Driffield Striders women moved up a place to fifth after the second race in the East Yorkshire Cross Country League.

It was an impressive day for the club, with 18 runners turning out for the sticky undulating 6.5 mile route at Drewton Woods, South Cave.

Alison Crellin (54.02), Sian Morgan (54.18), Debbie Church (57.05) and Benita Jones (63.14) achieved the best women’s result since the 2011-12 season.

First woman back in 15th place was Beverley AC’s Carla Stansfield (45.14), with James Kraft (Scarborough AC) heading the men’s field in 41.31.

Shaun Hobson (43.44) was eighth, Jon Morgan (45.36) 17th and debutant Matthew Nelson (46.14) 22nd. They were well supported by Jon Rodger (46.47), Jazz Edeson (46.52), Jason Merrick (48.57), Jon Purdy (49.55), Martin Fenton (50.04), Paul Goodlass (51.40), Sean McDermott (51.48), John Harrison (51.59), James Abel (52.33), Andrew Boyes (53.58) and Martin Stack (60.10).

The event attracted 203 runners aged 25 to 75. The next race is at Langdale End, near Scarborough, December 15.

League placing, men: 1 City of Hull AC, 2 Scarborough AC, 3 Beverley AC, 4 Driffield Striders, 4 Pocklington Runners, 6 Bridlington Road Runners, 7 Goole Viking Striders, 8 Selby Striders.

Women 1 Hull, 2 Scarborough, 3 Bridlington, 4 Beverley, 5 Striders, 6 Pocklington, 7 Selby, 8 Goole.

*Driffield Striders welcomes both social and competitive runners and organises a variety of activities at the Tuesday and Thursday training evenings (6.30pm). Contact Paul Grinstead for details: (tel.255272); email: p.grinstead2@btinternet.com

Driffield Strider Debbie Church crowned a year of athletic achievement with an award from Sewerby Parkrun.

One of the most dedicated Sewerby supporters, Debbie was runner-up in the 2012-13 Parkrun awards.

Debbie has completed 52 Parkruns, being first woman 16 times and has a fastest time of 22mins.31secs.

She and her partner Jason Merrick joined Striders in the summer and both frequently race over a variety of distances.

In the past month Debbie (pictured below) has tacked the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon (3hrs. 42mins), McCain Scarborough 10K (47.21) and Bishop Wilton cross-country course, alongside her regular Parkruns.

Entries for next year’s Heart of the Wolds Cycle Sportive are now being accepted.

This cycle challenge will be held on Sunday, April 27

Orgainsers were were really pleased with the positive comments from all the riders from the 2013 event and look forward to putting on another great event again next year.

They have again got two routes for regular cyclists, the Challenge (134km) and the Classic (100km), but have shortened their entry level route – the Langtoft Loop (37km) to make it ideal for those new to cycling or going around as a family.

Like last year they intend to have all the little extras to make your day special such as:

-Pre event brochure

-Refreshments upon arrival

-Feed Stations

-Professional chip timing

-Post event meal

-Professional Photography

-Complimentary Maillot Jaune Beer

-Goodie Bag and Event Mementoes

Novelties for next year will include a series of hill challenges, giving you the chance to time yourself up some of the routes’ toughest inclines to see what standard you can set.

For more information visit www.woldssportive.co.uk

Driffield Pumas U10 2

Tickton Tigers U10 2

The Pumas hosted a team that they knew well, having met several times over the past couple of seasons. With three games left before the season finale, the Pumas needed to keep the momentum going.

With usual goalie Bolton missing, captain Young stepped up for the first game. The first half was a little poor from the Pumas; they never seemed to get into their stride. They created a few chances up front but luck wasn’t on their side and never managed to convert any. Whereas at the other end, they were regularly getting caught out by the Tigers’ striker who was sitting deep behind the defensive line of Gray and Howland.

The Pumas went into the first half break two goals down, which was a fair score line considering.

In the second half the Pumas played the kind of football they all know they are capable of, and managed to turn around the two goal deficit. The first came from Walker who pounced on a rebound after Langton’s initial shot was pushed out by the Tigers’ goalie.

Walker was to turn provider shortly afterwards with a great run down the wing; a cross across the goal mouth saw both Langton and Pettinger fail to connect.

Within the last couple of minutes the Pumas secured a corner expertly delivered by Magin, it missed the goalie’s hands but the defender raised his hands to catch the ball, an unfortunate but understandable defensive reaction. Walker stepped up to take the resultant penalty but saw his scorching strike rebound off the crossbar, but Pettinger was on hand to slot it back in the net.

Driffield Pumas U10 3

Tickton Tigers U10 2

With a change in the Pumas goal; Purdy for Young, the team took the field.

The first half was very much to mirror that of the first game. The team looked at odds with each other, and whilst the passing was very good, they created few opportunities.

The Pumas were still getting caught out at the back from the long ball and striker sitting deep, and they were punished with a goal from the visitors that took them by surprise, again.

The second half saw the Pumas ‘turn up’ and they started to show the kind of team work that underpins their league position. An early corner from Magin was turned in by Pettinger to give them some confidence, but the visitors answered that immediately by pulling one back.

With the play switching from one end to the other it was difficult to say where the next goal would come from; but a messy goal mouth scramble saw Magin poke home the equaliser.

Stand in goalie Purdy was having a great game and was called upon more than once to make a great save, denying the Tigers what would have been certain victory.

The last play fell to walker who picked up a through ball, and with plenty still to do, he confidently slotted it under the Tigers’ goalie to steal the game for the Pumas.

Manager’s man of the match went to Sam Young for his 100% tireless efforts.

Continued thanks to match kit sponsor Lee Potter Joinery and training kit sponsor Cranswick Fisheries.

Barham Boys U12 0

Driffield Pumas U12 4

A resurgent Driffield Pumas u12 made the trip to second placed Barham on a sunny Sunday morning in the Hull Boys Myton division.

Despite being full of confidence from last week’s excellent win Driffield started the game quite slowly. The defence of Marson, Sweeney and Maddox fortunately were right on their mettle and defended well. Then an early breakthrough as Driffield started to get a hold in midfield, a defence splitting pass from Dixon saw Peart beat the Barham high line before sprinting away and tucking it under the keeper, 1-0 to Driffield.

Pumas were now playing well and continued to catch Barham with their fast counter attacking football. Within the space of five minutes 1-0 to Pumas became 3-0 to Pumas. The second came when again Driffield’s midfield broke quickly, Smith and Dixon interlinked to set Peart clear and when his shot was saved, Taylor was on hand to show great technique and coolly fire home. The third came from another flowing move, this time Peart passed to Dixon who turned inside the Barham defender and shot into the corner to make the score 3-0.

An early change saw Morley come into midfield to join the battling Mottershead as Barham came back strongly into the game. Now it was time for keeper Ashton to show his skills, two excellent saves making sure half time came with Pumas leading 3-0.

Into the second half and a slight change saw Dixon come into defensive midfield as the Driffield coaches expected early pressure from Barham, however with Marson, Maddox and Sweeney winning all challenges this never materialised. In fact it would be Driffield who took control for large parts of the second half with keeper Ashton a virtual spectator. Smith, Taylor and Peart all went close with long shots. Some lovely flowing moves saw Morley shoot straight at the keeper and then Sweeney made a great run into the area before his cross somehow evaded everyone.

It wasn’t until the final minutes that Pumas scored goal number four, a superbly delivered Smith free kick was powerfully headed in by Dixon, final score 4-0 to Pumas.

A tremendous performance and result by Driffield Pumas U12 against a very good Barham side who went into the game unbeaten this season. Very hard for the coaches to choose man of the matches as all the boys played brilliantly but special mentions to Maddox in defence, Taylor in midfield and Peart up front.

It will be interesting to see if Pumas can maintain this consistency and level of performance in the coming weeks.

Club results

Pelican u10 2-2 Driffield Panthers u10

Pelican u10 3-2 Driffield Panthers u10

Driffield Pumas u10 2-2 AFC Tickton u10

Driffield Pumas u10 3-2 AFC Tickton u10

Driffield Leopards u10 3-0 Rockford u10

Driffield Leopards u10 0-3 Rockford u10

Driffield Jaguars u11 0-7 Hessle Sporting u11

Springhead u11 3-6 Driffield Tigers u11

Barham Boys u12 0-4 Driffield Pumas u12

Driffield Drag u12 6-0 Courts u12

Driffield Pumas u13 3-4 Hessle Sporting u13

Hessle Rangers u14 4-2 Driffield Panthers u14

Driffield Tigers u15 5-3 Sproatley u15

Cherry Burton u16 1-4 Driffield Juns u16

North Ferriby u18 5-3 Driffield Juns u18

Driff Youngboys u18 1-3 Long Riston u18

A busy Sunday for Driffield JFC this week as all 17 teams were in action ranging from u7 to u18.

Great wins for both u12 sides who also managed to keep clean sheets, u15 maintain their lead at the top of the Drypool Div 2 after scoring 5 while u16 had an excellent away win at Cherry Burton.

Well done to Tigers u11 who claimed their 1st win of the season scoring six away at Springhead.

Driffield Leopards U10 0

Rockford Rangers U10 3

This week saw Leopards entertain Rockford Ranger Blues.

It was a brisk morning at the rec, but the sun broke through, and although not warm it was pleasant enough, and ideal for football.

Leopards tried a different approach this week, seeing them pick two squads and playing it as two separate games.

Game one saw plenty of chances with Arnold having the most, but not quite being able to finish, and only missing by the narrowest of margins. Although losing some performances stood out, Lacy proving his position after doing well last week and again this week. Arnold, Ross and Turton were linking well, and creating chances up front, Forester stood firm and put some quality balls forward. Lumb showed good determination and got stuck into a few tackles, and in goal Woodmansey was making some good saves and getting good range on his kicks.

A good team effort.

Driffield Leopards U10 3

Rockford Rangers U10 0

This was much more positive and chances fell for Leopards, and the whole game was mainly about them.

Turton was in goal and after not being in goal for a few weeks, made some spectacular saves and being commanding.

