Three people have died in Bedfordshire after taking an ecstasy-like drug called PMA and public health officials are warning people of the dangers.

PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine) is a Class-A drug which is chemically similar to ecstasy but much stronger - potentially five to ten times as toxic.

The effects of PMA are also comparable to ecstasy but users may take longer to feel them, sometimes up to an hour.

This may result in them taking another pill in the mistaken belief that the first one has not worked, leading to a potentially dangerous or fatal dose.

Councillor Mohammed Ashraf, portfolio holder for public health, said: “It is vitally important that you get help if you begin to feel unwell after taking drugs. If you are out with your friends make sure to look after each other.”

Over the last two years the number of deaths linked to the drug has risen dramatically.

A recent BBC investigation found that in 2011 one death was linked to PMA but this year there have already been 23 deaths linked to the drug and this number is expected to rise.

The drug is usually sold in pill form, sometimes stamped with a crown, or ‘M’ and they are usually pink, hence the name ‘Pink Ecstasy’. It can also be sold as a powder.

The drug may come in other colours or with different stamps though, so it is advised that anyone taking drugs exercise caution regardless.

Health officials have issued the following advice:

* If you are in a nightclub and you or a friend starts to feel ill, contact a member of security or a bar employee who will be able to help

* If you or a friend takes an illegal drug and become unwell call 999 immediately.

* Beware of overdosing by taking one drug after another – particularly as you don’t know the strength of the pills you are taking.

* If you need more help or information about PMA or other illegal drugs, please call 01582 439480 if you live in Luton, 01234 352220 if you live in Bedford or 01582 501780 if you live in Dunstable.

A worried mum from Luton is flying out to Nepal to look for her 23-year-old son who is missing.

Matthew Allpress lives in Australia and was due to return home on November 14 after a six day solo trek in the Himalayas.

He did not arrive in Sydney and has now been missing for nearly three weeks.

A social media campaign is posting Matthew’s picture and asking for help and a search party went out in Nepal yesterday morning.

Matthew’s mother, Margaret Allpress, said on Facebook: “Please help find him. We all love and miss him.”

Friend Rhett Nicholas tweeted yesterday: “Search party being deployed at first light this am (Nepal time) however we won’t hear for four days. All local guides. It is snowing #findmatt.”

He added today: “Helicopter search has been called off after no luck of finding him. Will send more ground troops tomorrow.”

Other trekkers have suggested that the unpredictable terrain in the area Matthew was last known to be could have slowed him down and caused him to miss his flight.

Use the #findmatt for updates on Twitter and to share his photo.

A pregnant woman was robbed by three men in Wilsden Avenue on Tuesday.

The woman was walking in an alley behind housing at about 7pm when three men grabbed her clothing, causing her to fall to the ground.

They kicked her and took a small amount of cash before running from the scene in an unknown direction.

All the offenders are described as white men, between 18 and 25 years old.

Det Con Richard Cunningham said: “Clearly the victim was extremely upset by the incident as she is seven months pregnant and was subjected to several violent kicks to her body during the ordeal. Luckily she is now recovering at home but this experience could have caused complications for her and her unborn child.”

Anyone with information relating to this crime can contact DC Cunningham, in confidence, at Luton Police Station, on 01582 394373, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

We had to wait seven years for the return of superhero MAN OF STEEL (12: Warner) following the lukewarm reception given to Superman Returns.

But encouraged by the success of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, the last son of Krypton is back in the strapping shape of British actor Henry Cavill.

Nolan is co-producer and story provider for a reboot that mixes the plots of the first two Christopher Reeve fantasy adventures,.

Unlike those classics, it’s more Matrix than mythic.

The Krypton depicted here is run by computers, although Russell Crowe as superdad scientist Jor-El at least gets his Gladiator mojo working when he battles to send baby Kal-El to Earth.

Flashbacks reveal Clark Kent’s time in Smallville with his parents (Kevin Costner, Diane Lane), but his struggle to deal with being “different” undermines the film’s momentum.

And while Cavill certainly looks the part, when he dons his iconic supersuit for the first time, it’s a strangely muted moment instead of a rousing one.

When General Zod (Michael Shannon) and his icy henchwoman start throwing their weight around, there’s plenty of Transformers-style destruction, with the smackdown in Metropolis making the climax of Avengers Assemble resemble a minor fracas.

But the failure to create sustained emotional depth feels like a lost opportunity, so let’s hope that any sequel has script and direction that’s more superpowered.

