North Yorkshire Police is proving to be at the forefront of social media in world policing after two officers were nominated for international awards.

PC Ed Rogerson and Special Constable Tom Stirling are both in line to be recognised for their efforts to engage with the public through new technologies at the ConnectedCops Awards in America next month.

They have both been selected for the Leadership Award and are joined by three other nominees, an officer from Hampshire Police and two officers from police forces in Canada.

The award is given to an individual officer up to and including the rank of sergeant at a worldwide law enforcement agency, who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in using social media to improve public safety and enhance the engagement or reputation of their organisation.

The award will be presented at the Social Media the Internet and Law Enforcement (SMILE) Conference in Richmond, Virginia in September.

PC Rogerson, who is based in Harrogate, is widely recognised as the first officer in the UK to use social media for community engagement. His use of YouTube and Twitter is often held up as an example of best practice and he regularly gives talks at conferences about his use of social media in policing.

Pc Rogerson said: “North Yorkshire Police has led the way in the use of social media for community engagement. We were the first Force to conduct online community meetings and the first to use YouTube, Facebook and Twitter for this purpose. It’s an honour for me just to have been nominated for this award, let alone being announced as a finalist.”

SC Stirling, who is also the Force’s New Media Officer, has been nominated for his work to design the UK’s first mobile police app for smartphones, giving people easy access to news and updates from their local Safer Neighbourhood Team. He produced the app at no cost to the Force.

SC Stirling said: “I’m really pleased to have been shortlisted, and it’s great that North Yorkshire Police has two finalists in these prestigious awards. The nominations reflect the hard work that goes on across the Force using new technology to help us engage with our communities. We have lots of exciting plans for the future, and we will keep innovating to make sure this engagement goes from strength to strength.”

White Rose Polo Club, set in the idyllic East Yorkshire countryside near North Cliffe, will be hosting the Yorkshire Open Polo Championships on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th August - the North of England’s biggest polo tournament. A record number of eighteen teams will compete for victory in some of the best polo action the region has to offer.

Yorkshire’s successful 2012 season reaches its pinnacle in the Yorkshire Open Polo Championships, which sees players from across the country putting their skills to the test in an attempt to be crowned this year’s champions. Now in its fifth year, the Yorkshire Open is the North of England’s biggest polo tournament and this year a record eighteen teams will be taking part – evidence of the growth in popularity of this exciting sport.

The tournament comprises of three levels of play - designed to allow players of all abilities to take part, but also offering a varied day for spectators who can pick up the rules at a steady pace in the lower goal matches, and enjoy full speed polo in the more advanced matches which feature the crème de la crème of polo.

Tony Wesche, Polo Manager and Coach at White Rose Polo Club, explains why the tournament is so special,

“We have 18 teams from across the country – it’s a testament to Yorkshire as a valid and thriving location for polo and, in particular, it highlights White Rose Polo Club as the leading polo club in the North. We have a diverse range of players and teams from a variety of backgrounds, reflecting the fact that polo is no longer just the ‘Sport of Kings’ but a game that can be enjoyed by everybody. It’s going to be an exciting weekend!”

Pack a picnic, Pimms, and bring your friends to this wonderful weekend for all the family. Gates open at 10.30am and car parking tickets can be booked by phoning Sarah at White Rose Polo on 01430 875767. For more information visit www.whiterosepolo.co.uk

The complex politics and warfare of the long-running medieval Crusades comes to life again in the second part of American historian Jack Hight’s thrilling Saladin trilogy.

Kingdom sees a new and dangerous chapter in the life of Yusuf ibn Ayub, the man who earned the title Saladin, meaning ‘righteous in faith,’ after he saved the life of his king in a ferocious battle.

Saladin was a mighty Kurdish warrior, the curse of the Crusader armies and yet revered as a diplomat and leader by both friend and foe. He succeeded where others had failed by uniting the disparate parts of the Middle East and Mesopotamia to create an effective fighting force.

Western history turned him into an ogre but Hight has dusted off his accomplishments, his life and his tarnished reputation in this brave and ambitious adventure series which tells his life story from a Muslim perspective.

Hight offsets the amazing career of the legendary Saladin by intertwining his fortunes with the life of John of Tatewic, a Crusader from England who was captured by Saracen troops and bought as a slave by Yusuf. The two young men formed a close and enduring friendship forged in time of war and turbulence.

In 1164, we find Saladin in Aleppo and trying desperately to distance himself from the palace of the Syrian king Nur ad-Din. Saladin is one of the ruler’s most trusted advisers but he has a guilty secret.

He betrayed the king by sleeping with his queen Asimat and she is pregnant with Saladin’s child.

But now he must put all his energies into joining a Saracen army headed for Egypt where he will fight to retake the country from Christian invaders. ‘I will bring you a kingdom,’ he tells the king but there are powerful factions at court who know his secret and unless he does their bidding, Asimat and the child will die.

Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, John has been branded a traitor for killing fellow Christians during the days he fought at Saladin’s side. Spared execution by King Amalric who is impressed by the prisoner’s courage, strength and integrity, John becomes the king’s spy and finds himself embroiled in dangerous court intrigue.

Dark forces are conspiring to seize the throne and as John confronts them, his loyalty to Amalric and his old friend Saladin are put to the test and in Egypt, Saladin is surrounded by enemies and soon discovers that no one can be trusted, not even his own family...

Whether it’s his street guide to Crusader Jerusalem in the 12th century or a map of Syria and the Holy Land as it looked in 1175, Hight transports us into the heart of a bitter religious conflict, and into the mind of the man who fought back against ‘the savages from beyond the sea.’

Action, politics and drama are the hallmarks of this excellent series which gives a fascinating and balanced insight into one of the most turbulent periods in world history.

The final showdown in the last of the trilogy should be one to savour...

(John Murray, hardback, £18.99)

A NEWLY wed couple are flying high after starting married life with their heads in the clouds.

Eloise Sleight, 21, and Dean Nicholson. 22, tied the knot by exchanging their wedding vows 1,000 feet up in the air above Leven airfield.

The ceremony was radioed on the tannoy system to around 100 family and friends on the ground below.

The couple, of Conington Avenue, Beverley, exchanged their vows in a tiny Cessna 172 aircraft while flying from Mount Airey airfield at South Cave to Leven, where the reception was held in an airfield hangar.

The ceremony was conducted by the pilot, Peter Spencer, part of the ministry team at Beverley Community Church and a proprietor of the Hull Aero Club which is based at Leven airfield.

Earlier in the day Eloise and Dean had completed the formalities of the ceremony at Priory Baptist Church in Hull.

But Eloise, who is studying to be a teacher and has been helping at Swinemoor Primary School in Beverley, said she and Dean had wanted to make their special day a reflection of their lives.

Dean, who works as a carer, is a trainee pilot at Leven airfield, where he also helps out.

“When we were deciding on a wedding venue I wanted it to be about us, and we chose the air because that represents Dean,” said Eloise.

“I was slightly nervous at first but I have been flying with him a couple of times before and it was really good.”

After a smooth landing, the couple joined their guests for a down to earth buffet with jelly and ice cream.

A SENIOR police officer today quashed speculation over the future of Driffield’s police station.

Sources close to Humberisde Police had suggested that plans were being considered to move “Incident Response” officers from the town and base them elsewhere.

This has led to fears that Driffield would not be routinely patrolled - and that the police station might eventually close..

But Superintendent for the East Riding Darren Downs said: “I can categorically confirm that there are, and never have been any plans to close Driffield Police Station or Beverley Police Station. These stations remain an integral part of neighbourhood policing for the East Riding.

“At this time we have no plans to remove any officers from Driffield police station. However, as cuts to public funding continues across the country. Humberside Police regularly review and asses the locations of police officers to ensure that they are providing the correct level of response in the appropriate areas.

Supt Downs said: “This means that in order for police officers to cover the 900 square miles of the East Riding officers can be moved to a different area to assist with the policing requirements of the division. This may, at times, mean that officers from Beverley and Driffield are redeployed elsewhere on a day to day basis. This is something that has been carried out across the force for a number of years and will continue to be part of daily policing.”

His statement answered speculation in the town.

One person, who did not wish to be named, told the Driffield Times and Post: “I believe that your readers will be interested in plans currently being made by senior officers within the East Riding Division of the Humberside Police.

“It is their intention to remove all officers currently employed in “incident response” at the smaller police stations and centralise them at just three stations - Goole, Priory Road, Hull, and Bridlington.

“This will mean that Driffield’s 10 uniformed officers will be stationed at Bridlington, and calls for service from residents of Driffield, Wold Newton to Brandesburton and Skipsea to Fimber will be responded to from officers in Bridlington.

“It is envisaged that Driffield will not be routinely patrolled.”

The source added: “Three police officers in the neighbourhood policing team will remain at Driffield, but they do not work over a 24 hour period, and plans are afoot to reduce their number too.

Members of Spellowgate Allotment Association, Driffield, presented a memorial bench to the Megginson family in memory of Association president Mrs Kathleen Megginson, who died last year.

Her son Derek, who has replaced her as president, unveiled the engraved bench which will now take pride of place at the allotments, first made available to Driffield folk by the family around 80 years ago. Mr Megginson was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Trish, sons Giles and Thomas and grandson Fred, ensuring that three more generations of the family follow Mrs Megginson in being linked to the popular allotments.

Lockington Village held its annual Produce and Handicraft Show on Saturday July 28.

A great village atmosphere and community spirit was created as villagers supported the Show and provided a fabulous array of handicrafts, art, garden and farm produce, flowers and photography.