Forrester was to get chances from free kicks, but no goals this week. In the middle Kirven and Midgley were unstoppable and Midgley was to score two great goals and celebrate them in style, one came from a header after a fantastic corner swung in from Kirven and the other poked in from near the edge of the box.

This was a great game to watch, and one of the best performances this season.

Ross banged the third one in, and is now in double figures. Campling also had a good game although playing on the left, and kept coming across and making some crucial tackles, and covered well when Forrester went forward.

Thank you to Richard Kirven for refereeing and keeping the players in check. Also thanks to M Midgley for helping out in the hut, as he wasn’t picked to play but came to support. Thank you to all players and staff for taking a minute’s silence.

Player of the match: Kirven for her work ethic and exceptional conduct when approached aggressively by an opposing team player.

Hutton Cranswick U12 12

Hull College U12 0

A fresh morning and a fresh challenge awaited Cranswick as their promotion push gains momentum with every game.

Hull College are a team Cranswick have not faced in the past and were somewhat of an unknown quantity but this was not to faze the team with only one defeat in all competitions this season and their main aim was to keep the attacking football going and try to close the goal difference on leaders Vic Doc.

Cranswick started with the usual five in the midfield and Dodds as the lone striker but the vistors cancelled the threat out until Cranswick went to a 2-4-2 formation.

This mere stroke of footballing genius then started to stretch Hull with Rgs going very close to breaking the deadlock, Dodds and the midfield started to link up well and Dodds bagged his first of the day.

Captain Marvel Lee was pulling the strings and within seconds of the restart he played Dodds in 2-0. Mcgill was acting as second striker and a trade mark driving run resulted in goal number three.

Hull did threaten the home defence but could not break down the Macpherson, Hatfield, Addinall defensive wall. Harrison added to his already impressive goal tally within moments of replacing Dodds upfront.

Half time came and went and with words of wisdom from Mcgill and Pawson.

Dodds was the first to pounce on a defensive mix up, completing his hat-trick. Cranswick have a real chase on for top scorer with Harrison, Mcgill, Dodds and Mabbett all in the running and Mabbett laid claim to the coverted title with goal number six. Rgs was causing the defence all kinds of headaches down the right and got his reward for another impresive shift with a goal The game was very open as Hull had worked their socks off trying to withstand the relentless onslaught from Mabbett, Rgs, Mcgill, Hatfield, Mcpherson, Horsley and Pawson but it was only a case of when not if the next goal would come.

Dodds added two more before Mr reliable sniffer Pawson made it ten sneaking in on the back post to finish with ease. Rgs now had his targets set finishing off a flowing move. Cranswick had saved the best until last with a silky move from defence through the midfield and a cheaky finish from Mcgill completed the 12-goal rout.

Hull were not finished though and caught Cranswick napping but Rgs cleared off the line and Jackson made his one and only save of the game making it three clean sheets on the bounce.

A great performance that got better as the game went on from a team challenging at the right end of the table.

Next week Cranswick are at home again in the cup against Beverley and look at booking their place in the semi-final. Thanks to sponsors East Riding Sacks, James White Butchers, Dodds Solar for their continued support and to both teams for respecting the minute’s silence.

Parents’ man of the match: Dodds for his five goal haul,

Manager’s man of the match: Mcgill for his all round game. Welcome to new signing George Pudsey.

Driffield Panthers U10

Driffield Panthers travelled to Pelican Park and new they were in for two tough games against last season’s league winners.

On a perfect day for football both teams started well playing some nice football.Staff was starting his first game after a long term injury and was playing like he’d never been away, forming a good partnership with Anderson on the left.

Panthers were looking to hit on the break and the confidence had returned in the passing.But with half time looming Pelican hit Panthers with a break away goal leaving Syrett in goal no chance.

Driffield knew this game wasn’t over and came out confident playing with a higher tempo. Stabler’s workrate and trickery created the equalising goal. Stealing the ball and rounding two to square it to Anderson who finished confidently into the pelican net.

Attacks were happening at both ends now and it was Pelican who went in front again through the impressive number 10.

Panthers stood up to the challenge and came again.

Schuller was linking up well with Smales on the right who played a Gerrard esq crossfield ball to Stabler on the left.Using his trickery once more and crossing hard and low for Botterill to stab in at the far post.

The energy from both teams continued in the second game.McDougal came in on the right and continued his impressive form from training,playing intelligent football.

It was Panthers who took the lead through Smales to the delight of his team mates,but as in a lot of football games Pelican scored almost straight from the resulting k/o.It was a disappointing set back for the Panthers who deserved the lead but will learn from the situation.

Pelican were now on the front foot and were attacking at every opportunity.Railton was tackling well and was standing strong with Pinkney whose pace and power stopped two breakthrough goals, much to the disgust of the home supporters.

Pelican found themselves two goals up early on in the second half with two great strikes from the number 10.

An encouraging sign for the last two games of the season was the way the Panthers raised their game once more with Andersons Energy on the left twisting and turning and being unfortunate not to double his tally.

Botterill pulled a goal back for Driffield with a strike which he scored regular last season, smashing the ball high into the net.

With time running out the game was now wide open and both keepers were keeping their teams in the game saving every attack with nothing seeming to fall for the Panthers.

Two enjoyable games with lots of positives to bring from them to take into the final leg of the season.

Dee, Atkinson and Harrison’s final Antique and Fine Art Auction of 2013 takes place on Friday 29 November and will contain just over 600 lots.

The sale gets underway at 9:45am with just over one hundred lots of silver and plate including tea and coffee sets, candlesticks, cased and loose flatware and condiments, bowls and dishes, scent bottles and inkwells, Victorian and Edwardian military presentation trophies, snuff boxes, vinaigrette and vesta cases.

The last auction before Christmas traditionally has a large jewellery section and with over one hundred and ten lots this sale is no exception. There is a good selection of rings, earrings, brooches, bracelets and bangles, necklaces, chains and Alberts and a small collection of Native American Navajo jewellery with estimates from £30 to £11,500. Gold coins include a £2 piece, sovereigns, half sovereigns and a guinea and there is a small selection of pocket and wristwatches. The highlight is a 3ct solitaire diamond ring estimated at £9,500 to £11,500 and there is a fine crescent shaped diamond brooch containing about one hundred stones at £4,500 to £5,500.

Miscellaneous items contains old metalware including a Victorian copper coal scuttle and a graduated set of copper harvest measures, various boxes and caddies, drawing instruments, high catalogue value Victorian stamps, walking sticks and canes, pens and a Leica IIIB camera estimated at £300 - £400. Textiles include Persian rugs, samplers and embroidered pictures and a 1920’s beaded red chiffon dress.

Traditional and modern ceramics extends to just over one hundred lots with Doulton stoneware by Florence Barlow and others, Oriental and Continental items, Royal Dux figures, good selection of various period Moorcroft including large jardinière at £500 to £700, 20th Century ceramics by Poole, Carltonware, Maling, Hancock, Royal Worcester, Derby, Dresden, etc. There are twenty two lots of 19th Century and later glassware with the highest estimate of £200 to £300 for a pair of Bohemian white overlay cranberry vases.

The Objet d’art section contains the oldest items seen in the auction rooms for some time with the inclusion of the Dr Stephen Nockles Collection of antiquities. Dr Nockles was professor of geology at Cambridge University and died in 1990. The collection includes Egyptian, Greek and Roman items from 700BC to 400AD with estimates from £30 to £300.

Clocks and instruments includes an Edwardian large musical longcase clock at £2,000 to £3,000, wall and mantel clocks, a barograph and a night watchman’s clock. There are over seventy lots of furniture from the 17th Century and later including tables and chairs, chests of drawers, dressers, sideboards, display cabinets and bookcases, Windsor chairs, coffers, armchairs, occasional furniture, etc. There are also cabinetmaker items by Robert “Mouseman” Thompson, Peter “Rabbitman” Heap and Thomas “Gnomeman” Whittaker.

Pictures conclude the sale commencing with prints including three works after William Lionel Wyllie, hunting, coaching and natural history scenes, etc. Watercolours are next with a view of Tangiers by Myles Birket Foster at £1,200 to £1,500 and an architectural interior scene by Richard Shirley Smith at £500 - £700. The oil paintings are dominated by local artists with two Frederick William Elwell still life studies at £2,000 - £3,000 and £3,000 - £4,000 and a fine selection of nine works by Walter Goodin, predominately East Coast views, with estimates from £600 - £2,000.

The auction will be on view Wednesday 27th November 10am to pm and Thursday 28 November 10am to 4pm with limited viewing on the morning of the sale from 8.30am to the sale starting at 9.45am.

Click here for sale catalogue.

Driffield Tigers’ under 15s produced the shock of the Hull Boys Knockout Cup quarter-finals with a fantastic result against Myton League opponents Westella & Willerby at Allotment Lane on Sunday.

Driffield started the game brightly and matched their illustrious opponents in the opening stages.

Tiger’s Isaac Wilkes took advantage of a keeper handling error as he failed to hold onto a Hayden Javeleau cross.

Wilkes pulled the ball back to fire a left foot shot into the far corner for a deserved lead.

The lead wasn’t to last long as Westella grabbed an equaliser two minutes later from the penalty spot.

Tigers continued their good work after this disappointment and got back into their groove as Elliot Andrew saw his effort fly over the bar and Reggie Hogger shot wide from distance. James Pick and Sam Pallant worked tirelessly in midfield to stop Westella playing and create his own attacks.

Disaster struck after 22 minutes as a mis-hit shot squeezed in off the post to give Westella the lead.

This was harsh on the defence line of Marcus Ewbank, Ben Dinsdale, Dean Walton, Oli Pea and returning keeper from injury Jack Gibson. Tigers were unlucky not to have a penalty just before half-time as Pallant was brought down by a reckless challenge.

Westella started the second half with purpose as they created several chances in the first five minutes but found Gibson in superb form to keep the score line down. Matthew Busfield replaced Walton in the back line for the second half. After weathering the early storm, Tigers clawed their way back into the game and pressured the Westella back line.