> Bizarre, bloodthirsty drama ONLY GOD FORGIVES (18: Lionsgate) sees the star and director of thriller Drive (Ryan Gosling and Nicolas Winding Refn) reunited.

At times agonisingly slow and punctuated with graphic scenes of extreme violence, it will only reward those of you brave enough to stay with it.

I bet it will at the very least alienate the vast majority of Gosling’s teen fanbase.

He plays Julian, who runs a drug-dealing operation using the cover of his Bangkok boxing club.

When his psychotic brother is murdered, he comes under pressure from their domineering mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) to kill the man responsible.

A bog standard pulp gangster flick? Nothing of the sort as Refn focuses on Julian’s torment as he hides a terrible secret and unwittingly summons up a supernatural angel of vengeance in the form of a blade-wielding detective who stalks him through the city’s streets.

> Hysterical cop comedy THE HEAT (15: Twentieth Century Fox) follows a familiar formula, but a simple gender twist and great casting keeps things sizzling.

Sandra Bullock and Melissa (Bridesmaids) McCarthy make an inspired double act.

The film has a wobbly start as each woman separately tries to negotiate her way through a man’s world and bring a drugs baron to justice.

But as soon as they pool resources it becomes a fluid, fun and foul-mouthed buddy flick.

Despite being the bigger name, Bullock generously plays the straight ‘man’ as a prissy type knocked sideways by her partner.

Her gift for physical comedy is brilliantly employed and there’s some cracking banter between the pair, with much of it feeling improvised.

One of the best scenes – the girls getting drunk in a bar – trades on visual gags and clever cutting by director Paul Feig, who also made Bridesmaids.

The application for a kebab shop in Wellington Street to sell alcohol for consumption on premises as late as 6am will be discussed by Luton Borough Council licensing panel next Tuesday.

Sammys Steak & Kebab House, which is next door to nightclub Flame, wishes to serve alcohol from 5pm - 6am Friday - Saturday and until 4am Monday to Thursday, but Beds Police and nearby businesses object.

The kebab house was prosecuted in 2009 for selling alcohol without a licence - alcohol which when seized by Beds Police was found to contain ethanol. Ethanol is extremely harmful to a person’s health, particularly their eyesight. Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer Jennifer Van Beukelen said: “Due to the hours applied for to sell alcohol, the premises will be providing a late night drinking venue for already intoxicated persons in the town...this may create nuisance in the town late at night.

“The existing licence holder and staff appear to have very little regard for authority of members of the public which has been proved by their previous actions.”

Further objections made by Beds Police and the owners of Flame are on the grounds of prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the protection of children from harm.

Kebab House owner Isa Ozkan said he will use street CCTV to prevent crime and disorder and any “noisy customers” would be asked to leave.

He said they will also not sell alochol to intoxicated people.

>What do you think?

A 14-year-old girl was assaulted on her way home from school on Wednesday.

The teenager was under the M1 bridge on Leagrave High Street between 4.45pm and 5pm when a man grabbed her wrist, twisted her arm and pushed her against a wall.

He appeared to be searching her clothing to steal something but found nothing so continued to touch her over her clothing.

The victim called for help and a member of the public assisted her and she managed to break free from the offender and ran from the scene.

Det Con Phil Raikes said: “This is an unusual crime and we want to ensure we stop this person from assaulting someone else. I would urge the member of the public who assisted the victim to contact officers as he may have vital information that could help identify the offender. I would also encourage anyone who saw the incident or anyone who can help identify the offender from the description given to also come forward and speak with officers.”

The offender is described as a black man with a dark complexion, 5’7” to 5’8” tall with a large muscular build, black beard and spoke with a deep voice and a strong Caribbean accent.

He wore saggy dark blue jeans, a black Adidas hooded top with white stripes down the sleeves and a white zip.

Anyone with information can contact Det Con Raikes, at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394338, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Gentle Touch Healing is celebrating its 16th anniversary with an open day on Sunday (December 1) at its Wrest Park healing centre in Silsoe. Admission is free and visitors will be offered free therapy and advice.

Email enquiries@gentletouchhealing.org.uk

Residents and professionals are invited to a free dementia conference at Venue 360 in Gypsy Lane on Friday 29 November.

The aim of the conference is for local businesses and agencies to come together to look at ways to improve the quality of life, as well as the care and support available to those affected by dementia.

The theme of the conference is ‘Making Luton a Dementia Friendly Community’ and there will be a number of discussions about how everyone can work together to raise awareness of dementia within the community and remove some of the stigma that is often attached to it.

The conference also marks the official launch of the Luton Dementia Action Alliance which will be supported by Luton Borough Council and the Alzheimer’s Society, along with other local organisations as they become involved.