As gardeners are only too aware it has been a lousy growing season but ever resourceful they excelled as quality was exceptional. Exhibits were only slightly down on last year but this was compensated by increased entries in other classes.

A lot of painstaking work had been lavished on the handicraft exhibits which ranged from wood turning to elaborate cross stitch.

A nice new trend emerging was the number of entries submitted in the Home Produce by village ‘lads’- long may this continue. With new imaginative classes planned for next year we hope the Village Show tradition will continue to flourish.

The Organising Group would like to thank all those who entered exhibits, those that made the show possible with their dedication and finally to the judges who sacrificed their Saturday morning.

Trophy winners

Eric Harland Memorial Shield: Geoff Burrows; Rectory Farm Salver: Andrew Edge; The Michelle and Chris McCoy Shield: Matthew Hunt; George Clark Memorial Trophy: Robert McIver; White Family Trophy: Alan Johnson; George Walker Trophy: Lynne Rooms; David and Christine Paling Trophy: Steven Mace; B&L Robinson Rose Bowl: Morris Smith; Holly Farm Trophy: Lynne Rooms; Lockington YCA Salver: Shirley Wilson; Lockington Parish Council Cup: James Spence; Jack Appleton Memorial Shield: Matthew Hunt; Gordon Wilson Miller Cup: Alfie Brown; Annie Sophia Miller Cup: Matthew Hunt

Class Results - Four totally white potatoes: 1 G Burrows, 2 S Hull, 3 R McIver; Four coloured potatoes: 1 S Hull, 2 R McIver, 3 R McIver; Six pods broad beans: 1 J Bethell, 2 A Edge, 3 J Bethell; Four tomatoes: 1 L Robinson; Three Beetroot: 1 R McIver; One Cucumber: 1 L Robinson, 2 C Rooms, 3 R Fletcher; One courgette: 1 R Griffin, 2 R McIver, 3 S Hull; Three onions with tops: 1 A Edge, 2 R Fletcher, 3 R McIver; Three carrots: 1 R McIver; Six pods of peas: 1 R McIver, 2 R McIver; Twelve strigs of blackcurrants: 1 R McIver, 2 R McIver; Six gooseberries: 1 J Bethell, 2 R Griffin, 3 R Fletcher; Any other vegetable: 1 S Hull, 2 J Bethell, 3 A Proctor; Any other fruit: 1 R McIver, 2 V Johnson, 3 J Bethell; Longest stick of rhubarb: 1 M Hunt, 2 J Bethell, 3 R McIver; ‘It’s Gone Wrong’: 1 S Hull, 2 R McIver;

Four ears of barley: 1 A Johnson, 2 P Johnson, 3 A Hunter; Four ears of wheat: 1 A Hunter, 2 P Johnson, 3 P Johnson; Sample of hay: 1 A Hunter; Three stalks of field beans: 1 A Johnson, 2 P Johnson;

Savoury flan: 1 H Dunham, 2 H Dunham, 3 V Farmer; Four sausage rolls: 1 L Johnson, 2 V farmer; Vegetarian alternative: 1 J edge, 2 J Bethell; One bread loaf hand baked: 1 A Proctor, 2 J Bethell; One bread loaf from a breadmaker: 1 R McIver, 2 J Bethell, 3 A edge; Four bread buns: 1 J Bethell; Four fruit scones: 1 L Rooms; One round of shortbread: 1 H Dunham, 2 L Rooms; Four jam tarts: 1 L Johnson, 2 B Robinson, 3 B Hull; Four decorated cupcakes: 1 S Mason, 2 V Farmer, 3 L Johnson; One fruit loaf: 1 L rooms, 2 H Dunham, 3 A Ferguson; Four sweet biscuits: 1 P Wood, 2 K Burrows; Decorated chocolate: 1 V Farmer, 2 L Rooms, 3 R Fletcher; Victoria sandwich: 1 B Hull, 2 L Proctor, 3 K Burrows; Lemon drizzle loaf: 1 B Hull, 2 H Dunham, 3 L Proctor; Lads or Dads: 1 A Edge, 2 M Hunt, 3 D Farmer; Strawberry jam: 1 S Connon, 2 S Mace, 3 L Johnson; Lemon curd: 1 L Johnson, 2 L Proctor, 3 B Robinson; Jam, other variety: 1 S Mace, 2 L Rooms, 3 J Warburton; Marmalade: 1 P Griffin, 2 S Mason, 3 V Johnson; Chutney: 1 V Johnson, 2 B Robinson, 3 J Warburton; Home made drink: 1 J Warburton, 2 P Griffin, 3 L Rooms; Fours hens’ eggs: 1 A Proctor, 2 J Edge, 3 E Rooms

