Children at Sundon Park Junior School celebrated World Book Day yesterday by dressing up as their favourite book character.

Jessie from Toy Story, Snow White, Charlie Bucket and Alice and the White Rabbit all made an appearance and the children spent 30 minutes reading books they had brought from home in the school hall.

The children will be carrying out a range of activities over the next two weeks based on a book of the teacher’s choice as well as participating in a book exchange and also using Michael Morpurgo’s method of writing - ‘think it, tell it and write it’.

The pupils will get to read stories about superheroes including Iron Man and hear about the amazing conquests of Percy Jackson as well old time favourites such as James and the Giant Peach.

Gillian Walters, Deputy Head teacher and Head of Literacy ,Sundon Park Junior School, said: “World Book Day is an excellent way of getting children excited about books. Reading helps to stimulate children’s language development and enhances their vocabularies as well as increases their attention spans. The whole school gets involved in this initiative which is fully supported by our parents.”

This is the 17th World Book Day, which aims to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own. Every school that has registered with World Book Day Ltd will receive a £1 book token for each child, which they can use to purchase one of eight exclusive, new and completely free books. Or they can use it to get £1 off any book or audio book costing over £2.99 at participating bookshops.

A man was knocked unconcious with a brick in a robbery in Sheridan Road.

The victim, 20, was listening to music on his mobile phone as he walked towards Biscot Road at lunch time.

He felt a blow to the back of the head and lost consciousness and when he came round his phone and headphones had been stolen.

The victim made his way home and called an ambulance who then informed the police.

Detectives are in the process of recovering CCTV from the area but would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident on February 28.

Call 01582 394098 with information.

“No lessons have been learnt since custody death” campaigners have said, following an allegation of police brutality towards a man with learning difficulties.

The Justice 4 Leon Briggs committee, who have been campaigning since the death of Mr Briggs in police custody at Luton Police Station in November last year, said they were “dismayed” to hear of the latest incident.

Faruk Ali was allegedly punched and dragged across the pavement by Bedfordshire Police officers who mistook him for a robber when he was putting his bins out.

Friends and family organised a community meeting at Bury Park Community Centre to discuss the issue, which Justice 4 Leon Briggs campaigners attended.

A spokesperson said: “Mr Ali was wearing a badge displayed to alert people he was autistic,and after a previous incident in 2011, Mr Ali was on the police database that would have flagged up his condition. No duty of care seems to have taken place whatsoever.

“We were dismayed to hear of the degrading treatment and unreasonable force used on Mr Ali that was allegedly committed by Bedfordshire Police.

“We feel that absolutely no lessons have been learnt since the death in custody of Leon Briggs,who was detained under section 136 of the mental health act on 4th November 2013.

“It is appalling that the treatment of vulnerable people by Beds Police,leads to assaults and deaths,and as a community,we can no longer accept the policing methods that are currently in place. The officers in the case are on restricted duties,whereas suspension is a true measure of how seriously this incident should be dealt with.

“We also find it scandalous that the police did not report the incident back to Luton Police Station,and if it had not had been for witnesses,this incident would never have been reported.

“This further highlights a serious neglect of openness and transparency,within the force,and it is now imperative that Leon’s Law(the use of body worn cameras in all interactions with the public) is now enforced.”

The group plan to develop their own police complaints system “to ensure fairness, equality and accountability” as they say the police complaints system is flawed.

The spokesperson said: “The trust in the police is already at an all time low,and this incident has destroyed any remaining confidence, trust or faith. We will not accept excuses for failings any longer,and feel we now have to protect ourselves. We support Mr Ali and his family in seeking the right conclusion in this case.”

A Beds Police spokesperson said: “Bedfordshire Police is sorry for the distress Mr Ali and his family feel regarding the actions officers took due to their concerns for Mr Ali’s wellbeing on February 20 in Whitby Road, Luton.

This incident is being taken seriously and an investigation has been launched by the Beds, Cambs and Herts Professional Standards Department which will be supervised by the IPCC. A senior officer from Luton Police Station has spoken with the Ali family directly to reassure them their concerns are being fully addressed. They will be continually and fully updated as the facts of what happened are established.

“Bedfordshire Police is aware that concerns from the wider community have also been made and will form part of the investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact 101 in confidence.”

The spokesperson said all front line officers receive Disability Awareness training in order to assist them when interacting with vulnerable people and any findings from this investigation will be incorporated into the on-going

development of officers. A review of the wider safeguarding measures available to the family is also underway with other statutory care providers and partner organisations.

Sports medals found in a late Luton pawnbroker’s possessions belonged to a prisoner of war from Stopsley who was a famous local athlete.

The Luton News appealed for readers to come forward with information when more than 200 First World War and sports medals were discovered in Philip Harman’s belongings.