Building on Luton’s 2010 Dementia Strategy, the alliance will be developing a programme of work which aims to make a real difference to the lives of people with dementia and their families and carers.

Cllr Mahmood Hussain, Portfolio Holder for adult social care, said: “With the number of people with dementia expected to double in the next 30 years, it is fast becoming one of the most important issues we face as our population ages.

“I therefore encourage as many people as possible to come along to discuss, learn and share ideas about how we can all work together to drive improvements in support for those people living with dementia and create a dementia friendly community.

“A dementia friendly community is one that shows a high level of public awareness and understanding, so that people with dementia and their carers seek help so they can remain as independent as possible and have choice and control over their lives.

The conference runs from 9.30am-12.30pm at the Riverside Suite at Venue 360 (formerly Vauxhall Brach), 20 Gypsy Lane, Luton.

Following the conference there will be a ‘Dementia Friends’ training session from 1.30-2.30pm where people can learn a little bit more about what it’s like to live with dementia and how to turn that understanding into action.

Cllr Hussain added: “A ‘Dementia Friend’ is someone who turns their understanding of the condition into a positive action.

“This can range from helping someone to find the right bus to simply spreading the word about dementia on social media.”

>For more information or to book a place visit www.luton.gov.uk/dementia or call 01582 54 78 25 or 54 76 46.

I’m a bloke, which apparently means I am a bit of a headache when it comes to Christmas pressies.

I disagree – my nearest and dearest can always refer to a standing list of books and music options, I’ll never turn my nose up at a decent bottle of malt or a classy red wine, and if they want to go off piste and surprise me they can knock themselves out, within reason.

They also know that anything created as a cute novelty and making reference to my age, my ability as a dad, beer, golf or football, or some cute catchphrase of the moment is as unwelcome as a selection of character-based socks.

And most of all they know to avoid vouchers of any kind.

My objection to the gift voucher get out is twofold – first, it puts the pressure on me to make a decision and I can do without that. Second, I usually forget to spend them before they’ve expired.

I’ll admit that the kids get cash and have done for years, but that’s not a cop out, it’s what they want – and it comes in nice crisp notes which are hidden around the house.

They have to work out some tricky treasure hunt clues to earn the loot, and they have even been known to co-operate as they race against time to get what’s theirs – didn’t I mention that if they haven’t found it by noon it goes back in my pocket? Oh, what larks.

But no vouchers for me, if you please.

From my hazy memories of years gone by, the only sort of gift voucher that I can recall from my youth was the sturdy book token, beloved of distant aunts.

Now you can get gift cards from just about every High Street shop or online retailer, including some you might never have considered as depositories of Yuletide largesse.

In the Dee household they still talk of the year that I joshingly bought her indoors an ironing board for Christmas.

We needed a new ironing board, so I just got one, wrapped it carefully in Santa-themed paper so that its shape was obvious for all to see, and stuck it under the tree.

It was a joke, there were lots of other proper gifts as well, but it’s fair to say that she was not amused and she has not forgotten.

That’s why I am not at all tempted to nip into my local branch of no nonsense bakery chain Greggs and invest in a gift card in her name.

Similarly, if I were to open a card on Christmas morning to find that I was entitled to a blowout of sausage rolls, steak bakes and sarnies I might struggle to see the funny side.

When I saw the cards waiting on the counter when I popped in for a coffee the other day I did something of a double take. Who would buy such a thing as a gift? Who would be happy to receive it?

Or do all the big brands in the food to go game offer this service? Surely it’s the last thing you need after Christmas – carte blanche to eat doughnuts until the card runs dry?

A woman was stabbed in Farley Hill last night.

Police were called to the scene at 8.11pm and arrested a man.

The woman was taken to hospital and her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Enquires are ongoing.

Call Beds Police on 101 with information.

An elderly woman was treated for smoke inhalation after a fire in Hancock Drive on Friday.

Two fire engines from Luton and one from Dunstable attended the scene at Bushmead Court at 9.27pm.

Smoke was coming from the building as a result of a small fire which was out on arrival.

The woman was treated by ambulance crews for smoke inhalation.

Vauxhall Motors employees have raised an incredible £250,000 for Help for Heroes.

The cheque was handed over to former soldier and charity ambassador Private Derek Derenalagi at a ceremony at Vauxhall’s headquarters in Luton last week.

Staff have created many different challenges and initiatives to raise the cash since Vauxhall started supporting Help For Heroes in 2010.