Tigers were troubling Westella from corners and soon made that pressure count from a Pallant corner that has headed in by Wilkes at the front post.

Back in the game, Driffield put fresh legs on in midfield with Thomas Burton, Jo Leslie and Tom Hudson all instantly contributing. With the scores level both teams made a real effort for that winning goal, but defences remained on top.

The decisive goal came five minutes from time as Burton’s direct run was unfairly halted in the penalty box.

From the spot-kick, Pick calmly sent the keeper the wrong way to slot home in the opposite corner.

For the last five minutes, Westella throw everything at Driffield for the equaliser but the Tigers stood firm to see out the game to earn a place in the semi-finals.

Head coach Scott Darling said after the game: “I am so proud of the boys today.

“Every single player from the starting eleven to the subs showed how much they wanted to win with great determination and character.

“Words can’t describe how proud I am of the team.”

Driffield Tigers U15 3 Westella & Willerby U15 2

The new jumps season is in full swing, with big meetings virtually every weekend between now and the Cheltenham Festival next March.

After the record-breaking exploits of champion jockey AP McCoy, who reached the magical milestone of 4,000 winners, it’s time to focus on the horses.

Champion hurdler Hurricane Fly has already set the tone by becoming the first horse in the world to clock up as many as 17 wins in Grade/Group One races.

But who are are the stars of the future, lying in wait? To help punters through the winter, our resident racing expert RICHARD SILVERWOOD has come up with 22 horses to follow.

They are a mixture of horses who might be challenging for championship races and others on their way up. All are expected to win their share of races as the season progresses.

You can follow Silverwood on Twitter via @ScoopSilverwood.

AL FEROF

2m4f/3m chaser

A superb winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup last season, Paul Nicholls’s ebullient eight-year-old grey is back after sustaining a minor leg-injury. His main target is the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, probably followed by a tilt at the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, where he has already run two blinders, winning the 2011 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and finishing second to Cue Card in the 2010 Bumper.

ANNIE POWER

2m/2m4f hurdler

Willie Mullins’s unbeaten five-year-old mare burst on to the scene last season with a string of sizzling successes. She would mop up the mares’ hurdle races in her native Ireland but with the potential to become even better in that genre than prolific stablemate Quevega, a crack at the Champion Hurdle cannot be ruled out. She boasts an electric tun of foot and even has the size and scope to jump fences. The new Dawn Run?

BUDDY BOLERO

3m+ handicap chaser

Fresh from a four-timer at Cheltenham on Sunday, trainer David Pipe will now be looking forward to the Hennessy Gold Cup next week at Newbury where this improving seven-year-old is a leading fancy. Highly regarded in the legendary Pond House yard, he relishes stamina tests and given that he’s still very lightly-raced, he has the scope to get better and better.

BURY PARADE

2m4f handicap chaser

It’s fair to say that Paul Nicholls’s seven-year-old did not fulfil all expectations when bought for a whopping £100,000 early last season. But he’s back on track now, having improved physically, and looks on an attractive mark. Nicholls is convinced he can land a decent handicap this season, and it was a mild surprise he didn’t have a go at last Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup.

CARRAIG MOR

2m/2m4f novice hurdler

Former jockey Adrian Maguire, now a trainer in Ireland, is on record as labelling this rangy five-year-old as one of the best young horses he has handled. Which is rich praise indeed coming from the man who unearthed the mighty Denman. Now in the UK with Alan King, he made a spectacular winning debut at Uttoxeter earlier this month and has the scope to develop into something special over time.

CLONDAW KAEMPFER

2m4f/3m handicap hurdler

Initial promise last season from Donald McCain’s expensive five-year-old novice sank in the mud in Newbury’s Grade One Challow Hurdle when he went wrong. Given a long break since, he now starts the new campaign as a well-handicapped horse and could pick up one or two nice prizes before embarking on a chasing career.

DIAMOND KING

2m/2m4f novice hurdler

There were few more impressive Bumper winners last season than Donald McCain’s five-year-old when he blitzed a field of newcomers on his debut at Wetherby in February. Connections surprisingly resisted a tilt at Cheltenham or Aintree, but their patience can be rewarded this term when he’s sent over hurdles. McCain reports that his schooling has gone well.

DYNASTE

3m chaser

David Pipe’s seven-year-old is following a similar path to another talented grey in his care, Grands Crus. However, this one is threatening to make full use of his potential if his transition last season from staying hurdles to novice chases last term is anything to go by. A fine display at the Cheltenham Festival was followed by a brilliant victory at Aintree. Now he takes on the big boys on a path likely to lead to the Gold Cup.

DUKE OF NAVAN

2m/2m4f handicap hurdler

Cumbrian trainer Nicky Richards rarely makes the long journey to the big meetings down south these days. But he might have to with this five-year-old son of Presenting who has the speed and natural ability to mix it with the best. More improvement is expected this season when a big handicap hurdle could come his way.

HINTERLAND

2m novice chaser

Likening him to the top-class Azertyuiop, Paul Nicholls predicted a couple of years ago that this young chaser would develop into a household name. Things didn’t quite go to plan last season, but the experience he gained is sure to stand him in good stead this term en route to a crack at the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He’s already lowered the colours of Grandouet on his seasonal bow.

MANY CLOUDS

2m4f/3m novice chaser

The considerable exploits of Oliver Sherwood’s six-year-old last season were a bonus because he’s always been considered a chaser in the making. This he proved on his seasonal re-appearance when he jumped like an old hand to win comfortably at Carlisle. Consistent, game and genuine, he’s sure to go on improving.

MELODIC RENDEZVOUS

2m hurdler

The Champion Hurdle next March is building up to be a classic, with any number of potential stars waiting in the wings. Jeremy Scott’s seven-year-old might dip under the radar because he hails from a small stable, but he’s a serious tool. Never out the first two in seven starts, he won a Grade One as a novice last term and has already landed his first test this term, defying top weight even though he wasn’t fully wound up.

MINELLA FORU

2m/2m4f novice hurdler

Second-guessing how the novice hurdle landscape is likely to develop is madness at this stage of the season. But Eddie Harty’s four-year-old, acquired for big bucks by JP McManus, is sure to be a leading player on the limited evidence gathered so far. Bred for stamina, he unleashed a potent turn of foot to win a Grade Three at Navan earlier this month.

OUR CONOR

4yo hurdler

A more awesome winner of Cheltenham Festival’s Triumph Hurdle it would not be possible to find. Dessie Hughes’s recruit from the Flat destroyed a fine field back in March and although it’s never easy for five-year-olds with Champion Hurdle aspirations, this horse has natural talent to burn. His first big test comes against the mighty reigning champ, Hurricane Fly, over Christmas.

SILVINIACO CONTI

3m+ chaser

It’s hard to say where he would have finished had he not come down at the third last in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. But it might be to his advantage this term that he was not involved in what developed into an attritional finish. Paul Nicholls’s chaser had proved earlier in the year that he’s all class, possessing a deadly blend of speed and stamina. His route back to the Gold Cup begins on Saturday in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.

SPRINTER SACRE

2m chaser

You won’t get rich backing Nicky Henderson’s polished champion chaser because he’s likely to start at long odds-on for each of his starts. But he’s almost certainly the best two-miler the game has seen and barring injury, his unblemished record over fences will remain intact. If you’ve not yet seen him in the flesh, make the effort to do so. You will be gobsmacked by his physique in the paddock and by his breathtaking exuberance in the race.

TANERKO EMERY

2m/2m4f novice chaser

I’m not quite sure what he was doing back in a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham on Sunday. But he ran well and once returned to novice chases, he’s certain to make his mark. A powerful, imposing seven-year-old, he progressed at a rate of knots over timber last term and made an eyecatching debut over fences earlier this month. Best with give in the ground, he’s described by trainer David Pipe as “star quality”.

TAQUIN DU SEUIL

2m/2m4f novice chaser

When none other than AP McCoy describes a horse as good as he’s ever been associated with, you have to sit up and take notice. Jonjo O’Neill’s six-year-old did not live up to expectations at the Cheltenham Festival, but he’d banked a Grade One prize en route and has started his chasing career this term with a bang, lowering the colours of Oscar Whisky last Friday, even though the race was not run to suit.

THE NEW ONE

2m/2m4f hurdler

The manner in which Nigel Twiston-Davies’s stable star routed former champion hurdler Rock On Ruby at Kempton last month confirmed that he’s returned from his summer break the same animal, if not better, than last term when he was the UK’s leading novice. He bulldozed his way to victory at the Cheltenham Festival before missing out on the Aintree Hurdle by a whisker. Unquestionably top class.

WESTERN WARHORSE

2m4f/3m handicap hurdler

The future for David Pipe’s big, lengthy five-year-old lies over fences. But the way he acquitted himself at Cheltenham’s Open meeting last weekend, when almost making all, suggests he will be able to win one or two staying handicap hurdles this season. Pipe says he can be a handful at home. But on the track, he’s an honest, game galloper.

WONDERFUL CHARM

2m4f/3m novice chaser

When arriving at Paul Nicholls’s yard last year, this youngster was considered one of the best prospects to have been acquired from France for many years. He duly won a Grade Two on debut and was later pitched into the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. That came to nought but after a breathing operation in the summer, he’s switched to fences with aplomb and must be on the RSA Chase shortlist.

ZUIDER ZEE

2m/2m4f handicap hurdler

John Ferguson has made quite a name for himself as a trainer of Flat cast-offs, and I suspect he has a major handicap hurdle in mind for this six-year-old, who won the 2011 November Handicap at Doncaster on the level for John Gosden. He took well to hurdles last season, ending up in a Grade Two at Aintree, and shaped encouragingly without being knocked about on his re-appearance.

If Sir Thomas More was ‘a man for all seasons,’ then the female equivalent was surely Elizabeth of York.

Daughter of a Plantagenet king, wife of the king who founded the Tudor dynasty and mother of the larger-than-life King Henry VIII, this was the woman whose marriage ended the bitter Wars of the Roses.

Raised as a pampered princess, relegated to a bastard fugitive, left reeling by the murder of her two princely brothers in the Tower and a pawn in the royal marriage stakes, Elizabeth’s life was notoriously tragic and turbulent.

