Humberside Police have put out a warning to youngsters who may be tempted to try river jumping during the warm weather.

Pc Steve Wilson said: “Due to the recent warm weather we have had a lot of kids river jumping, especially on Skerne Road.

“They are not committing an offence but it is quite dangerous and e want to make these young people aware of the dangers they are putting themselves in.”

Police will be patrolling areas where river jumping is prolific.

“We are going to be sending letters to parents to let them know what is going on and the to the dangers of it,” PC Wilson added.

Adult Classes Specials: Mallinson Cup: Mr J. Barber; Deira Cup: Mr J. N. Booth;Tryton Foods Trophy 1st: Mrs R. M. Horsaman ;Tryton Foods Trophy 2nd: Miss C. Milledge ;Tryton Foods Trophy 3rd: Mrs A. E. Allgood; Landrick Trophy: Mrs R. M. Horsaman; DAS Tankard: Mr A. Arundel; Fishers Trophy: Mrs A. Haugham ;JSR Rosebowl: Miss C. Milledge; Sara Lee Trophy: Mrs R. S. Horsman; Madeira Threads 1st: Miss J. Ferguson ;Madeira Threads 2nd: Mrs C. J. Chapman ;Madeira Threads 3rd: Mrs C. J. Chapman ;Pauline Milledge Cup: Mrs B. Atkinson ;Jenny Grange Cup: Miss J. Ferguson; DAS Handicraft Shield: Mrs P. Ferguson ;Coats Vouchers 1st: Mrs J. Drant; Coats Vouchers 2nd: Mrs S. E. Brown Coats Vouchers 3rd: Dr V. L. Bean;Lace Classes 1st: Mrs C. J. Chapman; Lace Classes 2nd: Mrs G. Mountain ;Lace Classes 3rd: Mrs C. J. Chapman ;DAS Cup: Mr A. Sandars; Paton’s Shield: Mrs J. Drant;Preserves:100 Jar Of Home Made Strawberry Jam;1- Mrs S.P. Thompson;2- Mrs M. Percival;3-Miss C. Milledge101 Jar Of Home Made Raspberry Jam:1-Mrs J. Staples;2-Mrs A.E. Allgood;3- Mrs K. Rideout;102 Jar Of Home Made Blackcurrant Jam:1- Mrs P. Ferguson;2- Mrs M. Percival; 3- Mrs K. Rideout;103 Jar Of Home Made Gooseberry Jam:1- Mrs R.M. Horsaman;2-Mrs J. Staples;3-Mrs E. Nicholson;104 Jar Of Home Made Marmalade:1-Mrs S.P. Thompson;2-Mrs J. Staples;3-Miss C. Milledge;105 Jar Of Home Made Fruit Curd:1- Mrs K. Tester;2- Miss C. Milledge;3- Mrs S.P. Thompson;106 Jar Of Home Made Chutney (airtight vinegar proof top): 1- Ms M. Marson;2-Mrs J. Staples;3- Mrs J. McBurney;107 Jar Of Home Made Mustard Preserve:1- Mrs P. Ferguson;2-Miss C. Milledge;3- Miss C. Milledge;108 Jar Of Honey (standard squat 1lb screw top jar):1-Mr D. McBurney; Wine: 109 Bottle (does not have to be wine bottle) of Liqueur (e.g. sloe gin): 1-Mr J. Barber;2- Mrs P. Ferguson;3- Mr K. Simcox;HC-Mr D. McBurney;110 Bottlle Red Home Made Fruit Wine, Sweet:1-Mr J. Barber;2- Mr J. Dean;3-Mr J. Barber;111 Bottle Red Home Made Fruit Wine, Dry:1-Mr J. Barber;2-Mr J. Barber;3- Mr D. McBurney;HC-Mrs P. Ferguson;