Derek said: “The money raised by Vauxhall has made a valuable contribution to improving the lives of our heroes, many of whom have suffered life-changing injuries. On behalf of Help for Heroes I would like to thank all Vauxhall employees for their hard work and commitment to the charity.”

Vauxhall employees have cycled from London to Paris, regularly taken on the Three Peaks Challenge, held cake sales and dress-down for work days as well as hosting The Vauxhall Male Voice Choir annual Christmas carol concert to raise money.

For more about Help for Heroes, or to make a donation, visit: www.vauxhallh4h.co.uk or donate £1 by texting the word Vauxhall to 70900.

“I want you to forget everything you think you know about the games. Last year was child’s play. This year, you’re dealing with experienced killers.”

The life and death Hunger Games are back on the big screen and this time the stakes have been raised even higher – thanks to Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) managing to win the 74th Games along with fellow ‘tribute’ Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson).

Alas winning only means that the two victors are now pawns of the corrupt President Snow (Donald Sutherland) who wants to use them to try and quell a potential rebellion.

in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Katniss and Peeta are dispatched on a Victor’s Tour of the districts, but when the people start to see Katniss as a hero they can rally behind, the Capitol prepares to get rid of her by making the 75th Annual Hunger Games a ‘Quarter Quell’ - a special event where the previous winners must now fight to the death.

With the odds stacked against Katniss by President Snow and a new devious Games creator in post in the form of Plutarch (Philip Seymour Hoffman), this Hunger Games may well change the future of Panem forever.

Catching Fire is slickly put together and directed by Frances ‘I Am Legend’ Lawrence and I’ve been told by fans that it adheres very closely to the Suzanne Collins’ bestseller that it is based on.

Jennifer Lawrence has made the role of Katniss her own – and she’s ably supported by the eclectic range of other contestants including Finnick (Sam Claflin), Johanna (Jena Malone) and Beetee (Jeffrey Wright) to name but a few.

There are some great special effects balanced with enough threat to stop the film feeling as if it’s only for teens.

It could have probably done more justice to the brutal elements if given a higher certificate but the director has managed to squeeze a lot of grimness out of the 12a – so it isn’t for those youngsters who might be easily disturbed.

The film flies past even though it is over two hours long as you get caught up in the political power plays as well as the gruesome Games themselves.

Catching Fire being the middle book of the trilogy means that it ends mid action, which will frustrate some – but does mean that you’ll very likely want to come back and see how it all ends in the obligatory two film adaptation of the final book.

Click on the video report to see what some of the stars have to say about the movie

A taxi driver was robbed by two men and a woman in Windson Road on Friday.

The driver had collected a female passenger in Eighth Avenue at 8.15pm and she was asked to be taken to Windsor Street before changing her destination to Windson Road.

When arriving in Winsdon Road the woman made a call on her mobile and a man joined her in the taxi.

The man then told the driver that he didn’t have any money and the woman grabbed the victim by the hair and pulled his seat belt while the man threatened him with a knife.

The woman got out of the vehicle and the victim was assaulted by the man before a second man appeared and also assaulted the victim.

During the incident the driver was forced to hand over his takings but struggled and managed to keep his mobile telephone.

Det Con Colin Knight said: “Although it would have been dark the victim was very brave and did put up a struggle. I would appeal to anyone who saw or heard a disturbance in Winsdon Road or anyone who saw three people running from the area towards Napier Road to come forward and assist this investigation.”

The first offender is described as a woman with a mixed race appearance, 18 to 20 years old, 5’ tall with a slim build and short straight black hair. Her right eyebrow was pierced.

The second offender is described as a black man, 20 to 24 years old with a medium build, 5’6” tall and wearing a black jacket.

The third offender is described as a black man, 24 to 25 years old, 5’9” tall with a slim build and short black hair. He wore a blue jumper and jeans together with brown and red coloured training shoes.

The officer in charge of this investigation, Det Con Colin Knight, is keen to trace anyone who saw the incident in Winsdon Road or anyone who saw the woman getting in to the taxi in Eighth Avenue.

Anyone with information can contact DC Knight, at Luton Police Station, in confidence, at Luton Police Station, on 01582 394069, or Bedfordshire Police on 101 or contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

People who have red or white patches on their mouth or tongue don’t often connect them with cancer.

But this is one of the symptoms of the disease that kills more than 2,000 in the UK every year.

The cure rate is high when it’s detected early, which is why the Luton&Dunstable Hospital is holding two free screening clinics on Tuesday (November 26) for anyone who may be concerned or who would like more information.

These will take place in the oral and maxillo-facial unit from 10am to 12 noon and from 2pm to 4pm.