But who was this legendary and much-loved princess of York, and how did she manage to manoeuvre so successfully and so gracefully in the brutal and perilous male politics of 15th century England?

Alison Weir’s comprehensive, compelling and very readable portrait of Elizabeth reveals not just her life and times but the woman behind the myth, the queen respected by her husband, adored by her son and revered by the nation.

Eldest daughter and first born child of the Yorkist King Edward IV and his controversial queen Elizabeth Wydeville, Princess Elizabeth of York would have ruled England but for the fact that she was a woman.

Her birth in 1466 was greeted with as much pomp and ceremony as that of a male heir and throughout her early years she enjoyed all the glittering trappings of royalty but after the sudden death of her father and the disappearance and probable murder of her brothers, Elizabeth’s world turned upside down.

She was catapulted into the role of heiress to the House of York and watched from the sidelines as the throne was usurped by her calculating uncle Richard III.

She and her sisters were declared illegitimate and as Richard’s wife, Anne Neville, lay dying, there were murmurs that the king was seeking to marry his niece Elizabeth, knowing that most people believed her to be England’s rightful queen.

Weir addresses Elizabeth’s possible role in this arrangement and her covert support for Henry Tudor, the exiled pretender and heir to the royal House of Lancaster, who defeated Richard at the Battle of Bosworth and was crowned Henry VII, first of the mighty Tudor monarchs.

In 1486, Elizabeth married Henry, thus uniting the houses of Lancaster and York and signalling the end of the Wars of the Roses.

For centuries historians have asserted that, as queen, Elizabeth was distrusted and kept in subjection by her husband and her formidable mother-in-law Margaret Beaufort, but Weir has dug deep to come up with a new and very different perspective on this most regal of queens.

Instead she paints a picture of a model consort – mild, pious, generous and fruitful – who enjoyed the confidence of her husband, exerted a tangible and beneficial influence and was loved dearly by her son, the future King Henry VIII.

Elizabeth’s life was blighted by tragedy… four of her seven children died, including 15-year-old Arthur, Prince of Wales, five months after marrying Katherine of Aragon.

Elizabeth died on her 37th birthday, just days after giving birth to a daughter who also did not survive and who was to have been the ‘mutual consolation’ for her and Henry after the loss of Prince Arthur.

Her bloodline lives on in every English monarch since 1509, every Scottish monarch since 1513 and every British monarch since 1603, including the current Queen.

Weir’s biography does full justice to a much underestimated and quietly resolute queen, allowing her to blossom as a woman ‘impeccably connected, beautiful, ceremonious, fruitful, devout, compassionate, generous and kind.’

(Jonathan Cape, hardback, £20)

Driffield RUFC’s new Aussie recruit Jake Douglas is settling nicely into his new surroundings.

The six foot six inch forward arrived on October 1 and is keen to fit plenty in before he returns home to Australia in May.

“I’m having a ball over here, the only problem is how cold it is,” said Douglas.

“I grew up in a small town like Driffield, so it is similar to being back at home.

“The rugby is almost as physical, but I was playing in the Shute Shield back at home, which is about Championship level in this country, so the standard probably isn’t as good.

“I am still learning a lot though. I’m new to rugby union, having grown up playing rugby league, so I’m picking things up about scrummaging and line-outs.

“I’m getting plenty off the boys because it is a more forward-based game.

“There is a lot more organisation in the team and training now since when I started at the beginning of the season.

“We are doing a lot more work on fitness and everyone is in a much better place, which is important for the rest of the season.”

Jake (Pictured) has also been given the chance to meet up with his brother Kane, who is currently touring Europe with the Australian rugby union squad.

His eldest brother Luke has also been in the country as well, playing rugby league for Scotland in the current world cup competition.

He added: “It has been good because Luke has been over playing in the world cup, but he has gone home now to start his pre-season.

“We didn’t have a game last weekend so I was able to go over to Dublin to watch Kane playing for the Wallabies in their win against Ireland.

“I met up with them and a few of the boys afterwards, which was good.

“I’m planning to do a bit of travelling while I am here because I want to see a bit or Europe.

“I am working on a farm at the moment, but they have said that I can have a few days off in the week if I want to do a bit of travelling.

“I just want to enjoy my time over here and my rugby,, at the moment I’m doing just that.”

An antiques dealer was murdered in his home by an attacker who plundered a hoard of gold and silver over his victim’s dead body, a jury has heard.

Father-of-two Peter Battle was battered to death by Graham Richardson, 27, who may have “snapped” after spying a “treasure trove” in the cottage, it was claimed.

Richardson was already on bail for robbing another gold dealer. He was broke because the loot had been seized by police, Teesside Crown Court was told.

The accused robber was desperate for cash and the jury was told Mr Battle may have been targeted because he was “not shy” of boasting about his wealth.

He also kept a collection of gold, silver, and boxes of watches lying around on every surface of his home, it was said.

After beating his victim to death – possibly with one of his own antiques - Richardson spent five weeks selling the pieces at rock-bottom prices, it was claimed.

Mr Battle, a 56-year-old amateur gold and silver trader, was born and bred in York and lived alone at Whisker Cottage, Full Sutton.

He had been married but split from his wife in 1996 and had two grown up daughters who lived in Scotland with their mother.

After his marriage broke down, he had other relationships but had lived alone for three or four years, it was said.

Prosecuting QC Nicholas Lumley told the jury Mr Battle was a well-known figure at auctions.

“He regularly bought and sold silver pieces, watches and anything else which took his eye. He would then sell them on via eBay or at auction,” Mr Lumley added.

“A weakness of his, it seems, was to be a little boastful of the money he had and the money he was prepared to spend at auctions.

“Sometimes, he carried £1,000 at a time and was, perhaps, not shy about it.”

He said as Richardson “became ever more desperate for money, he flicked mentally through his little black book of contacts” searching for anyone who might be a source of easy cash.

The jury heard there was an exchange of emails between Richardson and Mr Battle in which Richardson claimed to have thousands of pounds to spend on items.

No one knew what happened when Richardson called at the cottage on 30 December.

He may have pleaded for credit or “snapped” when he found himself surrounded by all the valuables Mr Battle kept around his house, Mr Lumley claimed.

The prosecutor added: “No murder weapon has ever been found but the house was a rich source of heavy ornaments – lethal weapons in the wrong, angry hands.

“No one can say for sure the precise course which events then took - but what followed was a vicious and sustained attack.”

Mr Battle lay dead from a shattered skull for five weeks, during which Richardson returned time and again, the court was told.

He helped himself to trinkets, jewellery, and pieces of gold and silver which he sold to pawnbrokers and jewellers “to line his own pockets”, the prosecution claimed.

Mr Lumley alleged he went straight to those who would give the lowest price “while, more likely than not, asking no questions”.

It is claimed he used some of the cash to buy a car, telling the salesman: “As long as it starts, I’ll have it.”

Mr Lumley continued: “He gave gold and silver items to friends – to settle debts.

“He even gave items as gifts to family and loved ones – playing the generous grandson when all along he knew that he had plundered the home of the man he had killed.”

The court heard he posted notes on the door of Mr Battle’s cottage, saying he had gone away, and hung up a bed sheet to stop people looking in.

But friends eventually became suspicious and called police who forced their way in.

It is also alleged that “three short weeks” earlier Richardson and two other men, Peter Egan and his cousin Darren Archer, robbed gold dealer Michael Cleaver of £4,100 with an axe in a York street.

Richardson, of Riverside View, Norton, alone is accused of murdering Mr Battle, which he denies.

Egan, 48, then of Walmgate, and Archer, 43, of Nunnery Lane, both York, deny robbing Mr Cleaver.

Mr Lumley told the jury: “Money, drugs and desperation drive people to act in different ways - some more shocking than others.

“In the space of three weeks, these three men, driven by the need - and greed - for money, were involved in serious crime.

“It culminated in the killing of an innocent man.”

On Saturday 23 November it will be six years to the day since Moonbeams began.

Named after one of his songs, Chris Helme played to a packed Maple Room.

Six years on, organisers say they have had some wonderful times, made lovely friends, gained a Summer and Winter festival and all their favourite artists have played - including Lau, Roddy Woomle, Show of Hands, Oysterband, Martin Simpson, Kris Drever, Ewan McLennan, Edwina Hayes, Adrian Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds, Peggy & PJ and Vin Garbutt.

On Saturday the Moonbeams Wold Top Festivals 2013 Headliners will be Skerryvore (who took the roof of the Wold Tops barn..).

Be there - it will be monumental.

For tickets www.moonbeamsevents.co.uk

Video:Peter Simmonds

Adventure, development and achievement… the character-building bedrocks of the Scout movement have been lighting up youngsters’ lives for over 100 years.

Robert Baden-Powell, a lieutenant general in the British Army who founded the organisation, wrote his ground-breaking book, Scouting for Boys, in 1908 and since then, millions of boys – and girls – have enjoyed the fun of outdoor adventure, Jamborees, summer camps, badges, scarves and gang shows.

Scouting is still the largest co-educational youth movement in the UK and every year helps 400,000 young people to experience the outdoors, interact with others, gain confidence and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Be Prepared has always been their motto even if the old Scout Law rules that a boy should be ‘pure as the rustling wind’ and force himself to smile even when someone treads on his ‘favourite corn’ may long have gone by the book.

And what a book it was, that classic 1914 edition of Scout Tests and How to Pass Them, with its simply amazing range of the legendary badges which aimed to promote self-sufficiency and resourcefulness and inspire Scouts to continue learning, teach others and develop new skills.

To celebrate the coming centenary of what was a 700-page manual, this fascinating and entertaining, shorter and more user-friendly version gives us a tantalising taste of Scouting in its earliest days.

Scout Tests and How to Pass Them offers a wonderfully authentic flavour of Scouting in the days when young people spent much of their leisure time outdoors and were encouraged to build, construct and make their own repairs.

From the Coast Watchman and Poultry Farmer badges to the Woodman and Pathfinder badges, the array of subjects is simply breathtaking in its scope and depth.