Rose for scent: 1 D Kitching, 2 B Hull, 3 J Chapman; Three Hybrid Tea roses: 1 M Smith, 2 J Chapman, 3 B Hull; Three sprays Floribunda roses: 1 P Gibson, 2 B Hull; Sweet peas: 1 V Farmer, 2 S Hull, 3 V Farmer; Mixed varieties: 1 L Rooms, 2 M Smith, 3 A Edge; Foliage plant in pot: 1 P Gibson, 2 B Green, 3 V Farmer; Flowering plant in pot: 1 P Gibson, 2 V Farmer, 3 P Gibson; Tallest sunflower: 1 R Fletcher, 2 C Rooms;

Foliage arrangement: 1 V Johnson, 2 H Dunham, 3 L Johnson; Patio pot of summer bedding: 1 A Ferguson, 2 H Dunham, 3 V Farmer; Arrangement ‘From My Garden’: 1 L Rooms, 2 D Kitching, 3 V Hunt; Miniature arrangement: 1 D Kitching, 2 J Bethell, 3 J Bethell

Hand knitted article: 1 B Robinson, 2 V Hunt, 3 K Burrows; Cross stitch article: 1 S Wilson, 2 V Hunt, 3 J McIver; Embroidered article: 1 V Hunt, 2 H Hately, 3 V Hunt; Home-made greetings card: 1 V Hunt, 2 V Hunt; Art: 1 R Fletcher, 2 S Connon; Any other handicraft item: 1 P Griffin, 2 S Wilson, 3 V Hunt;

Snapshot with suitable caption: 1 P Wood, 2 K Marshall, 3 P Wood; Snapshot ‘Sunset’: 1 J Bethell, 2 P Wood, 3 D Hudson; Snapshot ‘East Riding Landmark’: 1 J Spence, 2 P Wood, 3 H Hately;

Wooden object: 1 P Wainwright, 2 H Hately, 3 P Gibson; Decorative teaspoon, 1 D Kitching, 2 L Hunter, 3 V Farmer

Fish made from paper plate, 7 and under: 1 A Brown, 2 H Brown; Fish made from paper plate 8 and over: 1 C Rooms, 2 B Rooms, 3 M Hunt; Decorate Wellington boot, 7 and under: 1 A Brown, =2 H Rodmell, D Rodnell; Decorated Wellington boot, 8 and over: 1 C Rooms, 2 B Rooms, 3 M Hunt; Papier-mâché, 8 and over: 1 M Hunt; Vegetable prints, 7 and under: 1 A Brown, 2 H Brown; Vegetable prints, 8 and over: 1 M Hunt; Miniature garden, 8 and over: 1 M Hunt; Boat from recycled objects, 7 and under: 1 A Brown, 2 H Brown; Boat from recycled objects, 8 and over: 1 M Hunt; Item of baking: 1 B Rooms, 2 C Rooms, 3 E Rooms; Egg cup arrangement: 1 B Rooms, 2 D Rodmell, 3 C Rooms; Homemade jewellery: 1 C Rooms, 2 M Hunt, 3 C Rooms; Any other handicraft item: 1 C Rooms, 2 C Rooms, 3 H Brown; Handwriting, 7 and under: 1 B Horner, 2 R Cooper, 3 H Joy; Handwriting, 8-11: 1 B Rooms, 2 I Balthazar, 3 S Balthazar; A4 poster, 7 and under: 1 A Park, 2 A Brown, 3 H Buxton; A4 poster 8-11: 1 E Hatfield, 2 C Rooms, 3 S Heatley

The Leeds United Foundation has put a group of 12 young men through their first coaching qualifications and they were presented with their certificates by first-team defender Leigh Bromby.

The 17-24 year-olds were part of the Princes Trust group which helps young people find work and gain employability skills. With the help of the Leeds United Foundation and a week of intensive training they have now completed a level 1 FA-accredited coaching course.

The certificates were presented by Leeds United’s Leigh Bromby, who congratulated the learners on their efforts. Leigh signed autographs for the group afterwards and acknowledged the difficulty of their achievements.

Leigh said: “These young people have demonstrated what can be achieved with a positive attitude and a commitment to hard work. They have a long and exciting career ahead of them if they can continue this success.”

FA tutor, Chris Coates and Education Projects Manager, Alan Scorfield led the week-long intensive course, which demanded a lot from the group and is the first step to a professional coaching career.

Alan said: “Although we have worked with The Princes Trust a number of times in the past, this is the first time we have delivered a level 1 course in a week. It has been hard work but all of the young people taking part have done extremely well.”

Many of the young people involved have identified opportunities for progression and two have been offered places on the Leeds United Foundation Futsal Scholarship Programme.

Jamie Broadhead, one of the successful new coaches, said: “It’s been a dream to be involved with The Leeds United Foundation. Hopefully this will be the start of something really positive for me.”

Caroline Davis, of the Princes Trust, said: “It has been great for the young people to come to Elland Road and the support of The Leeds United Foundation has been fantastic. We are planning to build on this experience and offer chances like this to more young people in the future.”