These included two medals from the 1920s in the name of J Stokes engraved LWCC which it was thought stood for Luton Wheelers Cycle Club.

Terry Fleckney saw the article and contacted the paper.

He said: “Jim Stokes of Hitchin Road in Stopsley was my great-uncle. He was married to my grandfather’s sister. I remember being told that he was a prisoner of war in the 1914-18 war and was a famous local athlete in his day.”

Terry’s mother, who is now 90, has some of Jim’s memorabilia including his football medals.

He played for Bedfordshire FA until the mid 1930s.

Terry said: “He was very much involved with Luton Wheelers. I know a few of my relatives have some of his awards won during the post First World War period.”

The medals are thought to have been collected by Mr Harman at Harman and Sons Jewellers of Luton in Park Street, which he ran until his retirement in the 1970s.

Terry is now in touch with Bob Elkin who is Mr Harman’s son-in-law and the person who found the medals.

A new police initiative is launching this weekend to help reduce rural crime.

Operation Harrow will see Bedfordshire Police step up their efforts in rural areas where there has been a slight increase in burglary and vehicle crime in recent months.

This will mean high visibility policing in a number of smaller more isolated areas and villages.

Local Policing Inspector Gail Mulvaney said: “I am delighted that we are able to dedicate resources to the rural areas to address issues that have been raised with us.

“Residents in rural communities often feel that they are overlooked by the larger urban areas and I hope that this operation will go some way to reassure the public that we are taking crime in their area extremely seriously.

“Our officers will be out and about in the community, talking to residents and businesses about their concerns, handing out crime prevention advice and encouraging people to join up to a range of local services such as Neighbourhood Watch and Ringmaster.”

The operation will involve a dedicated team made up of members from the Local Policing Team, Crime Reduction, ANPR units, Tasking Units and the Specials Tasking and Rural Crime Team (STaRC) and will also work alongside partnership groups such as Neighbourhood Watch.

Much like Operation Peak which targeted known burglary offenders during the winter months, Operation Harrow will be ‘firm, fair and friendly’ while using all available resources to combat rural crime.

If you have information relating to rural crime please contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on the non-emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

“It begins as a whisper... a promise... the lightest of breezes dances above the death cries of 300 men. That breeze became a wind. A wind that my brothers have sacrificed. A wind of freedom... a wind of justice... a wind of vengeance.”

The memory of the brave 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas who stood against the might of the entire Persian Empire at the Battle of Thermopylae is one of epic legend.

In 2006 Zack ‘Man of Steel’ Synder brought the tale to the big screen in stylish gory glory.

Now we have 300: Rise of an Empire, which fills in the wider story that was taking place before, during, and after the events of the first film – and climaxes with a retelling of another famous point in the Ancient Greek war, the equally blood-soaked sea-based Battle of Salamis.

Both films are based on ground-breaking graphic novels by Frank Miller – although Xerxes, which delivers the plot for the new movie isn’t actually released yet.

Each brings a super-saturated look and feel that highlights a particular colour – while 300 focused on the red Spartan cloaks, Empire brings the blue cloaks of Athenian naval warriors – embodied by the heroic General Themistocles (Sullivan “Gangster Squad’ Stapleton) – to the fore.

The plot sees self-proclaimed ‘god king’ Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), wanting to wipe Greece off the map.

While the original 300’s land battle was raging, his naval commander Artemisia – a stunning turn by Eva Green – is tasked with destroying the Greek fleet.

300: Rise of an Empire is a more complex story than its predecessor, which was more singularly focussed on man-to-man combat.

That’s not to say that there is less fighting – but as well as the super slo-mo shots of swords dismembering enemies there is the wider spectacle of warships colliding and even sea monsters feasting on the dead.

Also of note are the female characters who get just as much screen time, with Green stealing every scene she’s in, including possibly the most confrontational seduction ever, whilst Leonidas’ widow Queen Gorgo (Lena ‘Game of Thrones’ Headey) is a voice of stoic wisdom and a worthy leader of the Spartan people.

Heed the oracle - 300: Rise Of An Empire delivers glorious, seriously violent big screen recreational carnage that will inspire your inner Spartan.

Youngsters on the Bedfordshire UpRising leadership programme are pitching for support in a Dragons’ Den style challenge.

On Monday, March 10, 20 young people will present their ideas for social change in Bedfordshire to a hundred key decision makers from across the county.

Each group is pitching for the top prize of £500, runners up will each receive £150.

The Dragons’ Den style event is hosted by UpRising and the Bedfordshire Rotary Clubs at the University of Bedfordshire grounds between 7pm and 9.30pm.

During the evening four groups of 19-25 year olds will pitch their Social Action Campaign ideas in the hope of winning the prize money to spend on their project.

The event will be held at the University of Bedfordshire’s Putteridge Bury campus and welcomed by Vice Chancellor and Uprising ambassador Bill Rammell.