The Cook Badge was not obtained by simply boiling an egg or brewing tea but involved knocking up a sea pie for 16 people, roasting a savoury goose for six and skinning, cleaning and washing a rabbit before stewing it.

The Sea Fisherman badge demanded experience of catching fish at sea using trawls, nets and lines, the Miner badge required the Scout to work ‘below the surface for not less than six months’ and the Boatman badge encouraged young people to familiarise themselves with the names of the 47 sails of a tall ship.

This superbly packaged book is a nostalgic window onto a very different age and a delightful reminder that youthful aspiration is much the same as it always was… the desire for adventure, the opportunity to try new things and the chance to excel.

The perfect gift for Scouts young and old…

(Michael O’Mara, hardback, £14.99)

You always know that Christmas is well and truly on the way when Usborne set sail with their glittering collection of children’s books.

And on the tidal wave of a fabulous festive cargo this year is a luxurious book brimming with stories just made for girls, a winter wonderland of Santa’s workshop stickers, a musical medley for little maestros and a delightful doodling book for budding artists.

Age 2 plus:

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Lesley Sims and John Joven

How about a very special book that will be music to the ears of the youngest members of the family?

This gorgeous gift edition of the traditional and much-loved Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore is wonderfully illustrated by John Joven and features original music and sounds which bring the magic of Christmas Eve to life.

Little children will delight in Anthony Marks’ joyful music. They can press the buttons on the sound panel and hear the bells of Santa’s sleigh, Santa falling down the chimney and other enchanting sound effects.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is an eye-catching and appealing gift for toddlers, and a wonderful addition to Usborne’s Noisy Books range.

(Usborne, hardback, £12.99)

Age 4 plus:

Look inside Space Written by Rob Lloyd Jones and illustrated by Benedetta Giaufret and Enrica Rusina

Winner of the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize, which celebrates the best books that communicate science to young people, this bright, colourful book is fun learning at its very best.

Labelled ‘fantastically interactive’ with ‘really amazing facts’ by the judging panel and voted for by over 1,000 children in schools and youth centres across the UK, Look inside Space is a dream gift for inquisitive youngsters. They are guaranteed to be over the moon as they lift over 70 flaps to discover what lies beyond the darkness of space.

It’s an exciting and fascinating way to introduce children to our solar system. There are detailed, easy-to-follow colour spreads and interactive novelty pages with information and fun facts behind every flap.

They can learn about the amazing things that float through space – stars, moons, comets and the planets. Each double-page spread, including Glittering Galaxies, On the Moon and Space Station, has a stunning colour illustration and several flaps to lift to find out more about what’s happening in the scene.

Discover what goes on inside the International Space Station, why stars shine, how astronauts visited the moon and what they did there and enjoy a quick tour through the history of astronomy from Galileo to the Hubble Space Telescope.

There can be no more entertaining way to blast off into space and see how our planet fits into a world bigger than many young minds could ever have imagined.

(Usborne, hardback, £9.99)

Age 5 plus:

Santa’s Workshop Sticker Book by Fiona Watt and Stella Baggott

Why not step through the door into Santa’s wonderful workshop and see the grand old man and his elves making their hundreds of toys and wrapping them up ready for Christmas?

This busy, bustling sticker book is packed with over 300 stickers to fill the busy Christmas scenes which include the elves sorting letters to Santa and testing out the toys, and the reindeers in their stable preparing for a mammoth rooftop journey.

This book is a real festive treat sure to delight every child… and keep them out of mischief as they count down the days to Christmas.

(Usborne, paperback, £5.99)

Sticker Dolly Dressing: Ice Skaters by Fiona Watt and Stella Baggott

When it’s cold outside and the days are short, it’s time to put on your ‘skates’ and join the ice dancing craze that has taken the country by storm.

Hours of wintertime fun are guaranteed with the Sticker Dolly Dressing: Ice Skaters book, the latest dress-up edition of Usborne’s best and most popular series for little girls.

Little ones can get in on the ‘cool’ action by dressing the dolls in a range of incredible outfits from figure skating to speed skating. This colourful activity book contains over 250 stickers, including lots of spangled leotards and dresses with fringes and sparkles galore.

Young girls will love helping Natalie, Ellie and Jess live out their ice skating dreams using the bright array of stickers. Choose from costumes for ballet on ice, training outfits for the gym and rink, a variety of ice skates and lots of glamorous accessories.

Guaranteed to keep girls glued to the action…

(Usborne, paperback, £5.99)

Age 7 plus:

Illustrated Classics for Girls

Imagine a sumptuous, cloth-bound book packed with some of the best children’s stories of all time, brought to life by timeless, enchanting illustrations…

If you know a little girl who would love to get her hands on such a gorgeous gift, then make her dreams come true this Christmas with Usborne’s Illustrated Classics for Girls.

Within the pages of this foiled edition, complete with ribbon marker, are The Railway Children, The Wizard of Oz, The Secret Garden, Black Beauty, Little Women and Heidi, retold for younger readers and accompanied by eye-catching, full-colour illustrations.

This is the perfect book to introduce young children to world classics and to store away for special occasions or as a family heirloom.

Shrink-wrapped to protect the elegant cover and beautifully designed, Illustrated Classics for Girls is a gift book to love and treasure.

(Usborne, hardback, £17.99)

A Doodle a Day by Phillip Clarke

And what about the young artists in the family? Let them grab their pens and get on their ‘grand master’ marks for a doodling book that promises fun every day of the year!

A Doodle a Day is an innovative drawing book containing a tear-off pad with hundreds of ideas to inspire five-minute masterpieces on all 365 days of the year (and an extra one for a leap year of course!)

Chunky, creative and brilliantly original, this exciting book has hundreds of great pictures and doodles to complete, as well as tips and inspiration for creating new doodles.

Perfect for keeping children entertained on journeys, school holidays or wet weekends…

(Usborne, paperback, £9.99)

When you find yourself in some serious bother at the perilous Tudor court, there is only one place to which you can truly escape… the New World.

Still riding high since her debut novel, Mistress of the Sea, created waves in the ocean of historical fiction, Jenny Barden sets sail again with another seafaring sizzler.

Adventure and romance provide the ballast for her thrilling stories of discovery, politics and skulduggery during the turbulent reign of Elizabeth I, and The Lost Duchess has the added ingredient of a real-life history-mystery.

In a swashbuckling story which follows the fortunes of a royal lady-in-waiting who flees court scandal for the savage wilderness of Virginia, Barden explores what might have happened to Sir Walter Raleigh’s ill-fated ‘Lost Colony’ of Roanoke.

Ninety men, 17 women and 11 children disappeared without a trace from a colony on an island near Chesapeake Bay in what is now North Carolina three years after the last shipment of supplies from England in the late 16th century. It’s a mystery that has never been solved…

Twenty-one-year-old Emme Fifield is grateful to be lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth but her royal service confines her and leaves her effectively as wed to her monarch as a nun is to the Church.

But her life takes a dangerous turn when she catches the eye of the disreputable Earl of Hertford, an incorrigible rogue and womaniser who has incurred the queen’s wrath by a series of clandestine marriages.

When he takes advantage of Emme in the most devastating way and leaves her prey to scandal, she sets sail for a new start in Virginia on the understanding that she will act as informer for the queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham.

Under a false name and the watchful eye of Kit Doonan, a handsome mariner whose experiences as a slave and prisoner of the Spanish have set him apart, Emme is determined to at last take control of her own life.

Working as a lady’s maid and travelling with a rag-tag band of idealists, desperados and misfits, Emme will need all her natural resolve to see her through the voyage and her unexpected attraction to Doonan.

And Doonan carries with him his own personal baggage and dark secrets… the New World will hold more surprises than just the natives.

The Lost Duchess is an exciting, exotic and tantalising tale… a rollercoaster ride to the far reaches of the New World where romance, suspense and action prove an addictive mix.

A cast of well-rounded characters – both real and fictional – play out their personal and public dramas against an epic backdrop that moves from the claustrophobic corridors of London’s palaces to the alien strangeness of Virginia.

Barden’s fascinating take on the colonial conundrum of Roanoke is both gripping and plausible and establishes this dedicated history lover as an author with her eye on the passion, the plot and the past.

(Ebury, hardback, £16.99)

Ranulf of Lancaster – a young man raised at the Old Saxon church on the coastal cliffs at Heysham – is destined to guide one of England’s greatest monarchs through his turbulent reign.

It won’t be an easy task… Richard Plantagenet is arrogant, conceited and hot-headed but he inspires devotion, respect and loyalty to the point of death from the soldiers who have dubbed him ‘Lionheart.’

Burnley-born Stewart Binns brings to glorious life a warrior king and his brutal times in the latest thrilling novel in his epic Making of England series which takes readers on a journey through this nation’s unique, exciting and action-packed history.

Binns, whose passion for history shines through his stirring adventure novels, rounds of a magnificent quartet in fine style with this heart-thumping account of the Crusader King Richard I.

Lionheart is a magical mix of fact and fiction, plucking the legendary Richard from his pedestal and carving out a flesh-and-bones man… fearless, charismatic, impetuous and compellingly human.

We view his life through the eyes of Ranulf, a knight born on the rugged coast of north-west England who has distinguished himself in battle and who, along with wise and knowledgeable monk Father Alun, has been carefully selected to prepare Henry II’s third son for kingship.

It’s 1176 and Henry rules a vast empire that stretches from the north of Scotland to the foothills of the Pyrenees but he is growing older and his powerful and ambitious sons, known as the ‘Devil’s Brood,’ are restless.

The most remarkable of them all is Richard, Duke of Aquitaine, the kingdom he inherited from his formidable mother Eleanor. Aged just nineteen, he has already earned the nickname Lionheart and has a fearsome reputation for being a ruthless warrior. Tall, lean and muscular, he is ‘the envy of any man and the object of desire for any woman.’

His eldest brother William has died and the new heir, Prince Henry, is considered to be unsuitable to control an empire half the size of Europe and lacking in the courage needed to lead his men into battle.