For more information about Princes Trust and other courses please call Alan Scorfield on 0113 367 6015. For more information on The Leeds United Foundation Futsal Scholarship call Michael Kinsey on 0113 367 6341 or check out the website www.leedsunitedfoundation.com

The next steps in the campaign to deliver a sustainable milk price for dairy farmers will be up for discussion this week.

Members of the Dairy Coalition, due to hold talks on Friday (August 10), are expected to publish their forward plan, which will focus on making sure that milk buyers take responsibility for the future of dairy farming.

NFU President Peter Kendall said: “It remains our aim to deliver a functioning market place where dairy farmers can have confidence they will receive a fair and sustainable milk price that at least covers their costs of production.

“The work of the coalition has only really just begun. We are determined to bring about real and lasting change. Just this week, two milk buyers have signalled intentions to deliver long term pricing models. We do not wish to dictate the exact details, but it is critical that milk pricing models deliver sustainable milk prices for farmers.”

Following discussions with Dairy Coalition representatives, supermarket group Iceland Foods has agreed to investigate the development of an improved milk procurement model that clearly recognises the price paid to farmers by its supplying processors.

Dairy processor Freshways has also committed to working with industry consultants in developing a milk pricing mechanism which reflects farmers’ costs to produce milk.

Farmers for Action chairman David Handley said: “Both these businesses will be judged on their actions. Iceland has stated it has not derived any benefit from this year’s price cuts by milk processors. We have told Iceland it has an opportunity to show leadership by making a sustainable farm gate milk price a procurement specification.

“Likewise, Freshways will be judged on its ability to pay their supplying farmers a fair price based on a fair contract.

“Milk buyers can’t go on shrugging their shoulders and refusing to take responsibility for the future of the dairy industry. We demand that buyers step up to the mark and do their bit to ensure a fair deal for farmers.”

The meeting will be held at the NFU offices in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

A KEEN runner who helped his mum battle ovarian cancer will take on the Great North Run in September to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Matthew Skinns, 23, from Little Weighton, decided to take part in the half marathon following his mother Marianne’s treatment at Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham.

The University of Westminster graduate said: “In January my mum had a hysterectomy after troubles with acid indigestion and stomach pains. Following tests post-op she was informed that in the left ovary they had found cancer cells. Luckily the doctors were confident they had removed the majority of the cancer, but she undertook six sessions of chemotherapy. During this difficult time for her, myself and our family we saw lots of highs and lows but she battled through and is now on the road to recovery.”

Nearly 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK each year. The disease can be hard to detect because women often attribute early symptoms to other causes. Despite this, there are currently no guidelines for screening, and although clinical trials into the value of screening are currently taking place, the results will not be available for some time.

Matthew continued: “What astounded me is screening for ovarian cancer is still a work in progress and had she not have had a hysterectomy she might not have caught the cancer so early. The facilities and support given at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, near Hull, were phenomenal. Because of what my mum has been through and the fantastic care she received I decided Yorkshire Cancer Research would be a fitting charity to raise money for.”

Matthew is no stranger to running, having completed the Tromso Marathon, Norway, in July for Help for Heroes. He is now continuing his training regime, running five or six times a week, to build back up to half marathon distance. Matthew will join 450 Yorkshire Cancer Research runners at the Great North Run, which raises £100,000 each year for the charity’s world-class research, treatment and diagnosis projects across the region.

He said: “I completed the marathon in 4 hours 19 minutes and 58 seconds and immediately looked for another challenge. The sense of achievement was massive for me, not only because I’d done something I’d always wanted to do but also because I’d raised nearly £500 for charity. Sport has always been a passion of mine and it renewed my desire to push myself.”

FRIENDS and family of heart transplant girl Hannah Pudsey have turned a day of sadness into a celebration of her life - and raised money to help other heart patients.

Hannah, who was just 24 when she died in February, had been due to marry her fiance Kevin Preston at All Saints Church in Nafferton on July 27.

On the day that she had been due to walk down the aisle, her friends and family gathered at the church instead for a day of fund raising in her memory.

The church was specially decorated and the organ played, as if for the wedding itself, and was open throughout the day in tribute to her.

In the evening, Reload, the band who would have performed at the wedding reception played at a fundraising event in Hannah’s memory at Driffield’s Bell Hotel.

The day of fundraising raised £1,219.70 for the transplant ward at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, where Hannah underwent her transplant in 2001.

Her mum, Mrs Ros Pudsey, said more than 100 people joined the family throughout the day. The money raised will be used to provide comforts for the ward, where other translant patients like Hannah are treated, often a long way from home.

Mrs Pudsey said the events had made it easier for the family to cope with what was inevitably a very sad day.

“It was sad, but everyone had a good time, and Hannah would have wanted that,” she said.