112 Bottle White Home Made Fruit Wine, Sweet:1-Mr T. Yeadon;2- Mr T. Yeadon;3- Mr J. Barber;113 Bottle White Home Made Fruit Wine, Dry:1- Mr T. Yeadon;2-Mr T. Yeadon;3-Mr J. Barber;114 Bottle Home Made Flower Wine, Sweet:1-Mr T. Yeadon;2- Mr T. Yeadon;3- Mr J. Dean;115 Bottle Home Made Wine, Not Fuit Or Flower, Medium Sweet:1-Mr J. Barber;2-Mr T. Yeadon;3-Mr J. Barber116 Bottle Rose Home Made Wine, Medium Dry:1-Mr J.N. Booth;2- Mr J. Barber;3- Mr T. Yeadon;117 Bottle Red Kit Wine:1-Mr T. Yeadon;2- Mrs P. Ferguson;3-Mr J. Dean118 Bottle White Kit Wine:1-Mr T. Yeadon;2-Mr J. Barber;3- Mr J. Dean;119 Set Recipe: Tea Bread (display one loaf only):1-Mrs R.M. Horsaman;2-Miss C. Milledge;3-Miss C. Milledge;HC- Mrs K. Moore;120 Set Recipe: Mr Guinness Cake (male exhibitors only):1- Mr A. Arundel;2-Mr C. Sterriker;3- Mr D. Briggs;121 Victoria Sandwich, Jam Filled (7 to 8 inches);1-Ms F. Skerrow;2-Miss H.R. Lount;3-Mrs B. Coles;HC- Mrs S. Jacques;HC-Mrs K. Moore;122 Rich Fruit Cake (7 to 8 inch tin):1- Mr D. McBurney;2-Mrs A. Briggs;3- Miss F. Tindall;123 Parkin made in a 1lb loaf tin:1- Mrs K. Tester;2- Miss C. Milledge;3-Mrs D. Laing;124 Fatless Sponge Cake (7 to 8 inches):1- Mrs G.M. Midgley;2- Mrs A. Briggs;3-Mrs L.A. Kilford;125 Rich Chocolate Cake, Decorated:1-Miss K. Adams;2- Miss R. Shipley;3- Miss F. Tindall;HC-Mrs R.M. Horsaman;126 Carrot Cake, Decorated:1-Mrs P. Ferguson;2- Mrs K. Tester;3-Miss K. Nicholson;127 Ginger Slab Cake:1- Mrs G. Hadfield;2-Mrs G. Hadfield;3-Mrs A. Briggs;128 Date And Walnut Loaf:1- Mrs J. Staples;2- Miss C. Milledge;3- Mrs A. Barker;129 Lemon Drizzle Cake:1-Mr D. Webster;2- Mrs G. Hadfield;3-Mrs R.M. Horsaman;HC- Mrs A. Briggs;130 Coffee and Walnut Cake, Decorated:1- Mrs E.R. Oliver; 2- Mrs K. Moore;3-Mrs R.M. Horsaman;131 Sponge Fruit Flan:1- Mrs A. Barker;2- Mrs A. Barker;132 Decorated Cake Top: 1- Mrs E. Hickson;2- Mrs E. Hickson;3- Miss K. Adams; HC- Mrs A.L.Lethridge; Bread:133 Loaf of Granary Bread:1-Miss C. Milledge;2-Miss C. Milledge;3-Mrs A.E. Allgood;134 Loaf of Wholemeal Bread:1- Mrs A. Haughan;2-Mrs R.M. Horsaman;3- Miss C. Milledge;135 Four Wholemeal Bread Buns:1- Miss C. Milledge;2-Miss C. Milledge;3- Mrs A.E. Allgood;HC-Miss C. Milledge;136 Loaf Of White Bread:1- Miss C. Milledge;2-Mr A. Tate;3-Miss C. Milledge;HC-Mrs A.E. Allgood;137 Savoury Breadloaf:1- Miss C. Milledge;2- Miss C. Milledge;3- Mrs R.M. Horsaman;138 Plaited Loaf:1- Mrs R.M. Horsaman;2- Miss C. Milledge;3-Mrs K. Moore;139 Four Chelsea Buns:1-Mrs A.E. Allgood;2-Mrs A.E. Allgood;3-Mrs A.E. Allgood;140 Two Fruit Teacakes (approximately 4”-5” diameter):1-Mrs A.E. Allgood;2- Miss C. Milledge;3- Mrs A.E. Allgood;141 Loaf of Bread made and cooked in a bread - maker:1- Mrs A.E. Allgood;2-Mrs A.E. Allgood;3- Mrs A.E. AllgoodSpecials:142 Four Cheese Scones:1-Mr D. McBurney;2- Mr J. Shipley;3-Mr J. Shipley;HC- Mrs R.M. Horsaman;143 Four Flapjack:1- Mrs E. Kebbell;2-Mr J. Shipley;3-Miss D. Dee;HC-Mr A. Harper144 Four Shortbread Biscuits:1-Mrs K. Moore;2-Ms F. Skerrow;3-Mrs R.M. Horsaman;HC-Mrs K. Tester;145 Four Plain Butterfly Buns:1- Mrs R.M. Horsaman;2- Mrs K. Moore;3-Miss H.R. Lount;HC-Mrs K. Tester;146 Four Cherry Buns:1- Mrs K. Moore;2- Mrs A. Briggs;3- Miss D. DeeHC- Mr K. Simcox;147 Four Ginger Biscuits:1-Mrs R.M. Horsaman;2- Mrs D. Laing;3-Mrs K. Tester;148 Four Jam Tarts:1- Mrs R.M. Horsaman;2- Mrs S.P. Thompson;3- Mrs A. Briggs;149 Two Shortcrust Sausage Rolls: 1- Mrs G.M. Midgley;2- Mrs R.M. Horsaman;3-Mrs A. Barker;150 Four Sultana Scones;10Mrs A. Haughan;20 Mrs R.M. Horsaman;3- Mr D. McBurney;151 Egg Custard (approx. saucer size):1-Mrs R.M. Horsaman;2-Mrs A. Barker;3- Mrs K. Moore;152 Bakewell Tart:1-Mrs K. Rideout: 2-Mrs K. Moore; 3- Mrs A. Briggs;153 Curd Cheesecake Tart:1- Mrs A. Briggs;2-Mrs K. Moore;3- Mr J. Shipley;154 Four Coconut Tarts:1-Miss M. Shipley;2-Mrs S.P. Thompson;3-Mrs A. Briggs;155 Shortbread;1-Mrs R.M. Horsaman;2- Mrs A. Briggs;3-Mrs S.P. Thompson;156 Plate Apple Pie, Shortcrust:1- Mrs L.B. Lount;2-Mrs R.M. Horsaman;3- Mrs A. Barker; Handicrafts:Embroidery:157 Cross Stitch Embroidery on Aida Fabric:1- Mrs S. Herring;2- Miss J. Ferguson;3-Mrs E. Nicholson158 Cross Stitch Embroidery on Evenweave Fabric:1- Mrs P.E. Pickering;2-Mrs E. Cummings;3-Mrs G. Shimmin;159 Canvas Work (e.g. Tapestry, Florentine):1- Mrs C.J. Chapman;2- Mrs A.P. Hesketh;160 Decorative Picture or Panel, Kit or Own Design (please state):1- Miss J. Ferguson;2-Mrs C.J. Chapman;3- Ms S.J. Haley;161 Item of Free Machine Embroidery (worked by free style manipulation rather than computer generated):1-Mrs C.J. Chapman;2-Miss R. Staples: Specials:162 An Animal Knitted Soft Toy, no hard parts:1- Mrs B. Atkinson2- Mrs B. Atkinson;3- Mr A. Lowes;163 Fabric Soft Toy, no hard parts:1-Mrs B. Atkinson;2- Mrs B. Atkinson;3-Mrs M. Lockie;164 Dressed Doll, suitable as a toy:1- Miss C. Milledge;2- Mrs B. Atkinson;3- Mrs B. Atkinson;165 Decorative Dressed Doll, not a toy:1- Miss C. Milledge;2-Miss C. Milledge;3- Mrs E. Nicholson;Soft Furnishing and Felt:166 An Item in Felt:1-Miss R. Staples;2- Miss R. Staples;3-Ms M. O’Keefe;HC-Miss R. Staples;167 A Cushion;1- Mrs A. Haughan;2- Mrs M. Lockie;3- Miss R. Staples;168 Any Other Soft Furnishing Item:1- Mrs C.J. Chapman;2- Mrs M. Lockie;3-Dr V.L. Bean;169 Machine Sewn Garment, for adult or child:1-Mrs P. Ferguson;2-Mrs A. Haughan;3-Dr V.L. Bean;Knitting and Crochet:170 Fair-Isle Garment, more than one colour, double knitting:1- Mrs J. Kent;2- Mrs J. Kent;171 Knitted Garment in Double Yarn, not Fair-Isle:1- Dr V.L. Bean;2- Mrs J. Kent;3-Mrs A.E. Allgood;HC- Mrs J. Drant;172 Knitted Baby Garment:1- Mrs C.J. Chapman;2-Mrs S.P. Thompson;3-Mrs J. DrantHC- Dr V.L. Bean;