Richard, meanwhile, burns with ambition and bravery but has little time for England, preferring the warmth, wine and women of his dukedom in Aquitaine.

On the orders of the powerful Earl Harold of Hereford, Ranulf and Father Alun are dispatched to Richard’s camp to help him understand the importance of England and to prepare him for kingship.

When Prince Henry dies during a campaign against his father and brother, Richard’s impatience to take the throne and inherit the immense power that goes with it leads him to form an alliance with King Philip II of France.

And so, with the fate of Ranulf and Father Alun tied to his star, Richard joins Philip on a bloody quest to return the Holy Land to Christian rule…

Binns is a born storyteller, filling his novels with superb action sequences, memorable characters and history in all its raw, electrifying reality.

Lionheart and the other novels in this page-turning series – Conquest, Crusade and Anarchy – deliver irresistible adventure stories as well as an entertaining history lesson on the events that laid the foundations of modern Britain.

(Penguin, paperback, £6.99)

Driffield Pumas u12 faced a tricky game on Sunday against a team just above them in the Myton league.

Driffield Pumas U12 3

Hedon U12 1

Pumas went into the game full of confidence but started slowly with the first signs of complacency seemingly a factor.

With a misfiring midfield the defence of Marson, Maddox and Sweeney were showing their normal qualities so despite their possession Hedon created little to threaten keeper Ashton.

With the coaches patience running out two early substitutions saw Morley and Johnson enter the fray to bolster the midfield and within 10 minutes Pumas had a hold on the game. Dixon did well to keep the ball in play, Smith played it to Peart who expertly fed it to the overlapping Morley who calmly fired home 1-0.

Soon it became two, some neat passing on the edge of the area found Dixon in space who took time to pick his spot and shoot into the corner, 2-0 to Pumas. Driffield were now dominant and playing some lovely attacking football, another great passing move saw Johnson burst through the middle only to be given offside.

Into the second half and this time Pumas started well. Warren Lambert nearly forced his way through while Smith and Taylor both had shots wide. Good work on the right led to Driffield’s third goal. Taylor’s great cross found its way to Mottershead who with great timing made it 3-0. Despite the scoreline Pumas never totally had it their own way as Hedon continued to battle for every 50/50.

More good breaks were squandered by Driffield with either a mistimed final pass or some poor control. The teams defensive organisation was generally good with Marson and Mottershead dealing with the Hedon long balls, well covered by Maddox and Sweeney.

However the one time when Driffield didn’t clear or intercept Hedon took advantage to make it 3-1 despite the best efforts of Ashton.

Pumas took this setback in their stride and comfortably saw out the rest of the game.

Not the greatest Driffield Pumas u12 performance but a good result as the team continue to climb the top division.

Man of the matches went to Morley and Johnson whose early introduction changed the team’s starting apathy and showed what a strong squad Pumas have.

Many thanks to Team sponsors The Original Woodwork CO.

Driffield Panthers U14 6

Riley Boys U14 1

Panthers secured their first league points of the season with an outstanding team performance and hopefully the boys can use this display as a springboard for the rest of the season.

Driffield looked assured from the start with H. Denness and Nellis both being fundamental in how Panthers dominated the early exchanges.

Driffield posed problems for the visitors’ full-backs down both flanks. Robb and the impressive C. Denness putting in some quality crosses for the front pair of Goddard and Thompson. However against the run of play the visitors took the lead, but Panthers showed great character with their response and equalised within two minutes, Goddard supplying Thompson who smashed the ball home.

Seville was a constant threat, his excellent delivery from set pieces and open play causing chaos on numerous occasions in the heart of Rileys defence and Panthers profited from one such delivery, a penalty being awarded after a handball, Thompson dispatching with aplomb.

Just before the interval Panthers increased their lead further, a delightful pass from Nellis finding Goddard who spun away from his marker and showed great composure slotting the ball past the advancing keeper.

The second period commenced with Panthers still in the ascendancy. Goddard scoring his second, some excellent interplay between H. Denness and Thompson creating the opening. Panthers backline consisting of Rounding, Pallant, Milner and Joinson all resolutely dealt with the limited attacks, keeping the visitors to shots from distance which keeper Hall routinely dealt with.

Panthers’ fifth goal was created by Seville whose pinpoint delivery from a corner was perfect for Milner his bullet header flying into the back of the net.

James, Luckman and Deighton all made an impact when introduced and it was James who initiated the play which led to goal number six. A superb turn and pass from the middle of the park found Deighton who supplied the ball to Goddard who completed a well deserved hat-trick.

With a minute left on the clock the visitors were awarded a penalty but Hall topped off a fine team display with an excellent save.

Managers comment: “A superb performance from the whole team and let’s carry this forward to this week’s game against Elloughton, well done boys.”

Man Of The Match; H.Denness – a Titan in the middle of the park.

Driffield Tigers U11 3

Swanland U11 4

Driffield welcomed Swanland to Allotment lane in near perfect weather for football and narrowly lost to the team in second place in group 4.

Yet again having only nine players available didn’t help and with Jack S volunteering to play in goal despite being injured Driffield lost some attacking talent with Jack having scored three in the last two games.

Driffield began slowly and went behind to a low strike from the edge of the area following some neat play down the right.

Dan M playing as striker held the ball up well allowing Jack W and Liam a chance to get forward. It was this trio who combined to create a chance for Liam to equalise only for the referee to blow for offside. Some dogged defending from Jacob and Dan A held Swanland at bay until half time.

Not the usual team talk as the lads seemed more motivated having held one of the top sides to a one goal deficit.

Ben and Hayden resumed in centre midfield and began to exert their quality, breaking up play spreading the ball out wide for Jack and Liam to attack. Dan M muscled his way through two challenges on the edge of the area and struck a low shot past the keeper for 1-1. Swanland immediately struck back however to lead again.

Team captain Ben used this to spur Driffield on with cries of ‘come on lads we can do this’. Following a long clearance by the Swanland keeper Dan A controlled expertly playing in Hayden on halfway, he advanced and passed to Jack whose tight control allowed him to wriggle past the entire defence and place a shot past the keeper to draw level.

Driffield spirits couldn’t be higher and sustained pressure with three corners and a long throw led to a looping shot from the edge of the area which nestled in the corner of the goal for an unlikely 3-2 lead.

However, as has been the case late in the game recently, Driffield tired allowing Swanland to make use of substitutions and their speedy attack brought them level. A weak clearance late on led to Swanland scoring an easy winner which despite a massive effort Driffield couldn’t pull back.

Everyone should be proud of their efforts and even the Swanland manager said Driffield deserved to win. A big improvement from everyone throughout the season has shown there isn’t anyone to be afraid of in this group, well done to all.

Star player this week to the whole squad.

Club results

Long Riston u10 0-9 Driffield Panthers u10

Long Riston u10 2-8 Driffield Panthers u10

Driffield Pumas u10 1-1 Hedon Rangers u10

Driffield Pumas u10 4-2 Hedon Rangers u10

Driff Leopards u10 1-1 Hedon Rang East u10

Driff Leopards u10 2-2 Hedon Rang East u10

Costello u11 1-7 Driffield Jaguars u11

Driffield Tigers u11 3-4 Swanland u11

Driffield Pumas u12 3-1 Hedon Rangers u12

North Ferriby u12 2-2 Driffield Dragons u12

Driffield Panths u14 6-1 Riley Boys u14

Willerby Jags u15 3-1 Driffield Tigers u15

Driffield Juns u16 3-2 Beverley Town u16

Withernsea u18 7-2 Driff Youngboys u18

With Minis football completing its 1st phase of fixtures this weekend big congratulations to Driffield Pumas u10 for winning group 3 convincingly following another unbeaten Sunday. Chuffed coach Langton praised the team as being fantastic as they lost only one match from 22 played, scoring nearly 80 goals in the process.

Panthers u10 also finished on a high with two emphatic wins against Costello while Jaguars u11 hit seven away to Costello.

There was a 3rd league win in a row for Pumas u12 while u16 remain unbeaten in the league following a late winner against Beverley Town.

Panthers u14 gained their first win of the season scoring six against Riley Boys despite going behind to an early goal.

Driffield faced one of their biggest games of the season, with Sheffield Hallam 3rds making the trip to the East Riding. Hallam, with very strong 1st and 2nd XIs, have consistently finished in the top positions in the Yorkshire Premier Division over the past few seasons and really are one of the teams to beat.

Driffield Men I 2

Sheffield Hallam III 1

Driff were boosted with the return of Ed Cherry from injury, starting from the bench.

After resounding wins against Boston Spa and Harrogate, Driff started the game confidently, passing the ball quickly and accurately – but, above all, keeping hold of the ball. Possession had been key to their previous victories and the men in sky blue have seemingly learnt some lessons from earlier defeats.

Despite dominating both territory and possession, Driffield couldn’t turn their early chances into goals, with Allison, Rijkaards and Cherry unfortunate not to convert.

Just as they thought their effort was going to count for nothing, Driff finally broke the deadlock. Olli Rijkaards, known as the Flying Dutchman to his teammates, drove the ball into the circle from the left flank to find Mark Robson whose deft touch beat the diving keeper.

The home side continued to exert their dominance, with Sheffield Hallam barely having a meaningful attack, let alone a shot on goal. Aaron Gate was finding success with his trademark aerial balls from the back, thanks in part to some great positioning and control from Allison and Rijkaards.

Captain Measom’s half time team talk stressed the importance of keeping the tempo up in the second half and fighting for possession.

It was Driffield who continued to attack with purpose and vigour. Sheffield’s keeper was called upon on numerous occasions to thwart some good runs by Cherry and Allison. Indeed, it was Allison’s relentless running off the ball that was really pulling the Sheffield defence apart and he was to get his reward on the 50th minute mark. Measom went to send a ball towards goal, which was deflected up and into the circle. Allison reacted quickest, beating the keeper to the ball and slipping it through his legs for 2-0.

Driffield were really enjoying their hockey, even right back Dan Harris joined the attack for a rare shot on goal. But as always Driff like to make their supporters suffer!