“It was nice to have something positive. People have said to me how can you do it, but otherwise we would have just sat here and cried.”

Mrs Pudsey said the church was beautifully decorated by Irene Anderson as if the wedding was going ahead, and the organ played throughout the day.

The evening event included a raffle with prizes donated by traders in Driffield and Nafferton.

Hannah, whose family live in Nafferton, was a former student of Driffield School and Bishop Burton College. She was born with two holes in her heart and a faulty valve and finally underwent her heart transplant at the age of 13 after over a year of waiting.

She became a passionate advocate for the Organ Donor Register and was remembered for her courage, bubbly character and the way she lived her life to the full.

Mrs Pudsey said she would like to help everyone who helped with the special day in Hannah’s memory. “The money we raised is going to go to the Freeman transplant ward where Hannah was a patient. It will be for other patients to make their stay more comfortable. Many of them like Hannah are not local and they are going to be a very long way away from home,” she said.

Women gardeners challenged the gender balance of power at the Driffield Spellowgate Allotments awards.

Three of the six award winners were female, the first time there has been an even split in this traditionally male-dominated pastime.

Kellythorpe businessman Keith Coulman won the top prize, the Taylor Megginson Challenge Cup, after finishing second last year.

He pipped new entrant, Brian Woodmansey, who won the Geoff Sims Memorial Cup for finishing second and the Jim Lowe Memorial Trophy for being the best-placed senior citizen. Dick Parrott finished third, securing the Spellowgate Challenge Cup in the process.

Then the female force kicked in. Kim Dervey finished fourth for the second successive year and was joined this year by Katy Saunders who won the Newcomers Shield - and finished sixth overall - less than four months after taking up her allotment and another newcomer, Beryl Fallows, who took the Most Improved award after transforming the unkempt plot she inherited in double-quick time.

Spellowgate Allotment Association secretary Bill Walker said: There has been a real trend towards more families and more women enjoying allotments.

“This is reflected in the awards this year. All the winners deserve special praise this year for achieving outstanding results despite the miserable weather.”

White Rose Polo Club was treated to a superb weekend on 11th and 12th August at the Yorkshire Open Polo Championships. 17 teams competed across 4 levels in what was undoubtedly some of the best polo Yorkshire has even seen.

White Rose were delighted to see so many people teams from other clubs taking part with a welcome mix of familiar and new faces, many of whom attended Saturday night’s players’ party which was complete with hog roast and live music. All together a fantastic weekend.

The highlight of the weekend had to be the final of the highest goal (2 - 0) match, which saw team Summit take on team Eye Contact. A spectacular combination of speed, technique, team work and determination from both teams created a nail-biting match for spectators, and was eventually conquered by team Summit with a score of 6 – 4.

The winners of each level were…

Level: 2 – 0

Winning Team: Summit

Hugo Suarez, Tony Wesche, Hedley Aylott, Sophie Mulgrove

Score: 6 - 4

Level: -1 - -3

Winning Team: Rutland

Henry Brown, Alex Boucher, Paul Girdham, David Jackson

Score: 8 - 2

Level: -2 - -4

Winning Team: Spartans

Tom Collie, Mark Keating, David Gough, Steve Chandler

Score: 4 - 2

Level: -6 - -8

Winning Team: Bridge McFarland

Ollie Yeo, Alex Yeo, Jono Scutt, Joan Gough

Score: 4 - 2

Driffield youngsters grabbed their buckets and spades and headed by bus to Bridlington today

Trip Day sees the town’s youngsters and their families treated to a subsidised trip to Bridlington, including £3 spending money, free bus travel and vouchers for amusements, ice creams and this year a powerboat ride for children.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust is looking to recruit a new generation of apprentices to work within its region-wide service.

If you are interested in becoming an apprentice, please contact gillian.dyson@yas.nhs.uk or tel: 07789 867908 or Sam Wilby, PTS Administrative Assistant, tel: 01924 584041

Lockington’s annual Produce and Handicraft Show attracted some outstanding exhibits despite the poor growing season.

A slight drop in produce exhibits was compensated for by increased entries in other classes and produced a fabulous display in a great village atmosphere.

Pictured are just some of those who finished among the prizewinners.

Londoners were surprised and amused today when they came face-to-face with a huge 3D billboard displaying the world’s biggest pair of Party Rings.

Commissioned by Fox’s Biscuits to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK’s research into breast cancer, the well-endowed pink pair each measure two metres in diameter and are made up of over 2,000 real Fox’s pink Party Ring biscuits.

The cheeky installation was created as part of ‘The Big Pink Appeal’: a new campaign from Fox’s Biscuits and Cancer Research UK which is aiming to raise £50,000 towards breast cancer research. Each giant ring took a team of expert bakers and engineers more than 150 hours to complete, with every single pink Party Ring biscuit made both pigeon and weather resistant before being carefully applied by hand to the billboard. The finished rings weigh in at a hefty 40kg each and will be raising eyebrows for over two weeks outside the O2 centre on Finchley Road in North London.