173 Knitted Adult Garment, up to and including 4-ply yarn:1-Mrs J. Drant;2-Dr V.L. Bean;9- Mrs C.J. Chapman;174 Any Garment in Aran Style using Aran yarn:1- Mrs C.J. Chapman;2- Dr V.L. Bean;3- Mrs A.E. Allgood;175 Knitted Garment in any other yarn:1- Mrs C.J. Chapman;2- Mrs E. Kebbell;3- Mrs J. Staples;176 Any Item in Crochet using knitting yarn:1- Mrs S.E. Brown;2- Mrs J.M. Lewi;3-Mrs B. Neher;HC-Mrs E. Nicholson;177 Any Item in (or incorporating) Fine Crochet Work:HC- Dr V.L. Bean;Bobbin Lace:178 Any piece of Lace (this class is for beginners):1-Mrs S. Mount;179 Piece Of Torchon Lace:1-Mrs C.J. Chapman;2-Mrs P. Thorpe;3-Miss E.K. Kidd;HC- Mrs S. Sharp;180 Piece of Beds/Bucks Lace:1- Mrs G. Mountain;2-Mrs G. Mountain;3- Miss E.K. Kidd;181 Piece of Flanders/Bruges Lace:1- Mrs H.M.Z. Harvey;182 Any Other Lace:1- Mrs C.J. Chapman;2-Mrs K. Barnett;3-Mrs J.S. Daniels;Other Handicrafts:183 Bead Item:1- Mrs J.M. Metham;2-Mrs C. Hardy3- Mrs C. Hardy;184 Decorative Papercraft Item:1- Mr A. Sandars;2- Mrs A. Haughan;3- Mr W.M. Gray;185 Any Other Handicraft, Female Exhibitor (not painting):1-Mrs S. Mountain;2-Mrs P. Coates;3- Mrs J. Watkinson;HC- Mrs A. Brown;HC- Dr V.L. Bean;186 Any Other Handicraft, Male Exhibitor (not painting):1- Mr W.M. Gray;2-Mr W.M. Gray;3-Mr G.B. Wrigglesworth;HC-Mr G.B. Wrigglesworth;HC-Mr G.B. Wrigglesworth;187 Turned Item In Native Timber, Any Subject:1- Mr G.B. Wrigglesworth;2- Mr G.B. Wrigglesworth;3-Mr G.B. Wrigglesworth;HC- Mr G.B. Wrigglesworth;HC- Mr G.B. Wrigglesworth;HC-Mrs E. Kebbell;188 An Amateur Painting in any medium:1- Miss L. Hughes;;2-Miss L. Hughes;3- Mrs C.J. Chapman;HC- Mrs S. Mountain;HC-Mrs Shirley Smith;HC- Mrs C.J. Chapman;Amateur Photography:189 Non-Digital Photograph, Any Subject:1-Mrs A. Beard;2- Mrs A. Beard;3- Mrs A. Beard;190 Digital Photograph, Living Things (can be enhanced but not manipulated):1-Mrs C.A. Sharp;2- Mr D. McDonald;3-Mrs A. Greenlaw;HC- Miss M.S.Greenley;HC- Mr J. Langthorp;191 Digital Photograph, East Riding & The Wolds Landscape (can be enhanced but not manipulated):1- Mr B. Ewbank;2- Mr C. Whitehouse;3-Mr E. Howard;HC- Miss H. Ward;HC- Mr A. Sandars;192 Digital Photograph, Places: The Yorkshire Coast & Seaside (can be enhanced but not manipulated):1-Mr E. Howard;2- Miss S. Meek;3- Mr M. Parker;HC- Mr I. Nethercoat;HC- Mr D. McDonald;193 Digital Photograph, Other places(can be enhanced but not manipulated):1- Mr A. Sandars;2- Mr C. Whitehouse;3-Miss H. Ward;HC-Mr E. Howard;HC- Mr E. Howard;194 Digital Photograph, Any Subject (manipulated only):1- Mr E. Howard;2- Mrs C.A. Sharp;3- Miss M.S.Greenley;HC- Mrs A. Greenlaw.

There are two shining stars of Stephan Talty’s outstanding debut crime thriller… a captivating and original woman police detective, and the feuding, clannish ‘27th County of Ireland,’ a shadowy enclave of South Buffalo.

Irish Americans have long been noted for their fierce sense of community, their innate warmth and their hostility to outsiders, and Talty, whose parents emigrated to Buffalo in New York State from County Clare, places this complex mindset at the heart of his fast-paced, atmospheric tale of dark demons and sadistic murder.

Talty takes us to an area known as ‘The County,’ a patch of Ireland in the wilds of America where ‘ancestry is everything’ and the self-sufficient residents are so insular that families have been known to turn against families because they came from ‘the wrong part of Ireland.’

And it’s a compelling, superbly crafted backcloth for a fast-paced mystery packed with intriguing twists and turns, grisly serial killings, a brilliantly suspenseful game of cat and mouse… and all written in Talty’s fine line in crisp, clear, descriptive prose.

Leading the hunt to find an obsessive killer is Detective Absalom (Abbie) Kearney, a young, half-Irish woman born outside the neighbourhood but who was adopted and raised by John Kearney, The County’s legendary Irish cop.

Abbie possesses the midnight-black hair they call ‘Black Irish’ in South Buffalo but she is still regarded as an outsider and her Harvard degree and her recent ill-fated job as a Miami detective have not endeared her to the locals.

Nevertheless she is assigned to the brutal murder of Jimmy Ryan whose disfigured and tortured body is found in a closed-down church. Ryan is barely recognisable and the only clues the police have are the cruel removal of the victim’s eyelids and the killer’s sinister calling card, a plastic toy monkey with its hands clasped in a ‘speak no evil’ pose.

But this is a city cocooned in secrets, suspicion and blood feuds and the residents will do anything to protect their own. For Abbie, this case is her one chance to prove to the Irish community that even the most heinous of murderers can be stopped.

But as the killer strikes again and starts sending her cryptic messages, Abbie finds herself in a race to stop The County’s residents exacting their own form of justice.

And when she finds a lead at the Gaelic Club, where war stories, gossip and confidences flow as freely as the drink, the hunt takes a shocking twist into her own family’s past…

Black Irish is a superb page-turner and the steely Abbie’s chilling battle of wits with the maniacal killer is psychological crime drama at its best.

This charismatic leading lady’s next case will be much anticipated.

(Headline, paperback, £6.99)

With big meetings at Ascot, Goodwood, York and Doncaster just round the corner, it’s the ideal time for our resident racing expert, RICHARD ‘SCOOP’ SILVERWOOD, to come up with his latest list of horses to follow.

Here he names 18 exciting two-year-olds to have taken the eye over the past month and expected to win races soon.