Sheffield forced a penalty corner. With Chard saving the initial strike, the ball fell to a Sheffield attacker who had a few swipes at the ball, before making a fairly weak connection which dribbled back across the face of goal to find a fellow attacker who made no mistake. This made the score 2-1 and resulted in a nervy last 10 minutes.

With five minutes to go, Sheffield broke into the circle for a final time. The Sheffield striker let fly with a powerful reverse stick shot, but keeper Chard was equal to it, deflecting it round the post. Driffield hung on grimly and the final whistle was met with relief!

There is no overemphasising the importance of this result for Driff, against one of their main rivals for the top spot in this division. The Woldsmen will now be hungrily eyeing up Leeds Gryphons position at the top of Yorkshire Prem. Next up is a long and tough away trip to Ben Rhydding.

Thanks go to Dodds Solar (main club sponsor), Cherry’s Country Hardware of North Frodingham (men’s sponsor) and Original Keys of Driffield (refreshments and away match sponsor) for their continued support of Driffield Men’s Hockey Team.

Team: Chard, Hickie, Gate, A, Jackson, Harris, Saltonstall, Measom (c), Robson, Rijkaards, Allison, Shephard, James, Cherry.

York 3rds 1

Driffield Men 2nds 0

Driffield’s unbeaten run comes to an end.

On Saturday Driffield’s 2nd team travelled to York to play York university 3rds, knowing the fact this would be their hardest game in the league.

With an early start the match started at 10:30 with both teams going all out to get the first goal. Driffield attacked but with a strong defence it was put to a halt, which lead to them counter attacking but with great team work and sheer determination Driffield’s defence held their own and didn’t let the attack come any further than the 25 yard line.

With great tackles from Danny, Adam, Russ and Charlie and great passes to clear the ball and at the same time create chances for the midfield Jack, Dom, Tom and Jacob to play the ball out wide to the wingers Martin and Kaelum to create chances for striker Mike.

After alternate attacking and defending from each side, a great ball was played to Mike who would have been through on goal till unfortunately at the last minute he pulled his hamstring and lost the ball and had to be subbed off.

With time drawing closer to half time York put a massive effort to push up the pitch and to try create a goal, but thanks to great saves from Steve G nothing was created as Steve confidently kept the score and nil a piece.

Half time came and Driffield started to feel hopeful about winning, a team talk from everyone seemed to gear everyone up to get the win and with ideas of different tactics, Driffield came back on the pitch ready.

York started with the ball and within minutes Driffield won it back and passed around making passes which opened up the defence and a fantastic ball was play out to Kaelum on the right wing who ran straight passed the defence and took a shot which was unfortunately saved.

York attacked from the back and created a chance on goal but was awarded a short corner but with great defending from Russ, Adam, Danny and Jack the ball was cleared and an attack started to build. With Driffield though on goal a short corner was awarded, the ball was played to top of the D and Jack smacked the ball against the bottomDom to run on to deflect the ball in but it just missed.

With only minutes left Driffield secured the ball back off York and with a great run from Kaelum a ball straight through the middle of the York defence left the defenders behind and Kaelum through on goal with defenders catching up he took the ball on the reverse and struck the ball, but sadly the ball flew wide.

With three minutes left Driffield set up their defence with York attacking and just outside the Driffield D York was awarded a free hit and drove it and hit the ball which flew into the bottom corner. The sheer disappointment on Driffield’s faces showed how much the goal meant, and with only two minutes left Driffield tried to play one last hard attack, but the whistle blew bringing the match to an end with the first lost on the season.

Even though Driffield had lost they were still proud of how well they had played and with the next match Driffield are determined to put this match in perspective and take the good points into consideration and use them to win the next matches.

On your marks, get set, glow… Macmillan Children’s Books have a glittering line-up of books to add extra shine to Christmas 2013.

There are gorgeous, stardust-covered books to set young readers alight, funny and affectionate stories to warm hearts, activity books to combat boredom, informative books to inspire, weird and wonderful extravaganzas and new adventures with old favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Age 2 and over:

The Christmas Show by Rebecca Patterson

First on stage is The Christmas Show, the big, bright and beautiful seasonal stunner from Rebecca Patterson, a rising star in children’s picture books.

Patterson, who won the 2012 Roald Dahl Funny Prize for her book My Big Shouting Day, knows just what little ones love… busy pictures that tell a multitude of stories. And this Christmas special comes with a gorgeously glittery cover, making it the perfect stocking filler.

It’s Christmas and the children have been practising hard for their nativity play. The narrators are word-perfect, the Important Angel has brushed her hair and the audience are in their seats. However, when the curtain rises, no one is expecting a spare shepherd to steal the show. But surely everyone deserves their 15 minutes of fame!

The Christmas Show will provide hours of entertainment as children pick out all the activities in a book brimming with action, festive fun and that irresistible glitter!

(Macmillan, hardback, £10.99)

Sugarlump and the Unicorn by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks

And there’s a real shine to this glittery adventure written by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks, one of the most original picture book artists working today.

When Sugarlump the rocking horse wishes to see the world, a magical unicorn with a silver horn and sparkling blue eyes turns him into a real horse. But after trotting around the farm, galloping around a racetrack and even dancing at the circus, Sugarlump learns to be careful what he wishes for and realises how much he misses the children he left behind. Luckily the unicorn has one more wish to grant…

Donaldson’s original and stylish rhyming verse really takes off in this warm and reflective little story which is brought to life by Monks’ magical illustrations.

A story to think about as well as enjoy…

(Macmillan, hardback, £10.99)

Charlie Crow in the Snow by Paula Metcalf and Cally Johnson-Isaacs

Take flight with lovable crow Charlie in a funny, snow-filled story which captures all the spirit of a winter wonderland.

Charlie the crow loves his home but things don’t stay perfect for long when the leaves drop off his tree and the water in his stream turns to glass. Then white flakes start to fall from the sky! Whatever is going on? Maybe a new friend can help Charlie find out …

Enchanting and charismatic pictures from the brush of Cally Johnson-Isaacs do full justice to Paula Metcalf’s quirky, heart-warming story.

(Macmillan, hardback, £11.99)

Aunt Amelia by Rebecca Cobb

Rebecca Cobb’s eclectic, exciting illustrations have real child appeal and here she sets her artistic sights on an aunt with attitude.

When Mum and Dad go away for the night, Aunt Amelia comes to look after one very cross little girl and boy. They do not want to be looked after and, even worse, Mum has left a list of boring instructions. But Aunt Amelia turns out to be rather different from expected… and a lot more fun!

Cobb has an original style which puts idiosyncratic charm into the wonderful world of picture books and this rib-tickling story is sure to be a favourite bedtime read.

(Macmillan, hardback, £10.99)

Star Paws Animal Dress-Up

There’s no time to ‘paws’ as the magical sticker book series gets into gear for another round of amazing adventures with the ever-inventive Star Paws menagerie.

What child can’t fall in love with the irresistible furry friends whose adventures get them into all sorts of sticky, stickering spots? And with four exciting titles to choose from, including a Christmas extravaganza, these books are guaranteed to keep hands busy and the fun factor on full throttle.

From the world of brave knights and smelly peasants to buying the simple bear necessities on a madcap shopping trip and a Christmas outing, there are hundreds of colourful stickers, charming animal characters and plenty of crazy one-liners to keep the whole family laughing every step of the way.

Look out for Knights Sticker Book, Amazing Jobs Sticker Book, Shopping sticker book and the Christmas Sticker Book which includes presents to wrap, feasts to prepare, snowballs to throw, halls to ‘deck’ and outfits to choose. Help the animals spread some Christmas cheer with bells, bows, snow-white beards and jazzy winter knitwear. And look out for that mistletoe!

Big, bold and addictively entertaining, the Star Paws sticker books are a feast of fun for every season!

(Macmillan, paperback, £3.99 each)

Age 4 plus:

Mr Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown

And now for something completely different… Are you bored with being sensible and hearing people talk about the weather? Do you want to have more fun? Mr Tiger knows exactly how you feel. He too wants something fun, something exciting, something different. He’s fed up with tea parties, top hats and talking about the weather so he astounds his friends by making up his mind to go… wild! But by taking things into his own claws, does he go too far and what do his friends think? Will they disapprove or will they follow him? The wilderness can get pretty lonely and it would be good to have them along…

Youngsters will enjoy letting their own imaginations go wild with this brilliantly funny book from award-winning artist Peter Brown. It’s a story which encourages us all to discover the freedom of being ourselves. And to complete the picture, Brown’s unusual and vibrant illustrations were all made with India ink, watercolour, gouache and pencil on paper then digitally coloured.

A wonderfully wacky walk on the wild side which proves there’s a time and place for everything…

(Macmillan, hardback, 11.99)

Age 7 plus:

Walking with Dinosaurs Dinopedia by Steve Brusatte

The BIG picture – in every sense of the word – this Christmas time will be Walking with Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie but there’s a chance to get in on the act early with a thrilling range of tie-in prehistoric adventure books.

Walking with Dinosaurs Dinopedia is a beautifully produced 96-page, full-colour encyclopaedia filled with facts about the dinosaurs from the film as well as information about the world the dinosaurs inhabited and theories about their rise and fall.

Featuring images from the film and photos of palaeontologists at work, this fun and fascinating book explains how dinosaurs came to rule the world, what other species coexisted with them and how they grew and evolved.

Meet Patchi, Scowler, Alex, Gorgon and the rest of the film’s cast as they are put under the microscope to reveal a world long before our time.

(Macmillan, hardback, £9.99)

Dick and Dom’s Slightly Naughty but Very Silly Words! by Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood

If Christmas is the silly season, then who better to celebrate it with than Dick and Dom – aka Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood – who are back with a wonderful world of weird and wacky words.

The madcap duo – household names on children’s TV for 17 years and as beloved by parents as their offspring – have their very own made up vocabulary and now they’re letting youngsters in on the secret!

Packed with the strangest words, illustrated with glorious line drawings and their own hilarious definitions, this Christmas gift book will appeal to everyone’s mischievous side. Who could resist words like Dobbawoofsinit (a person who has trumped and blamed the dog) Germ Rain (the little bits of spit that some teachers do when they’re talking) and Musty Troutwarbler (an aged teacher who can’t keep control of the class).

