out on Tuesday evening with a groin problem.
“I’m not sure we’ll get a harder week,” added Holleran.
“But we’ve got six points on the board and it takes the pressure off a bit.”

Thompson-Brown can be the difference for us - Holleran


Rob Thompson-Brown is the man who can help deliver promotion to Leamington according to boss Paul Holleran.


Years of hard work and dedication paid off for hundreds of pupils today (Thursday) when they opened the dreaded envelopes to find their GCSE results.
And the nervous wait was replaced with jubilation for many, with record-breaking results across the district.
WARWICK SCHOOL
Just over 46 per cent of grades at Warwick School were A*s. Samuel Young achieved an exceptional sweep of 12 A* grades with Lionel Whitby a very close 11 A*s
and one A grade. Douglas Boyle, Joshua Brown, Samuel Coy, David Holroyd, James Keay, James McAuliffe, Gautham Rao and Andrew Tinkler all achieved 11 A*s which is an increase on last year, with 14 boys achieving a clean sweep of A* only grades. 19 students scored 10 or more A*A grades which also is an increase on last year. 56 boys achieved a clean sweep of only A* and A grades with 78 per cent of this year’s cohort achieving A*A, our third best year ever, and nearly 95 per cent achieved A*-B grades which is a brilliant result.
Fifty six boys achieved a clean sweep of only A* and A grades with 78 per cent of this year’s cohort achieving A*A, the school’s third best year ever, and nearly 95 per cent achieved A*-B grades.
Headmaster Gus Lock said: “I am extremely proud of our boys who have achieved these results; they have worked incredibly hard and have benefitted from fabulous support from their families and outstanding guidance from their teachers. Everyone deserves to feel very proud today and I congratulate our boys wholeheartedly.”
NORTH LEAMINGTON SCHOOL
On the back of last week’s A-level and AS-level outcomes (where 63 per cent of its Y13 students’ results were A*-B), North Leamington School is delighted that this year’s provisional GCSE results are as equally impressive.
The school has sustained the outstanding achievements of last year with 76 per cent of its Y11 students scoring A*-C in the sciences, 79 per cent posting A*-C in maths and 81 per cent recording A*-C in English. In new key measures, 74 per cent of students secured an A*-C in both English and maths.
Headteacher Joy Mitchell, said: “I am absolutely delighted with our results this year because we have secured and sustained excellent outcomes: students across the ability range have achieved wonderful results and made outstanding progress. Beyond this, the cohort are lovely, well-rounded individuals. The results are a fitting reward for their resilience, self-application and support of one-another.”
Individual achievements include:
Joseph Cofler – A**x1, A*x10, 1xA
Adam Cofler – A**x1, A*x7, Ax4
Amy Alcock – A*x10, Ax1
Daniel Morris – A*x8, Ax2, Bx1
Harpreet Rai - A*x7, Ax3
Molly Outhwaite – A*x4, Ax6, Bx1
Emily Nebard – A*x4, Ax6
Daniel Smyj-James – A*x1, Ax9, Bx1
George O’Donohue – A*x5, Ax4, Bx2
Jessica Bradley – A*x5, Ax4, Bx1
Anneliese Cummings – A*x5, Ax4, Bx1
AYLESFORD SCHOOL
At Aylesford School, 61 per cent of pupils achieved five plus A*-C(En/Ma) grades.
Headteacher Steve Hall said: “I am delighted for students of the school who have worked so hard towards their examinations and who have achieved so much. Their efforts have been rewarded and whilst school performance measures are changing the provisional data suggests a very good overall performance...indicating strong progress measures for the vast majority of students.
“We wish all students well as they continue on to the next phase of their personal, educational and vocational development.”
Individuals worthy of recognition for outstanding outcomes include:
Molly MacRae 11A* 1A
Charlotte Culley 7A* 3A
Samantha Miles 9A* 2A
James Harris 6A* 2A 2B
Chloe McDonagh 4A* 6A 2B
Harry Price 4A* 3A 2B
TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Trinity Catholic School principal Chris Gabbett commended all involved in producing another successful year, with 64 per cent of GCSE students achieving grades A*-C in English and maths and a number of students achieving A* and A grades in all subjects. He added: “I am so proud of our students and of course their parents, who have supported them through the hard work and challenges that Year Eleven brings. The committed staff here at Trinity have also been amazing. We are delighted that the majority of eligible students will be returning to Trinity’s sixth form and that many others will be pursuing college courses or vocational pathways. Whether joining our strong sixth form, or following an alternative route, we wish them every success and happiness for their future.”
MYTON SCHOOL
At Myton School, 27 per cent of students achieved at least five A* and A grades - with 19 achieving at least 10 A*/A grades:
Headteacher Andy Perry said: “Congratulations to all our students on their GCSE results this year. Overall, we are delighted that 87 per cent of our Year 11 students achieved at least a C grade in English GCSEs this year with a third of the students achieving an A or A* in English. In maths, 81 per cent achieved at least a C grade and 27 per cent an A* or A.
“We can look at the 2016 cohort as a highly successful group of young people, welcome many of them back into our sixth form and wish them all every success for their futures wherever it may take them.”
KENILWORTH SCHOOL
At Kenilworth School, 82 per cent of students achieved the national measure of A*-C in both English and maths and 43 per cent of students achieved A*- C passes in E-BACC subjects.
Headteacher Hayden Abbott said: “Congratulations are due to all Year 11 students from Kenilworth School who achieved a great set of GCSE exam results this summer. Our Year 11 class of 2016 have shown tremendous resilience, determination, collaboration with their staff and impressive peer support at difficult times. They have matured in ways that cannot be measured by examination results, having lost a dear friend and classmate last year. We are all tremendously proud of each and every one of them and wish them well as they progress to the next stage of their education.”