BRAVE BOY (WON, Nottingham July 19)

Colt, Saeed Bin Suroor, 6f/7f Nurseries/Pattern races

CHRISELLIAM (WON, Warwick Jiuly 18)

Filly, Charlie Hills, 7f/1m Nurseries/Pattern races

CARLA BIANCA (2ND, The Curragh, July 20)

Filly, Dermot Weld, 7f/1m Maiden/Pattern races

ERTIJAAL (WON, Yarmouth June 27)

Colt, William Haggas, 6f/7f Pattern races

EMIRATES GALLOPER (WON, Sandown July 5)

Colt, Saeed Bin Suroor, 7f/1m-plus Pattern races

FIGURE OF SPEECH (2ND, Newmarket July 11)

Colt, Saeed Bin Suroor, 6f/7f Group races

HIKING (WON, Windsor June 24)

Filly, Roger Charlton, 6f-1m Group races

HOT COFFEE (WON, Haydock July 4)

Filly, Tom Dascombe, 6f/7f Pattern races

INDIAN MAHARAJA (WON, Gowran Park July 2)

Colt, Aidan O’Brien, 1m-plus Group races

JUNIPER TREE (3RD, The Curragh July 20)

Colt, Aidan O’Brien, 7f/1m Maiden/Pattern races

KINGMAN (WON, Newmarket June 29)

Colt, John Gosden, 7f/1m Group races

MOUNT LOGAN (4TH, Newbury July 19)

Colt, Luca Cumani, 7f/1m Maiden/Nurseries

MUSIC THEORY (2ND, Nottingham July 19)

Colt, Saeed Bin Suroor, 6f/7f Maiden/Pattern races

RENAISSANCE ART (WON, The Curragh June 30)

Colt, Jim Bolger, 7f/1m Pattern races

SILVER BULLET (WON, Haydock July 20)

Colt, Saeed Bin Suroor, 7f/1m Group races

SPEEDY APPROACH (WON, Doncaster June 30)

Colt, Michael Bell, 7f/1m Pattern races

TAPESTRY (WON, The Curragh July 21)

Filly, Aidan O’Brien, 6f/7f Group races

THE GREY GATSBY (WON, York July 13)

Colt, Kevin Ryan, 6f-1m Pattern races

With big meetings at Ascot, Goodwood, York and Doncaster just round the corner, it’s the ideal time for our resident racing expert, RICHARD ‘SCOOP’ SILVERWOOD, to come up with his latest list of horses to follow.

Here he names 21 improving horses, aged three years old or older, to have taken the eye over the past month and expected to win races soon.

ASHAADD (WON, Haydock July 6)

3yo gelding, Roger Varian, 7f Group races

CAPE OF APPROVAL (WON, Cork June 16)

4yo gelding, Tommy Stack, 5f/6f Group races

CODE OF HONOR (WON, Sandown July 5)

3yo colt, Henry Candy, 10f-12f Handicaps/Listed races

CAFE SOCIETY (2ND, Ascot July 13)

3yo colt, David Simcock, 12f-14f Handicaps

DARWIN (WON, The Curragh July 20)

3yo colt, Aidan O’Brien, 7f/1m Group races

ERNEST HEMINGWAY (WON, The Curragh June 30)

4yo colt, Aidan O’Brien, 14f/2m Group races

EXCESS KNOWLEDGE (3RD, Sandown July 5)

3yo colt, John Gosden, 10f/12f Pattern races

FLYING OFFICER (WON, Windsor June 30)

3yo gelding, John Gosden, 10f/12f Handicaps

GHASABAH (WON, Leicester July 18)

3yo filly, William Haggas, 6f Handicaps/Listed races

INTEGRAL (WON, Sandown July 6)

3yo filly, Sir Michael Stoute, 1m/10f Group races

KIKONGA (WON, Ascot July 12)

3yo filly, Luca Cumani, 12f/14f Handicaps/Listed races

MIGHTY YAR (WON, Sandown July 17)

3yo colt, Lady Cecil, 10f-14f Handicaps/Pattern races

MORPHEUS (WON, Ascot July 12)

3yo colt, Lady Cecil, 1m/10f Handicaps

OBSTACLE (2ND, Newmarket June 21)

3yo colt, John Gosden, 10f/12f Maiden/Handicaps

PYTHAGOREAN (3RD, Sandown July 6)

3yo gelding, Roger Charlton, 7f/1m Handicaps/Pattern races

REFECTORY (2ND, Newmarket July 12)

3yo colt, Andrew Balding, 10f-14f Maiden/Handicaps

SEAL OF APPROVAL (WON, Kempton July 3)

4yo filly, James Fanshawe, 10f/12f Handicaps

SECONDO (WON, Haydock July 19)

3yo gelding, Roger Charlton, 6f Handicaps/Pattern races

SILVER LIME (WON, Ascot July 12)

4yo colt, Roger Charlton, 14f Handicaps/Pattern races

TROPICS (WON, Windsor June 29)

5yo gelding, Dean Ivory, 6f Handicaps

TELESCOPE (WON, Leicester July 18)

3yo colt, Sir Michael Stoute, 10f-12f Group races

WHAT was it like to be amongst the first settlers who headed off to the far shores of the New World in the late 16th century?

Inquisitive children get the chance to find out as Giles Milton, an author who specialises in the history of exploration, takes us on a thrilling voyage to Virginia where four enterprising youngsters find themselves in a desperate battle for survival.

But, unlike the intractable adults, these young colonists open their hearts and minds to the new world and its indigenous people, and soon realise that the natives of North America have many skills that their parents would do well to learn…

Children of the Wild is the first volume in a new adventure trilogy for young readers aged eight and over which draws on actual historical events to create an authentic picture of how life turned out for the first settlers of the New World.

And in addition to the novel, Milton and his publisher, New World Books, are creating web resources including schemes of work aimed at learning curricula both sides of the Atlantic.

In spring 1585, sisters Eliza and Maud Daveys and their Dorset neighbours John and Francis Whittle are setting sail with their families for an adventure that will change their lives forever.

Aged between 9 and 13, they are part of an historic mission organised by Sir Walter Raleigh to colonise Virginia, the land of the Virgin Queen Elizabeth I. The families have been chosen as settlers because they are yeomen who know how to grow their own food and work the land.

But after four weeks at sea, disaster strikes on landing when their ship is damaged on a reef sending their supplies and barrel loads of seeds for planting into the sea.

And another thing they hadn’t counted on was the appearance of the local native chieftain Wingina, resplendent in his deerskin mantle and feathered headdress. But he comes in peace and emboldened by their natural curiosity, the children befriend two native girls, Keetam and Oakee, and start learning the strange new language.

Before long, the children have become the only means by which the grown-ups can communicate with Chief Wingina and his tribe but when the colonists’ cruel and cynical leader Master Ralph launches an attack on the native Indians, Wingina has his brutal revenge.

He destroys the English settlement, captures all the adults and holds them prisoner. The children manage to escape and suddenly they have to learn how to survive in the wild. But when Eliza and John are kidnapped, their only hope of release is a series of dazzling compass tricks…

Milton’s compelling and fast-paced story will enchant young readers with its fascinating New World historical backdrop and its exhilarating spirit of adventure and discovery.

And the door is left tantalisingly open for the next instalment of Virginian adventures…

(New World Books, paperback, £7.99)

Cheering crowds welcomed the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to Bugthorpe on Tuesday on a hugely historic day for the village and the monarchy.