Associate medical director and surgeon Mr Chi-Hwa Chan said: “Unfortunately about half of the patients who have mouth cancer don’t seek medical advice or treatment until the disease has reached an advanced stage and the outlook by then is often poor.

“The good news is that if mouth cancers are found and treated early, the cure rate is high.
“They can be detected early, so if you have worrying symptoms, our advice is to see your GP or dentist straight away because where cancer is concerned, early treatment saves lives.

He added: “To help make more people aware of the possible signs, specialists from our maxillo-facial unit will be available at the mouth screening clinic.”

Symptoms of oral cancer include:

> one or more mouth ulcers that don’t heal after three weeks

> a swelling in your mouth that lasts more than three weeks

> pain when swallowing

> persistent pain in the neck

> unexplained weight loss

> changes in your sense of taste

> earache

> a tooth – or teeth – that becomes loose for no apparent reason

> a hoarse voice

> lymph nodes (glands) in your neck become swollen

Many of these symptoms can be caused by less serious conditions, such as minor infections.

But if they persist for more than three weeks, it’s important to seek medical advice - particularly if you’re a heavy drinker or smoker.

> There will be a cake sale in the L&D foyer on Tuesday from 10am. It’s in aid of the hospital’s Head & Neck Charitable Fund and The Mouth Cancer Foundation.

A man fled a robbery bare-chested after offenders tore his t-shirt in Albert Road on Saturday.

The incident happened at about 7pm when a group of men pushed the 20-year-old against a fence, punched him in the face and ripped his t-shirt.

The offenders are described as a group of white and black men, all approximately 20 years old.

One wore a grey hooded jacket, tracksuit bottoms and white training shoes.

Call Beds Police on 101 with information.

A woman was hurt during an attempted handbag snatch in Thrales Close on Friday.

A man on a bike tried to grab the 44-year-old’s bag at 8.20pm and as he did so he grabbed her hair and pushed her head against a fence before she fell to the ground.

The victim managed to keep hold of her bag despite the handle snapping during the struggle.

Det Con Mandy Godfree said: “The victim was left traumatised by the experience with several bruises to her head, knees, back and arm. During the struggle the victim did shout and scream several times and I urge anyone who heard or saw the incident to come forward and assist this investigation.”

The offender, who is described as a black man, approximately 25 years old, 5’11” tall with an average build and wearing a black woollen hat with ear flaps, a black jacket, blue jogging bottoms and riding a bike, left the victim on the floor, as he rode away empty handed.

Call Beds Police on 101 or text 07786 200011 with information.

Hollywood’s favourite source Stephen King has produced the raw material for all manner of hits and misses in the past, but it’s not often that remakes rear their head.

But here comes one that makes sense – the original Carrie was a real chiller, directed with panache by Brian de Palma and featuring Sissy Spacek in a standout early role.

But that was way back in 1976, and with all the modern trickery available to director Kimberly Peirce – a long-time pal of de Palma but also feted for films like Stop Loss and Boys Don’t Cry – it’s fertile ground.

Rising star Chloe Grace Moretz is centre stage as the sheltered teenager bullied by her schoolmates and taking revenge with the terrifying telekinetic powers that she can manifest at will.

Will a whole new generation find it just as creepy as cinema goers from nearly 40 years ago?

Click on the video link to see some of the stars of the new movie talking about their roles.

There’s a timely release for Free Birds, a family animation with the de rigueur 3D bells and whistles about a couple of turkeys anxious to avoid the Christmas chop.

Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson provide the voices – one just wants to get a pardon from the president, the other wants to travel back in time to change history, saving generations of poultry from a seasonal stuffing.

Does it sound very silly? Certainly, but it’s charming enough for at least one watch.

Also out this week is the much-hyped Saving Mr Banks in which Tom Hanks takes on the role of Walt Disney and Emma Thompson plays prim P. L. Travers, the woman who penned Mary Poppins and had severe misgivings bout letting anyone mess about with her creation.

John Lee Hancock, writer and director of the Oscar-winning The Blind Side, has based this one on a little-known true story and both the stars are on top form with awards confidently predicted already.

Listen to carols from St Augustine’s choir at the Motor Neurone Disease Association’s open meeting at Keech Hospice Care’s Palliative Day Care Centre at 7.30pm on Monday (December2).

Buy a raffle ticket to help the charity and enjoy festive nibbles.

Luton business leader Helen Tucker is launching a new fortnightly forum for women.

Guest speakers at Women Talk will encourage women to debate important issues. Call 0808 1685904.