CAMPION SCHOOL
Campion School achieved another set of excellent results after last week’s A level success. Over 70 per cent of pupils achieved A*-C in subjects including English and maths. Heather Cowgill achieved 10 A*/A grades including maths, English Llnguage, English literature and triple science. Chelsea Nwobodo, Alyssa Pope and Jack Southall all achieved 10A*/A grades.
Headteacher Jassa Panesar said: “GCSEs and A levels have become more challenging and Campion School continues to achieve highly with many of its pupils achieving A*/A grades. The school’s success is due to excellent relationships between staff, pupils and families as well as the shared ethos of dedication and hard-work.
“I would like to congratulate all Campion School pupils and their families on their achievements this summer. By working together as a team we have achieved excellent results. We are excited about the future and building on our successes in the years to come.”
KINGS HIGH SCHOOL
King’s High School in Warwick celebrated its best GCSE results over five years, with 80.3 per cent A*-A results.
This follows amazing A-level results last week, when King’s girls achieved the highest A*-B results of any girls’ school in Warwickshire.
95.1 per cent achieved an A*-B result and an impressive 99.6 per cent of papers received A*-C grades. The school attained a 100 per cent pass rate.
Headmaster Richard Nicholson said: “To have attained the highest results over five years of outstanding GCSE results is something of which they should be very proud. Our 2016 results, both at GCSE and at A Level, where our girls achieved the highest A*-B results of any girls’ school in Warwickshire, are all the more impressive when one considers that our girls accomplish these results whilst excelling in their extra-curricular pursuits in sport, music, drama and art.”
KINGSLEY SCHOOL
Once again girls at The Kingsley School in Leamington are celebrating stunning results in its GCSE exams, mirroring the sixth form students strong A-level performance last week.
Nearly 50 per cent of entries achieved A*-A grades, with over 80 per cent achieving A*-B and 98 per cent achieving five A-C GCSEs.
Headteacher Heather Owens is delighted with this year’s results, which continue the school’s trend of consistently achieving top grades at GCSE. She said:“I am again immensely proud of all the girls who have achieved such outstanding results today.
“Kingsley’s supportive environment and their strong work ethic has resulted in this outstanding performance. The results show the exceptional progress girls make at Kingsley and they should all be proud of their fantastic achievements.”
Of the many individual success stories:
Lizzie Westley from Oxfordshire achieved 12 A*s and 1 B
Isabelle Rhodes from Southam achieved 10 A*s and 1 A
Annabel Stock from Warwick achieved 8 A*s and 1 A
Grace Beckwith from Stratford-upon-Avon achieved 7 A*, 3 As and 1 C grade
Tanya Saunders from Leamington Spa achieved 6 A*s, 5 As and 1 B
Tilly Owen from Leamington Spa achieved 3 A*s, 7 As and 1 B
Charlotte Dennison from Daventry achieved 1 A*, 8 As, 2 Bs and 1 C
Amy Newcombe from Pillerton Hersey, Warwick achieved 1 A*, 8 As, 1 B and 1 C
Ambe Reid from Leamington Spa achieved 2 A*s and 8 As and 1 B
Lottie Wright from Stratford-upon-Avon achieved 2 A*s, 4 As and 3 Bs
Amy Rattigan from Coventry achieved 1 A*, 7 As and 1 B
Ellie Sinclair from Leamington Spa achieved 2 A*s, 6 As and 1 B
Sophia Godfrey from Leamington Spa achieved 6 A*s, 3 As and 2 B grade
SOUTHAM COLLEGE
Students at Southam College celebrated record GCSE results, with 87 per cent of students achieving at least an A*-C grade in English and maths.
Headteacher Ranjit Samra said: “In the context of new curriculum content these are our best ever results. We are delighted for students, staff and parents who have all worked tirelessly to ensure that every student fulfils their maximum potential.
“These results should give every student the belief that with hard work anything is possible.”
KINETON HIGH SCHOOL
Kineton High School achieved its personal best results.
82 per cent of Year 11 pupils achieved a C grade or above in English GCSE, and 72 per cent in maths - a record for the school.
A spokesperspon for the school said: “This is the result of continued hard work and commitment from both students and staff. We look forward to welcoming high numbers back into our Sixth Form and wish those leaving Kineton all the very best in the future.
“Well done to the following students who made the most progress in the year group: Neil Faulkner, Paul Philpott and Nicholas Melton. Isaac Aston, Louisa Briggs, Bethany Hall and Polly Alfandary are among a large number of students who achieved significant numbers of A* and A grades.
“Well done to Kineton Year 11 , we are very proud of you.”
PRINCETHORPE COLLEGE
From a cohort of 160 GCSE candidates at Princethorpe College, 40 per cent of grades are at A* or A, over two thirds at grade B or better and 20 per cent of pupils achieved at least nine A* or A grades.
There were many distinguished performances, but the best individual results were from Isabel Meade and Anna Harper-Lawrence who both achieved 11 A* grades.
Headmaster Ed Hester said that he was delighted with the excellent results which confirm how far the school’s academic profile has continued to develop over the past few years. “It is marvellous to be able to celebrate such success and all credit goes to the pupils and staff for their hard work”, he commented. “I am delighted that the vast majority of this cohort will continue into our wonderful Sixth Form and have the opportunity to complete our innovative Princethorpe Sixth Form Diploma, which is so highly rated by universities and employers.”