Around 400 flag waving supporters flocked to the village for the momentous event, made even more significant coming just a day after the prince became a grandfather.

Charles and Camilla dropped by the village as part of their two-day tour of Yorkshire and were led around by Lord Halifax with the drizzle holding off for their brief appearance.

The mix of young and old in the crowd, reflected the interest people still maintain in the Royal Family, and this week’s new arrival has only peaked that intrigue.

The subject of the Royal baby unsurprisingly dominated the event, though Charles and Camilla remained tight lipped about possible names, Charles simply saying: “I’m thrilled, it’s very exciting.”

Arriving in a black Bentley, flanked by Royal security guards, the Prince and Duchess were quickly welcomed by people offering gifts, as they shook hands with countless well wishers.

One of those was Simon Barrett from Thixendale, with his seven month old son Jamie.

“It’s great meeting them, I’ve been teaching Jamie how to wave his flag and he’s really good at it.” he said.

“I tried to meet Prince Charles once before but unfortunately I couldn’t make it so to see them both now is fantastic.

“I also have a stepson called Charlie, so if the Royal baby is named James or Charles it would be great.

“Charles asked me if I was getting much sleep at the moment, because of the baby, and I told him that William and Kate should grab whatever sleep they can get at the moment.

“It’s quite an honour that Charles said hello to us especially on his first day as a grandfather.”

It wasn’t just the very young out in large numbers to see the Royal couple, Alec Dale, 88, and Marjorie Eastwood, 86, from Stamford Bridge Beaumont Care Home, were among the older visitors shaking hands with the Royals.

Alec, who has long waited to see Charles and Camilla, said: “It was very nice to shake hands with Charles, I’m so pleased, I’ve never seen any of the Royal family before.”

Marjorie added: “I visited Buckingham Palace a long time ago, and I’m delighted to see them here today, it’s been a great morning.”

While many offered Charles and Camilla their congratulations and asked for any details on the Royal baby, Sam Collins, 15, with his mum Liz and dad Graham from Bishop Wilton, chatted about other things.

“I got to talk to Charles when he came past and he started asking me questions about my camera.” Sam said.

“He also has a very strong grip when he shakes your hand.”

Mum Liz added: “We’ve come out as a family and we’ve had a great time, it’s been a right Royal occasion and in such a lovely setting.”

As many people from nearby villages converged on Bugthorpe for a glimpse of the Prince and Duchess, for some the Royal visit was just a great day for everyone in the community to get together.

Rachel and Eric Parks, with their children Ben, 6, and Nelly, 3, from Full Sutton were just one such family.

Rachel said: “We’ve come here out of curiosity really, it’s very rare that the Royals come, but it’s great to meet up with so many people you’ve not seen for a while.

“There’s more people out now then there were for the village’s Jubilee celebrations last year, so it’s been a great turnout for them and it’s nice that the visit has been kept so low key.”

After leaving the village, Charles and Camilla stopped at the newly opened Uncleby Education Centre, a new education space provided free-of-charge to school children to learn about rural issues.

Developed by the Halifax Estates, the education centre hosted a pottery and art workshop on Tuesday for the Royal visit, as children from Bishop Wilton and Bugthorpe Schools, enjoyed the facility.

Father James Finnemore, from St Andrew’s Church in Bugthorpe, attended to education centre visit.

“I think the visit went very well, The Prince and Duchess were introduced to all the centre staff and seemed very happy.” he said.

“Obviously I’m sure their minds are on the new baby in the family but it was very good of them to keep their engagement and they were smiling the whole time.”

By the third century AD, Roman influence was waning and the edges of empire were being frayed by native tribes flexing their new-found muscles.

And it was a deadly and dangerous time for those whose task it was to hold together crumbling lands and vulnerable outposts on the orders of an increasingly corrupt power base in Rome…

If you haven’t guessed already, he’s back – reluctant imperial spy Cassius Corbulo, dispatched into the Roman Army after disgracing himself with a servant girl, is on another mission seemingly impossible in the third of Nick Brown’s stirring, all-action Agent of Rome series.

Brown has become a master of his trade, serving up thrilling Roman history and mystery courtesy of a band of now hard-bitten combatants and comrades whose adventures in imperial wastelands and far-flung hotspots are becoming the stuff of legend.

Immaculate in-depth research gives Brown the authentic ballast on which to build epic and visually vibrant tales of political skulduggery, brutal warfare and the harsh, heart-stopping realities of rank-and-file Roman soldiering.

In The Far Shore, Cassius Corbulo is assigned what appears to be the simple job of sailing to the island of Rhodes with his efficient servant Simo and ex-gladiator bodyguard Indavara to pick up some important official papers.

All goes to plan until he arrives and finds that Augustus Marius Memor, the deputy commander of the Imperial Security Service, has been assassinated at his villa, his head hacked off and taken away.

Cassius is soon dragged into the investigation but his search for the truth is complicated by Memor’s headstrong, haughty daughter Annia who insists on joining in the hunt for the killer.

With bad weather brewing and hostile seas lying in wait, Cassius, Annia and his allies follow the assassin’s trail south on board a rather dilapidated ship captained by a roguish Carthaginian smuggler and his dissolute, dangerous crew.

A terrifying, storm-hit voyage leads them to North Africa, the farthest reaches of the empire, and to Darnis, a city ruined by earthquake where the rules of Roman civilisation have long been abandoned and where Maseene tribesmen, a violent and relentless enemy, wage a deadly battle of wits…

Whether he’s on land or sea, Cassius and his brothers in arms are always at the heart of the scheming and the action. And as the young officer grows in experience and confidence, so too does the strength and credibility of his complex, darkly affectionate and cynically humorous relationship with his two charismatic sidekicks.

Add drama, spine-tingling excitement and intriguing plotlines, and you find a hero and his creator on top form.

(Hodder & Stoughton, hardback, £18.99)

A man has been charged after being found in possession of heroin and crack cocaine.

On the afternoon of Sunday 7 July a driver was stopped by police on the A614 near Burton Agnes.

A drug stop search was conducted on the vehicle when a suspicious package was found concealed around the petrol filter cap.

A police spokeswoman said: “The package was sent for forensic examination and found to contain heroin and crack cocaine.

The male has been charged with Having Possession Of A Controlled Drug With Intent To Supply.

If you spot anything suspicious in the Driffield area contact the police on 101.

Overnight on Monday 22 July thieves approached the rear garden of a farmhouse on Chruch Street, Kilham.

Entering the garden via a communal driveway, the offenders then broke into two sheds.

A bicycle was taken from one of the sheds and a power drill stolen from the other.

The cycle is described as a Boardman comp racing style cycle with a black frame.