The eye-catching billboard’s aim is to remind people that the charity’s ongoing research into cancer is vital and asks onlookers to log on to www.facebook.com/vinnie and donate directly to Cancer Research UK. The first 4,000 generous donors will receive a limited edition gift-wrapped pink Party Ring as a thank you.

Rachel Moffatt, Brand Sector Director from Fox’s Biscuits commented: “We’re delighted to be supporting Cancer Research UK’s fight against breast cancer. Whilst this installation might lead to a few chuckles, breast cancer is no laughing matter and the message behind this is a serious one: we need the support of the UK to donate now to help beat breast cancer.”

For more information on The Big Pink Appeal please visit www.facebook.com/vinnie.

After months of fierce competition, nominations have now closed for the English Curry Awards. Restaurants and takeaways from all over England battled it out to make the best curry in the country.

The second English Curry Awards will take place in The Point at the Lancashire County Cricket Club on the 3rd September, and it is set to be a fantastic evening. A city renowned for its devotion to the dish; it even has an entire ‘curry mile’ committed to the cuisine, it makes Manchester the ideal location for the Takeaway.com English Curry Awards.

Yasmin Mahmood, Operations & Business Development Manager for event organiser Oceanic Consulting said: “Food is something people get really passionate about, whether it’s the public who love dining out, or the chef who makes the meal with pride. This passion is the reason we decided to put the awards on in the first place, as well as to provide a platform for restaurants and takeaways to aspire to be a part of. This year thousands of nominations flooded in, in support of the publics favourite. With such a range of finalists, I am sure it will be fantastic evening, and good luck to all the finalists!”

The main sponsor is Takeaway.com and Save the Children is this year’s charity partner.

Other sponsors of the event include: Pepsi, Asda, O2 International, Goldstar Chefs, Saffron Events UK, Grafx Media, Suncrest and Revelation Rally.

There are eleven awards to be won on the night, two of which have nine regional winners.

The categories and finalists are as follows:

Curry Lover of the Year

City of Bradford

Rate that Curry

Graham Fleming (Bradford College)

Best Supermarket Curry Award

Tesco

Asda

M&S

Best Restaurant Design

Vermilion & Cinnabar (Manchester)

East Z East (Liverpool)

Akbar’s (Birmingham)

Curry Lounge (Nottingham)

Spice Market (London)

Team of the Year

Cafe Lahore (Oldham)

Indigo (Romiley)

Curry Lounge (Nottingham)

Mumtaz (Bradford)

Lal Qila (Manchester)

Chef of the Year

Gurpreet Bains (Indian Superfood)

Reza Mohammed (Star of India)

Prahlad Hegde (Bombay Brasserie)

Alfred Prasad (Tamarind)

Rob Abdul (Cafe Taj)

Caterer of the Year

British Asian Catering

Chak 89

Indus Catering

Payal

Greenleaf

Curry King or Queen of the Year

Amjad Khan (Kebabish)

Shabir Hussain (Akbar’s)

Namita/Camellia Panjabi (MW Eat Group)

Best of Manchester

Akbar’s

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill

Vermilion & Cinnabar

East Z East

Zaika Restaurant

Imli by Lal Qila

Nawaab

Swadesh

Shere Khan

Mughli Restaurant + Charcoal Pit

Takeaway of the Year

North East

King Faisal – Newcastle Upon Tyne

Mighty Bites – Middlesborough

Rowshuni – Sunderland

North West

Spice King – Preston

Sajaan’s – Manchester

Jaldi Jaldi – Preston

Yorkshire

Cafe Masala – Sheffield

Jaldi Jaldi – Leeds University

Naeem’s – Leeds

East Midlands

Spice Indian Takeaway – Nottingham

Adil’s Indian Takeaway – Leicester

Spicy Flames – Leicester

West Midlands

Mahim Indian Takeaway – Shrewsbury

Mr Malik’s – Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Masala Queen – Dudley

East

Golden Spice – Cambridge

Master Chefs Indian Takeaway – Luton

Preem Indian Takeaway – Essex

South East

Alamin Tandoori Takeaway – Reading

Mahbir’s Tandoori – Milton Keynes

Dilwar Tandoori – Reading

South West

Papa Raj – Plymouth

Raka Poshi – Swindon

Naz Indian Takeaway – Bournemouth

London

Bricklane Kitchen – London

Farhana Indian Takeaway – Barking

Shahi Tandoori – London

Restaurant of the Year

North East

The Rupali Restaurant – Newcastle

Sachin’s – Sunderland

Delhi Lounge – Middlesborough

North West

Indian Ocean – Tameside

Double Tree – Preston

Red Fort – Liverpool

Yorkshire

Prashad – Bradford

Kiplings – Halifax

Akbar’s – Bradford

Three seriously damaged characters take centre stage in Carol O’Connell’s haunting crime thriller ... an abused child, a sick serial killer and a psychotic detective.