He said: “It’s a chance for the university to support young people and a chance for these young people to make a real difference in their communities. We are delighted to be hosting the event, which further strengthens our partnership and shared mission with UpRising.”

UpRising is an award-winning youth leadership development organisation, which has been running in Bedford since 2011. In 2013 the programme extended into Luton and this year it plans to increase the programme intake across Bedfordshire.

The programme aims to open pathways to power and opportunities for a diverse range of talented young people.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis is presenting the prizes for the second year, and said: “This event provides an excellent opportunity for these young people to have their ideas and voices heard, in front of professional, business and community leaders from across Bedfordshire. I am looking forward to a lively and informative evening!”

The evening will also include a ‘Skills Auction’ with prizes donated by former UpRisers including a Bengali makeover experience, a social media tutorial and help with a UCAS personal statement from a current University of Bedfordshire lecturer.

A man who fell 30-feet from a building in Luton this morning is now recovering in hospital.

Emergency services were called to the Stuart Street area in town at 7am after reports that a man had fallen from a mezzanine floor and landed in a ditch near to Stuart Street passage.

The man has suffered a serious break to the leg and was transported to hospital by ambulance where he currently remains.

Bedfordshire Police confirmed they assisted the fire service with the incident that forced Stuart Street to be closed until 9am.

It might be only March but in theatreland that’s no excuse for not planning ahead for this year’s panto.

After the very successful Dick Whittington last year, the Grove Theatre in Dunstable will be producing Robin Hood And The Babes In The Wood this December, with Neighbours star Alan Fletcher in the starring role.

Famous for his good guy character Dr Karl Kennedy, Alan is taking on the role of iconic English bad guy the Sheriff of Nottingham.

“Panto baddies have been my staple for many years,” he told Curtain Call. “I have played Captain Hook twice, Abanazar twice, Fleshcreep and, last year in Sevenoaks, The Sheriff of Nottingham. I am particularly looking forward to reprising the role of the Sheriff in Dunstable.

“I had such a great time performing for Magic Beans Pantomimes last year that I am relishing the prospect of doing it again. I was lucky enough to see their amazing production of Dick Whittington last year starring my mate Ryan Moloney and I fell in love with the Grove Theatre as well. Wonderful modern venue with the feel of a traditional theatre.

“I love a traditional cold northern Christmas with all the traditional symbolism of the holiday period. No doubt I will be catching up with mates somewhere in England and hoeing into the mulled wine!”

Alan has been in the Australian soap for 20 years this year and for Kennedy fans he says there are some great storylines coming up for the family.

The massive Liverpool Football Club fans fears however that panto commitments mean he will not be able to see his team play.

“The irony is it is easier for me to watch games live in Australia, albeit at 3:30 am,” he said

90s pop star Lolly, aka Anna Kumble, X Factor finalist Andy Abrahams and ventriloquist Steve Hewlett will also be starring.

Arsonists set fire to an empty house in Stanford Road, Luton on Friday morning.

The incident happened between 2am and 2.30am. Neighbours were awoken by the smell of smoke and called the Fire Service who attended the house and put out the blaze which had caused damage to the front door and hallway.

PC Samantha Shane is keen to hear from anyone who was in Stanford Road at the time of the incident and may have seen anything suspicious.

Contact PC Shane, on the non-emergency number 101, or text to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Fire destroyed the first floor of a semi-detached house in Runley Road, Luton, yesterday (March 9).

One fire engine from Stopsley and one from Luton fought the blaze which is thought to have started in a bedroom.

An aerial platform was also used and the Red Cross were called to help the elderly occupant who was not injured.

Next door neighbour Hameed Kahn, 40, said he and his wife were woken by people shouting in the street about 8.30am.

“There was lots of noise and smoke,” he said. “We were told to evacuate our home and didn’t get back in until midday.

“We were told it was an electrical fault that had caused the problem.”

The heartbreak of seeing a family friend’s child battle leukemia has inspired a seven year old to go for the chop.

Ellise Buckingham had already made £500 after producing sponsorship forms for the Little Princess charity, which provides real hair wigs for children with cancer, before having her hair cut on Saturday.

Ellise, of Mangrove Road, Stopsley, decided to have 10 inches of her 16 inch blonde hair cut after hearing about the friend’s child.

The Ramridge Road primary school pupil was very proud of her long locks, said mum Laura but she wanted to do something for charity.

“We’re really proud of her doing it,” said Laura. “It’s something I wouldn’t have ever thought of - a seven year old coming up with.”

Ellise had her locks chopped by hairdresser Jodie Jackson on Saturday.

>You can donate to Ellise’s Just Giving page at http://www.justgiving.com/Ellise2006

Building work at Luton Police Station’s public enquiry office will mean access to over the counter services will be limited next week.