If you have any information regarding this incident please call the police quoting crime reference 19877907.

Police are also investigating the a incident of vandalism at Direct Flooring Suppliers Ltd. on Middle Street North, Driffield.

Between 1pm on Wednesday 17 July and 8.45am on Thursday 18 July blue spray paint was used to daub ‘EOS’ and a picture of a flower onto the shop front.

If you have any information about this please contact the police quoting crime reference 1986939.

Police are hunting for information following two shed burglaries in nearby villages.

Overnight on Thursday 11 July an SIP compressor was stolen from a shed on Howe Lane, Nafferton.

A police spokeswoman said: “Using unknown means they snapped off the padlock and entered the shed. They took a sheet of wood and placed it next to the fence then returned to the shed and stole an Electric Band Saw and Green SIP Compressor. ”

The saw was left behind as the thieves made off in an unknown direction.

If you have any information about this incident please contact Humberside Police on 101 and quote crime reference 1985649.

Police are investigating the theft of a quadbike from a farm near North Frodingham.

Overnight on Monday 8 July a Green Yamaha 4 x 4 Grizzly 300 quad bike was stolen from a secure outbuilding on a farm on the outskirts of North Frodingham.

It is suspected that the thieves came through neighboring farmland to gain access to the outbuilding which is located on the perimeter of the main farm buildings.

A police spokeswoman said: “Access to the farm is in a rural setting accessible via a long drive with locked gates. The road that leads to the farm is also fitted with an alarm sensor which activates if a vehicle drives by.

“Thieves cut through the bolt that the combination lock is on and enteed the outbuilding. They removed the quad bike and carefully replaced the lock to make it appear intact. If you have seen this vehicle or witnessed anything suspicious in the area at the times mentioned please contact the police and quote crime reference 1985143.”

Police are also investigating the theft a lawn mower, from Nafferton Recreation Club, in an unrelated incident.

The incident happened overnight from 8.45pm on Wednesday 17 July.

Two padlocks were removed from the door of a pavilion which is used to store machinery.

The suspects are believed to have put one lawnmower into a wheelbarrow and push it around ten yards before abandoning it.

They then went back to the pavilion and stole a hand-push lawnmower.

The police spokeswoman said: “The recreational club is situated on open land at the back of a residential area in Nafferton. The pavilion houses a prefabricated building used by the club with a room used for storing machinery. If you saw or heard anything suspicious in relation to this theft please contact the police and quote crime reference 1986915.”

SCHOOL’S out for summer and time to sort out holiday reading and activities for the youngest members of the family.

Random House Children’s Books have been cooking up a real treat with their new Fairies of Blossom Bakery series which delivers delicious adventures and the chance to help bake some very special cakes.

There’s also a fun-filled sticker and activity book from those clever CBeebies boffins and a colourful tale of three friends on a picture book picnic.

Fairies of Blossom Bakery: Cupcake and the Princess Party by Mandy Archer and Kirsteen Harris-Jones

Over the hills in a land of sweetness, little fairies bake and play. Would you like to peep at their secret, scrumptious world? Make a wish and then step into the magic of Fairycake Kingdom.

What could be better for little girls than this sparkling new series about fairies and baking? Author Mandy Archer’s enchanting stories are brought to life by Kirsteen Harris-Jones’s warm and endearing illustrations full of fairy magic, special friendships and crumbly cakes.

Each book has a mixing bowl of magical stories featuring fairies with their own quirky personalities who together explore the highs and lows of being friends. And on the last page of all the books there is a simple, easy-to-follow, illustrated recipe to try out with mum at home or with the class at school.

In Cupcake and the Princess Party, an important messenger arrives at the Blossom Bakery on opening day asking Cupcake and her fairy friends to make a cake for Princess Crystal. They can’t wait to get started but things start to go wrong and as the pressure mounts, the fairy friends realise they need to work together to make the magic happen.

And in Cookie and the Secret Sleepover, fairy Cookie organises a secret sleepover with Cupcake but when she’s invited to tea with her other fairy friends on the day of the sleepover, she doesn’t know what to do. Will she tell them about her secret?

Fairies of Blossom Bakery is a wonderful collectable series full of fun, adventure and baking for children aged three and over.

(Corgi, paperback, £5.99)

Woolly and Tig: Have Fun with Woolly Sticker Book

Keep little hands and minds busy with this must-have activity book featuring the adorable stars of the smash hit CBeebies show which had over 10 million iPlayer hits for its first series.

Three-year-old Tig is exploring the world with her cuddly toy spider Woolly. From building sandcastles to Tig’s first day at nursery, there’s so much to look at and learn here. Get involved in splashing about in the swimming pool and playing games at birthday parties with this fun-packed book.

As well as over 100 stickers, there is an amazing maze puzzle, a building blocks challenge, a supermarket shopping list to complete, a super dooper ‘making a mess’ page and party puzzles to get little ones guessing.

Woolly and Tig explore the feelings that pre-school children have when faced with new experiences and teach little ones to make their own decisions and use their own initiative. A brilliant activity book that is both entertaining and educational.

(Bantam, paperback, £3.99)

We’re Going on a Picnic by Pat Hutchins

Pat Hutchins’ much-loved picture book classic gets a new format and a gorgeous new cover for this hilarious tale of three friends on a picnic.

It’s a perfect day for a picnic so Hen picks some berries, Goose gathers some apples and Duck finds some pears. The three friends then set off to look for the perfect spot to enjoy their feast but they aren’t the only ones who are hungry. As the picnic basket gets lighter and lighter, little ones will be laughing harder and harder as they are let in on the secret.

We’re Going on a Picnic is brilliant laugh-out-loud tale from the creator of Rosie’s Walk, first published in 1968, and Hutchins is now one of the world’s most popular picture book creators with over 30 children’s books published.

The delightfully original drawings catch the eye with their vibrancy and character while a simple but charmingly effective story is one that children can learn, love and repeat. A guaranteed bedtime favourite with its endearing animal characters and funny, funky story.

(Red Fox, paperback, £6.99)

‘This is a gift of my soul. All that I have, all that I am is here. I am a scientist, an artist, a Wordsmith.’

These are the emotive words of a remarkable woman called Megan Young. She wrote them in a dilapidated old file in which she kept her poetry about 12 years before she died from cancer aged just 32 in 2010.

Megan, who lived in Kent, wasn’t an ordinary woman – she was a talented equine vet, poet and musician – and the cancer that took her life was no ‘ordinary’ form of this devastating disease.

Within four months of her diagnosis, Megan died from Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP), a type of cancer that has fallen below the radar of public knowledge despite the fact that about 14,000 people are diagnosed with it each year in the UK, enough to fill more than 35 jumbo jets.

CUP is a hidden cancer which has spread but its origin cannot be identified and to treat cancer successfully, doctors need to identify the primary site.