GCSE RESULTS: Find out how our pupils fared


Years of hard work and dedication paid off for hundreds of pupils today (Thursday) when they opened the dreaded envelopes to find their GCSE results.


Motorists now change their car more often than they switch their mattress or even their mobile phone, suggests new research.
The length of time motorists keep a car has plummeted from around five years to two years or less, reveal latest figures.
The data produced by automotive experts, cap hpi, shows that some car makers now see average returns of vehicles in 24 months, and there is evidence of a growing number of 18-month leases in the market.
Mattresses should be changed every seven or eight years to ensure a good and healthy night’s sleep, according to chiropractors, while mobile phone contracts are on average between 18 and 24 months.
Expert say car manufacturers are managing volumes in the used market by varying contract lengths by model and remarketing channels.
Philip Nothard, retail and consumer specialist at cap hpi, said: “What we are seeing is the ‘iphonification’ of the car industry as consumers increasingly pay to drive rather than pay to own their vehicles.
“It’s the same model as the mobile phone industry where people are comfortable paying a monthly fee - only they are now doing this with their vehicles as well as their mobiles.”
He said the growth of personal contract purchase (PCP) and other finance options is having a “profound” effect on the car industry.
Personal Contract Hire (PCH) is also increasing, as motorists increasingly look towards usership rather than ownership.
Around four out five new car sales (80 per cent) are now on finance, according to estimates by cap hpi.
Mr Nothard added: “Not so long ago it was fairly common for motorists to have their cars for a minimum of five years or longer, but that has now changed dramatically and dropped to just two years for millions of motorists.
“After buying a house, the car was usually the biggest outlay for most consumers but now they are far more likely to change their car more often than their mattress.
“Consumer demand remains strong in the used car market and there are lots of used bargains waiting to be snapped up.
“As PCP becomes more popular and accessible in the used market, motor dealers expect its use to double in the future so we’re going to see people changing their cars with increasing regularity.”

Motorists change their car more often than their mobile phone


Motorists now change their car more often than they switch their mattress or even their mobile phone, suggests new research.


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


Nodding off in the middle of the day may be down to pollution generated by traffic, suggests new research.


Police are appealing for witnesses after a car was found on fire in Leamington this week.
At approximately 1.25am on Tuesday August 16, a grey Peugeot was set on fire on a driveway in Stirling Avenue.
A Toyota Landcruiser parked next to the Peugeot also sustained fire damage and a smashed rear window.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information should call Warwickshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 13 of 16 August 2016.

Witnesses needed after car fire in Leamington


Police are appealing for witnesses after a car was found on fire in Leamington this week.