This bundle of political incorrectness is simply a must-have for all little mischief makers!

(Macmillan, hardback, £7.99)

Tony Robinson’s Weird World of Wonders: World War One

If it’s quirky history you’re after, Tony Robinson fills in all the gaps in those conventional, wartime history books.

True to form, Robinson takes us on a headlong gallop through time, pointing out all the most important, funny, strange, amazing, entertaining, smelly and disgusting bits about World War I, giving us a history lesson, but not as we know it!

Find out everything you ever needed to know about World War I in this brilliant action-packed, fact-filled book, including how to build a trench, why dogs were such good messengers, how plastic surgery was invented and why you needed a gas mask.

With the incredible Tony Robinson as your guide, you’ll never be short of fascinating facts, fun-filled games and weird but wonderful gems from history.

(Macmillan, paperback, £5.99)

Age 8 plus:

How The World Works by Clive Gifford

This brilliant book is not just big in size but big in brain power and sets out to provide children with all the information they need to understand how the world works…

It’s an ambitious goal and one that allows curious young minds to investigate the systems, processes and phenomena – both natural and man-made – which make up the workings of the world.

Lavish, eye-catching design and illustration are paired with succinct, easy-to-read text to explain a vast range of weird and wonderful happenings. Stuffed full of facts and detail, this amazing book has all the information of an encyclopaedia but with a fresh, exciting look.

Five chapters cover Earth and space, prehistoric life, the natural world, science and technology and history, all presented in a highly visual manner and with dynamic information-filled artworks and graphics.

A question-and-answer structure helps to reinforce the information and build a lasting and real understanding of our incredible world.

A world of learning at your fingertips…

(Kingfisher, hardback, £14.99)

Basher Basics: Space Exploration by Dan Green and Simon Basher

The Basher books are fast becoming a collector must-have with their lively, creative approach to learning through exciting concepts and unique artwork.

Simon Basher is the creator and illustrator of more than a dozen internationally best-selling books for children including the critically acclaimed Basher Science, the Go! Go! Bobo books and Basher’s ABC. He specialises in ‘graphic surrealism’ and his original artwork is regularly exhibited and sold.

Dan Green is the voice of Basher, the author of numerous Basher titles as well as a journalist and science writer with a brilliant knack for science communication.

Space Exploration is a compelling guide to developments right at the forefront of space science. Meet characters who embody the amazing science that is revolutionising space exploration, from the pioneering space crafts and equipment that have been used to delve into deep-space exploration to the scientists who have taken voyages to space and back or contributed to our understanding of the universe.

So step into your spacesuit, zoom into the cosmos and enjoy Basher’s unique one-step guide to space exploration. An out-of-this-world gift for scientists young and old!

(Kingfisher, paperback, £6.99)

Age 9 plus:

Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse by Chris Riddell

The colour purple… or is that black and silver? You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover… but if you did, this symphony in black, purple and silver would be at the top of the book pile.

With its silver leaves and skulls ornamentation, sparkling purple page effect and velvety smooth black cover, Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse is a gift in every sense of the word.

Truly stunning black and white illustrations bring to life this funny and yet bittersweet tale which pays homage to the outlandish adventuresome style of Alice in Wonderland and the stars of other literary classics whilst offering a more contemporary and knowing way of looking at the world.

When Ada Goth of Ghastly-Gorm Hall wakes in the middle of the night to find Ishmael the disgruntled ghost of a mouse on her bedroom carpet, they team up to uncover a dastardly plot.

Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse is a warm, witty, beautifully illustrated and presented book which delivers an original, entertaining and heart-warming tale of courage, friendship and loyalty as well as a teeny, weeny surprise tucked into the back cover!

(Macmillan, hardback, £9.99)

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Over the Moon by Frank Cottrell Boyce

It’s almost 50 years since James Bond author Ian Fleming wrote Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a bedtime story for his son Caspar and now the little car is flying again thanks to the storytelling talents of scriptwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce.

In the third official sequel to Fleming’s classic book, the Tooting family is stuck in 1966. Somebody has stolen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and left them behind but that’s not their biggest problem. Little Harry has been kidnapped by whoever took their magical car and there is only one solution. The Tootings must find the Potts, the family that originally built Chitty…

Fast-paced, entertaining and laced with wry humour, Chitty’s 21st century adventures are perfect for a new generation of readers. With suitably quirky illustrations by Joe Berger to add to all the fun, Boyce has filled Chitty’s tank with his trademark wit, warmth and sense of adventure to create a thrilling and collectable trilogy and a superb tribute to the original story.

(Macmillan, hardback, £10.99)

Teen:

This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

Leila Sales is in tune with all the angst of teenage years in this fresh, original and exciting novel which puts music at its fast-beating heart.

All her life, Elise Dembowski has been an outsider. Starting a new school, she dreams of fitting in at last but when her best attempts at popularity fail, she almost gives up. Then she stumbles upon a secret warehouse party. There, at night, Elise can be a different person, making real friends, falling in love for the first time, and finding her true passion – it all seems too good to be true. And it is because when her real and secret lives collide, she has to make a decision once and for all… just who is the real Elise?

Heartbreaking and emotional, alive with youthful vigour and so palpably real, this is a book about hope, friendship and the power of music to bring people together.

(Macmillan, paperback, £6.99)

Saving Silence by Gina Blaxill

Gina Blaxill is not afraid to take her teen readers on a walk into the dark side in her powerful and thought-provoking novels which portray life in all its raw reality.

Here she tackles city gang culture and all the inherent dangers it poses through the eyes of two youngsters at a London high school. Plotting is Blaxill’s forte and Saving Silence has some clever twists and turns whilst delivering a thrilling and fast-moving drama which sets the heart pounding and the spine tingling.

It’s not easy being the new kid at school and it’s even harder when people seem to want you dead. Sam Costello has been an outsider ever since he moved to London, regarded by most as a loner from the North who won’t let anyone in.

Former head girl and all-round school star Imogen had pretty much given up trying to befriend Sam before that night on Walthamstow high street, the night he wanted to tell her a secret and someone tried to murder him. But Sam isn’t the only one whose life is in danger. Although she doesn’t know it, Imogen is being watched…

With a narrative that alternates between the perspectives of Sam and Imogen, the story unfolds in all its terrifying and cautionary reality. A raw and gritty reminder that inner city life is tough for kids as well as adults.

(Macmillan, paperback, 6.99)

Briar Rose by Jana Oliver

How about an exciting novel that puts a dark – and sexy – twist on the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty?

Jana Oliver’s action-packed re-telling blends all the traditional facets of fairy tales – handsome heroes and vengeful villains – with a fabulously feisty heroine, lashings of laughs and a southern USA style that puts the fun into fantasy.

Briar Rose has always loved fairy stories. Tales of dashing heroes, beautiful princesses and evil villains are so much more interesting than her real life in Bliss, the mundane town where she has been brought up.

She is desperate to escape her stifling life but on the eve of her 16th birthday, Briar’s parents drop a bombshell. When she was younger, she was cursed by dark magic and when the clock strikes twelve on the day of her birth, she is doomed to fall asleep for 100 years.

Briar is forced to say goodbye to her parents and her closest friends before drifting off into a timeless sleep... and waking up in the darkest, most twisted fairy tale she could ever have dreamed of...

Romance and rogues aplenty in this tantalising teen thriller…

(Macmillan, paperback, £6.99)

North Yorkshire police have released further information about the two men and one woman killed in a tragic accident on the B1248 between Wetwang and Malton, yesterday.

The collision happened at around 6.08am on Wednesday 27 November, and involved a Ford Focus and a white Citroen van

Five people from the East Yorkshire area were travelling in the Focus which was heading in the direction of Malton. Sadly three of the occupants were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. They include a woman and two men.

Police have now confirmed the ages of the fatally injured who were travelling in the Ford Focus, they are a woman aged 40, a man aged 47 and a man aged 18. The woman and 18-year-old man are mother and son.

All three were Hull residents, but their nationality is Polish.

The two men in their thirties who were also travelling in the Ford Focus remain in Hull Royal Infirmary. One man, aged 30, remains in a critical condition and the other, a 37-year-old man, remains in a serious condition with multiple fractures. Both injured men live in Hull and are also Polish nationals.

The driver of the Citroen van, a 48-year-old man from Pickering who was taken to York District Hospital, has since been discharged.

“Nobody tells Pandora a word about the jar. Nobody tells her not to open the jar.” There are so many secrets about our lives we’ll never know. Would you open the jar?

The Husband’s Secret is set in Australia and tells the stories of three women and their families who are entwined to one another by an event that happened 28 years ago. The connection between the three main characters, Cecilia, Tess and Rachel, develops as each of their stories is shared.

The author, Liane Moriarty, has created very convincing and quirky characters. They are well-written and each one is introduced through individual backstories, giving the reader an insight to personal details about each of their lives. At times the reader may find that they can easily identify with the thoughts and emotions of a specific character, allowing them to feel a personal connection to them, which makes the reading experience all the more enjoyable.

A reference to Pandora’s Box appears in the prologue which explains how after the box is opened, a chain of unfortunate and uncontrollable events will be unravelled. This is reflected later on in the book when Cecilia Fitzpatrick discovers a hidden letter written by her husband and despite being told not to open it, curiosity gets the better of her and from this moment on, her life is turned upside down.

It is clear to see why this book is a best-seller, the quick-paced nature that it has is complimented by short chapters and intense, page-turning twists which are unravelled as the reader is taken deeper into the story.

Moriarty touches on the themes of betrayal, grief, love, regret, guilt and fate, all of which are things that everyone will experience at different times in their lives. Her writing style is clever and consistent as she keeps the reader gripped from beginning to end. She leaves the reader with something to think about and finishes with an excellent closing line: ‘Some secrets are meant to stay secret forever. Just ask Pandora.’

Penguin Books Ltd, Paperback (RRP) £7.99, Kindle Edition £3.99