The premature death of Megan – daughter of Merrilyn, wife of Toby, mother of Amos and sister of Morag – was an almost unbearable tragedy for her family but Megan’s legacy is to have the last word on her inspirational life and talents, and to raise money to help others.

Wordsmith is Merrilyn Thomas’s lovingly collated collection of her daughter’s lyrical and spiritually uplifting poetry and prose which speaks so movingly of the mystery, beauty and joy of the world, and of the pain and grief that it brings.

For each book sold, a donation will be given to national registered charity, the CUP Foundation - Jo’s friends, which was set up in memory of Jo Symons, 46, of Brockham, Surrey, who died from CUP in 2006 and provides information and support to patients and their families as well promoting research.

Megan, whose roots were in the North Pembrokeshire countryside, was ‘gifted, headstrong, compassionate, tempestuous, beautiful and wise’ and on the day she died her mother pledged to publish her amazing poems.

Despite her career grounding in scientific rationality, Megan’s work is suffused with an awareness of the spirit, an integral part of her being that she rarely expressed explicitly in her everyday life.

Apart from her family, Megan’s great love was her horses. She wasn’t born into a ‘horsey’ family but by the age of three it was obvious to all where her affections lay. ‘A horse makes a man a god,’ Megan wrote in 1997. ‘They don’t love us because we are beautiful or clever or funny or kind… their love is simply a reflection of ours for them.’

Megan saw the natural world around her with the freshness of a child and yet the keen observation of a scientist. From the ‘velvet sand-spread’ of a cliff that looks out to sea to a face ‘whipped by the West Wind,’ Megan’s verse is totally in tune with the spiritual joys of nature.

Whether she is railing at the death of her father when she was only 13 – ‘sweet liqueur of your life gone past’ – extolling the happiness of her marriage – ‘in your eyes I am love itself/And for me you are the only truth’ – to the birth of her son Amos in 2008, Megan’s original, innovative and moving poetry comes straight from the soul.

`Walk beside me./Neither pull ahead/Nor hang back/And do not follow me/But I know where I go/And walk beside me there.’

For more information on Wordsmith: The Gift of a Soul (Medlar Tree Publishing, paperback, £9.99), which is available from Amazon, visit www.wordsmiththebook.com If you wish to make a donation or would like more information on the CUP Foundation - Jo’s friends, visit {http://www.cupfoundjo.org|www.cupfoundjo.org}

Glitz and glamour, divas and drama, sex and secrets, murder and money, money, money.

Sizzling summer chick-lit doesn’t come with more tantalising temptations than Ann-Lou Weatherley’s aptly titled Wicked Wives, an addictive tale of women behaving badly which is this year’s hottest read for brazen beach belles.

Still basking in the glow of Chelsea Wives, last year’s exciting debut, Weatherley moves up a gear in this gripping, rollercoaster ride into the hearts and minds of three rich wives hell-bent on getting what they want… whatever the cost.

The award-winning journalist is a sassy writer with a fine line in ironic humour, bone-crunching one-liners and cheeky, in-your-face plot twists. Her colourful characters sing, the dialogue sparkles and there seems to be little Weatherley doesn’t know about the labels, loves and excessive lifestyles of the world’s wealthiest jet-setters.

When the Blue Angel yacht is found abandoned off the coast of Antigua and East End boy turned playboy casino owner Tom Black is pronounced missing, foul play is suspected. After all, the serial gambler and love-them-and-leave-them womaniser had made plenty of enemies.

As events come to light however, the finger of suspicion points to three prominent women from his past – and the men they’re married to.

Eleanor (Ellie) Scott is a beautiful socialite married to billionaire property tycoon Vinnie ‘who makes Philip Green look like Del Boy’ and moves in elite social circles where a quinoa vodka Bloody Mary is ‘practically one of your five-a-day.’

But Ellie also has a dubious past that she buried long ago… and has no plans to resurrect it.

Loretta Fiorentino, a fame-seeking gold-digger, escaped the slums of Naples to become a Hollywood star and recently married a prominent – and very wealthy – plastic surgeon from Los Angeles. Love is ‘not part of her repertoire’ but feigning it has always been one of the most powerful weapons in her armoury.

And then there’s Victoria Mayfield, the glamorous, successful author who, by her own admission, has become ridiculously rich and famous. On the surface, she has it all – good looks, talent, intelligence – but Victoria has one vital element missing in her life and, as middle age beckons, she’s getting desperate.

Bound together by one man and his mayhem, it’s not long before secrets begin to surface, forcing the three women to take the biggest gamble of all. But in the game of love there can only be one winner – and the winner takes it all.

Full of intrigue, revenge and decadence, Wicked Wives is the perfect poolside companion.

(Avon, paperback, £6.99)

Humberside Police have issued warning letters to 500 Driffield residents following a string of nine burglaries over a 36 hour period in the town.

Highfield Avenue, Lockwood Street, Wold View Road, St John’s Road and The Mount, Driffield were targeted by thieves between Sunday 28 and Monday 29 July.

Another offence took place at the same time in Cranswick.

All of the homes were entered through windows that had been left ajar or unlocked overnight.

The letter, signed by DCI Paul Kirby, was delivered to residents on Tuesday by police officers on patrol and offered advice to residents about keeping their homes secure.

Paul said: “All nines homes had either left a window or door ajar or unlocked overnight. At the very least make sure all windows and doors are locked when you leave the room – even if it is just for a few minutes.

Keep valuables out of sight - the Driffield burglar has stolen handbags, jewellery, laptops, iPads, iPods, cash, playstation and games.”

Residents have been urged to:

*Hide purses and handbags and don’t leave cash lying around.

*Make sure you have your postcode and house number marked on your property with UV marker pens or similar. Property marking is a deterrent.

*Record serial numbers, makes and model numbers of all items on www.Immobilise.com

*Be aware who is in your neighbourhood and contact the Police if you are concerned on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

One offence took place in Cranswick between 11pm on Sunday 28 July and 6.20am on Monday 29 July. Thieves entered the house through an open window, taking a handbag. A purse was recovered, however, cash and cards were missing.

Between 9.30am on 27 July and 3pm on 29 July an attempted burglary was made on Highfield Avenue, Driffield. Offenders entered the back garden of the property and made their way into a utility room after breaking a double-glazed glass window, however, they were unable to gain entry into the rest of the house.

A house on Wold View Road, Driffield was also targeted by opportunist thieves between 9.45pm on Sunday 28 July and 5.40am on Monday 29 July.

The property was entered through a bay window which had been left open overnight. A laptop bag and baby changing bag were stolen - the baby changing bag has since been recovered.

Laura Gawthorpe, Media Officer for Humberside Police said: “During this offence everybody in the house was upstairs with baby.