For those who haven’t yet caught up with Kathy Mallory, O’Connell’s unique, smart and scarily sociopathic cop, now would be a good time to join her on her New York beat.

It’s 18 years since O’Connell introduced her unpredictable heroine in Mallory’s Oracle, the first of what is now a 10-book series, and it’s five years since her last outing in Find Me when the enigmatic Mallory went ‘walkabout’ for three months.

Manipulative, cruel almost to the point of sadistic, capable of extreme violence but single-minded in her pursuit of justice, Mallory is an inspired creation. Abandoned as a child on the mean streets of the Big Apple, she became a seasoned thief and survival expert until she was taken in by police detective Lou Markowitz and his wife.

Her experiences have left her secretive, surly and constantly under suspicion but she will risk life, limb and dismissal in pursuit of the truth.

In The Chalk Girl, Mallory is back at her desk at the Special Crimes Unit and involved in a complex and disturbing case involving blackmail, abuse, murders stretching back 15 years and some grisly and gruesome discoveries.

When eight-year-old Coco suddenly appeared in Manhattan’s Central Park and tagged onto a group of small children belonging to the elderly Mrs Lanyard’s ‘Day Camp for Gifted Children,’ she seemed so perfect.

She had red hair, blue eyes, an elfin face, a huge smile and she just wanted to be hugged. But her T-shirt was grubby, her hair full of lice and she had blood stains on her shoulder.

It fell from the sky, she said, while she was looking for her uncle, who turned into a tree. Poor child, people thought. And then the swarm of flesh-eating rats arrived... and bodies were found suspended from the park’s trees.

For Mallory, there is something about little Coco that she understands. Mallory can always recognise a kindred spirit and this one will lead her to a story of extraordinary crimes and one in particular that only someone with Mallory’s history could fully understand.

In the next few weeks, she will deal with them all ... but in her own way.

The Chalk Girl sees O’Connell on top form. Fearless and forthright, she deals in graphic violence, disturbing plotlines and dazzling contrasts. Gentle prose is punctuated by acts of extreme violence, inhumanity is offset by humour, the vulnerable are downtrodden by the powerful, the privileged take advantage of the downtrodden and the innocent are corrupted by evil.

But the inimitable Mallory is our avenging angel and we can be satisfied that justice, of sorts, will always prevail when she is on the case...

A brilliant, intelligent and gripping story that reaches far beyond the standard crime thriller.

(Headline, paperback, £6.99)

A BRAVE village landlord, staff and friends will be walking over hot coals this weekend all in the name of charity.

Dan Webb, landlord of Ye Olde Star Inn at Kilham will be joined by 10 or 11 members of staff and friends in walking over hot coals to raise funds for Bradford based charity Little Heroes which supports children living with cancer.

Dan, who has lived in Kilham for about three months after spending a decade managing pubs in York wanted to bring something a little bit different to the village whilst still raising funds for his chosen charity.

Dan said: “Kilham has a lot of fundraising events for the playing field and I’ve been trying to think of something they haven’t done already and I came down one morning and a leaflet had been pushed through the door.

“It’s something a bit different and we’re going to make a day of it.”

The brave group of firewalkers will walk over four meters of coals heated up to 1000 ° F during a fund raising event to be held in the beer garden of the pub.

“It’ll be interesting - I’ve got to do a 12 hour shift afterwards so I’m hoping I can still stand,” added Dan.

The day, which begins at 2pm with firewalking taking place at 4pm, will see the beer garden play host to a bouncy castle, live music, a bbq and a cider festival featuring 17 types of artisan ciders from which 50p from every half pint and £1 per pint will be donated to Little Heroes.

Driffield bands, who frequent Ye Olde Star’s open mic night, will be playing throughout the day which promises to be a great event for all the family.

And for those looking to get something more from the event, there are still ten spots available for the firewalk in exchange for a donation of £125 to the charity.

The brave group has already raised £2000 in sponsorship for the firewalk and Dan, who aims to raise £4000 in total for Little Heroes is urging locals to go along and give what they can for a worthwhile cause.

Dan said: “It’s all about people coming along, enjoying the day and buying the cider and products from the bbq.”

Little Heroes is a fledgling charity which provides support for children living with cancer and their families.

Last year the charity was able to provided thousands of pounds worth of distractions and toys to children in hospital receiving treatment for cancer, visit every childrens cancer hospital in the UK, set up a debt management call process, help raise awareness of children’s cancer both locally and nationally and much more.

Anybody wishing to sponsor the firewalkers or get involved with firewalking is asked to contact Dan on 01262 420619 or pop into the pub.