“We do urge people, if you have to nip upstairs, even for a second please do lock windows and doors - most burglaries take place within the space of two minutes and thieves can get through a window as small as the size of your head. It really is important to keep all windows and doors locked.”

Two houses on St John’s Road were also hit during the crime spree, one of which was broken into between 10.30am on Sunday 28 July and 6.15am on Monday 29 July.

Access was gained to the house through a conservatory window which had been left open. Among the items stolen were a handbag containing cash and bank cards and an iPad.

Between 1am and 1.30am a house on Lockwood Street was targeted. The semi-detached house was entered though a single-glazed window on the side of the house. A laptop and a man’s watch were among the items stolen.

Laura added: “The occupant of this house was alerted when the dog barked at 1.30am but we did not receive a call until 8.30am - we urge people to call us as soon as they can and then we stand a far better chance of catching who is responsible.”

Between 10pm on 28 July and 3.30am on 29 July a house on The Mount was also hit when thieves reached through a window, taking an iPod left on a stand overnight.

“The burglars didn’t even enter this property - we have advised people to keep valuables hidden as thieves are taking small items that are easy to carry and easy to sell on.

“Take your handbags to bed with you and keep your wallets and valuables upstairs,” Laura said.

Other incidents reported involve attempted burglaries and suspicious activity.

Following the distribution of the letters the police have received two calls with information on the burglaries.

Police have made one arrest connected with these crimes and the suspect has been released on bail - it is believed more than one person is connected to the burglaries.

Laura Gawthorpe said: “We are convinced there is more than one person connected to this - it is highly unlikely that one person could take these items, store them somewhere and go on to do it again and again and again.”

DCI Paul Kirby added: “Driffield is a safe and wonderful place to live, and we want to keep it that way. I need all residents to be the eyes and ears and ring the police if you see anything suspicious.

I would rather take 100 calls with little pieces of information than take the call saying you have been burgled.

If anyone has information about the recent burglaries or other burglaries that have been committed in the community, please c If you would like further advice on crime prevention please contact your local PCSO by ringing 101.”

A Driffield road was blocked for just over an hour yesterday after a car and lorry collided.

A white Renault truck and a blue Vauxhall Astra collided on the corner of York Road and Westgate at around 8.30am, causing York Road to be closed until 9.37am. A police spokeswoman said: “The whole of York Road was blocked but there were no injuries.”

In the late eighth century, the world was at the bidding of three formidable rulers and keeping on-side with just two of them was enough to test even the most audacious and enterprising.

Young Saxon prince Sigwulf, exiled from Britain at the Frankish court of King Carolus, the future Charlemagne, will have to play a clever game if he is to survive his devoutly Christian master’s power play with the magnificent Caliph of Baghdad, supreme overlord of all the Saracens.

Explorer and filmmaker Tim Severin returns with the second, action-packed instalment of his thrilling young adult Saxon series which brings to life early European history with all its inherent uncertainty, volatility and danger.

Severin excels at recreating history on an epic stage and here he takes us on a thrilling journey into the far Northlands and perilous Holy Lands of the known world as we accompany Sigwulf on what seems a mission impossible.

Sigwulf, marked out by his eyes of different colours – viewed by many as the Devil’s Mark – is virtually a hostage at the court of King Carolus who has held his throne for 20 years now and is growing self-absorbed, imperious and increasingly threatening.

Summoned by the royal adviser Alcuin of York to the king’s palace at Aachen, Sigwulf learns that Carolus has received some lavish gifts from Haroun al Rashid, the Caliph of Baghdad, and is determined to send back presents that will be equally sensational.

White is the royal colour of Baghdad so the most important gifts will be rare white animals from the Northlands. Sigwulf, having proved himself as a royal agent to Moorish Spain, has been selected to obtain the creatures and then take them to Baghdad.

Sigwulf must find white gyrfalcons and two white polar bears and, as Carolus has seen its picture in a book of beasts, a unicorn.

Along with Osric, the Saracen who was once his slave but is now his trusted companion, Sigwulf travels far into the north and although they capture some of the animals, they quickly realise that the unicorn is no more than a mythical creature.

Setting out for Baghdad with their strange menagerie, Sigwulf, Osric and their men encounter a series of dangerous accidents. It seems someone is out to wreck their mission…

Authentic historical detail, blood-pumping action sequences and a beguiling sense of mystery give added impetus to this superb series which puts the emphasis firmly on adventure.

(Macmillan, hardback, £16.99)

A man who drove a van without care and attention blamed his erratic driving on being ‘tired’.

Alex Paul Hepworth, 25, of Coverdale, Hull admitted to driving a vehicle without due care and attention on the A614 at Driffield. The offence took place on Monday 17 December last year.

Prosecution solicitor Andrew Sterling said: “Mr Hepworth was driving a small van along the A614 heading towards Driffield. An unmarked police vehicle placed himself behind Mr Hepworth’s van and he noticed that the van was driving in such an erratic fashion it was weaving from side to side.

Mr Sterling said the Hepworth was eventually stopped and when questioned by police said he was on his way to work and felt very tired.

In mitigation for himself Hepworth said: “First of all I would like to apologise. I was tired really. I had not been very well the night before, I had been up all night. I didn’t want to call in sick so I drove anyway and started going off at the wheel.”

Prudence Blake, presiding magistrate at Bridlington Magistrates’ Court, said: “This is going to cost you dear.”

She fined him £260, along with court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £26. Five penalty points were imposed on Hepworth’s licence.

A trio of driving offences were committed by a woman who was trying to escape an argument with her partner, a court heard.

Samantha Hutton, 21, of Mill Street, Driffield admitted before magistrates to driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and failing to stop a vehicle when required by police.

The offences took place in Bridlington Road, Driffield, on the Sunday 21 July.

Andrew Sterling, prosecuting at Bridlington Magistrates’ Court, said Hutton had been disqualified from driving earlier this year for a drink-driving offence.

He said she did not respond to police signalling for her to stop driving at around 6.35pm on the date in question, and police forced her to stop by pulling their vehicle in front of her.

Hutton was represented by defence solicitor Ed Cunnagh, who said: “The defendant had been in a relationship with her partner for a number of years. Sadly problems had arisen and there was an ongoing argument. Foolishly in order to get away from the situation she got in the car and drove it. It was an emotional response to an unusual situation. She has no previous convictions related to driving while disqualified. She is ashamed of appearing here and has apologised unreservedly.”

He said Hutton admits to breaching a previously imposed conditional discharge in committing the trio of offences.

Prudence Blake, presiding magistrate, said: “You were disqualified from driving, you were found driving last week. Our guidelines actually say that custody is a possibility.”

Mrs Blake adjourned the hearing for a report to be produced by the Humberside Probation Service.

She said: “We feel there are quite a lot of issues in your life and you need to be put on the right track.” Hutton will return to court on 27 August.