Members of the public will still be able to call at the Buxton Road station to speak with staff but the waiting area will be temporarily restricted and counter space will be reduced while the refurbishment is underway from March 17-23.

A temporary alternative enquiry office will be opened at Future’s House in Marsh Farm from Monday 17 to Friday 21 from 9am – 5pm and the public are also reminded that face to face enquiry office services are also available at Dunstable and Houghton Regis police stations.

Wayne Humberstone who manages the enquiry offices across Bedfordshire said while the work was important the aim is to keep disruption to services to a minimum.

He said: “We know how important the services that our enquiry office staff provide are to the public and we will be maintaining this at Luton Police Station while the refurbishment is underway, but we wanted to manage peoples’ expectations as seating space will be limited and it may take longer to process their requests.

“I would encourage anyone seeking general advice from the police to use the alternative locations or call 101.”

>Luton and Dunstable Police Station enquiry offices are open seven days a week from 7am – 10pm.

Houghton Regis enquiry office is open Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm.

LUTON police station’s over-the-counter services will be limited between March 17-23 due to refurbishment.

Members of the public will still be able to visit the Buxton Road station to speak to staff but the waiting area will be temporarily restricted.

A temporary office at Future’s House, Marsh Farm, will be open from Monday 17 to Friday 21, from 9am to 5pm.

Spokesman Wayne Humberstone said: “We know how important these services are but we want to manage people’s expectations as seating space will be limited and it may take longer to process their requests.

“I would encourage anyone seeking general advice to use the alternative locations or call 101.”

Dunstable police station enquiry offfice is open seven days a week from 7am to10pm and Houghton Regis enquiry office is open Monday to Friday from 9am - 5pm.

Beds top cop Colette Paul has written an unprecedented letter to Luton residents in the wake of claims of assault against an autistic man.

Police in the town are already under fire following the death of Leon Briggs in police custody in November last year.

On February 20 this year the family of Faruk Ali, 33, who is autistic, claim he was badly beaten by two police officers outside his Whitby Road home.

Initially the officers were placed on restrictive duties while an internal investigation took place.

But following a heated community meeting and growing concerns in the wider community, the officers involved “are no longer to have any direct contact with the public whilst this investigation is taking place,” said Ms Paul.

But although the ‘open’ letter to residents was placed on Beds police website and sent to the family of Mr Ali, by Tuesday morning it had not been sent to local press along with the usual police press releases.

Mr Ali’s brother, Dhobir Ali, said they were still not satisfied with the response.

“They haven’t suspended the officers in question,” he said. “Lots of stuff in the statement is contradictory.”

In her letter, Ms Paul says following a review of the case and in the light of new information she had moved the officers involved.

The case has also been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and the Leicestershire force will now take charge of the investigation.

Chief Supt Jim Saunders, based at Kempston, will move to Luton to take direct responsibility for leadership of the police response and the community cohesion team in Luton will be increasing.

“I have cleared my appointments and I will be out and about in the forthcoming weeks in the community, speaking with those people who are concerned,” said Ms Paul.

Faruk Ali, who has moderate learning disability and is autistic, was allegedly injured by police offers who mistook him for a robber as he put the bins out at his home.

His sister Husna Begum said she was woken by the sound of Faruk screaming and says she saw a man dragging him across the floor and punching him.

Dhobir Ali said his brother was now terrified. “He is really traumatised,” he said. “He can’t sleep at night and he is waking really early. He’s really scared, especially if he hears a siren.”

The Justice 4 Leon Briggs committee, who have been campaigning since the death of Mr Briggs in police custody at Luton Police Station, said they were “dismayed” to hear of the latest incident.

A spokesperson said: “Mr Ali was wearing a badge displayed to alert people he was autistic,and after a previous incident in 2011, Mr Ali was on the police database that would have flagged up his condition. No duty of care seems to have taken place whatsoever.

“We feel that absolutely no lessons have been learnt since the death in custody of Leon Briggs,who was detained under section 136 of the mental health act on 4th November 2013.

“It is appalling that the treatment of vulnerable people by Beds Police,leads to assaults and deaths,and as a community,we can no longer accept the policing methods that are currently in place. The officers in the case are on restricted duties,whereas suspension is a true measure of how seriously this incident should be dealt with.

“It is now imperative that Leon’s Law(the use of body worn cameras in all interactions with the public) is now enforced.”

The spokesperson said: “The trust in the police is already at an all time low,and this incident has destroyed any remaining confidence, trust or faith.”

The RSPCA is appealing for help after a dog with a severe neck injury was found in Sundon Park on Saturday evening.

The two to three-year-old dog was found on Radnor Road, Luton at 6pm, RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith was called and took him to a vet.

Inspector Smith said: “The wound was open, very smelly and raw. The collar must have become embedded into his flesh over quite some time to the extent that he even had marks in the shape of a tag underneath his neck, showing that the tag had become embedded too.

“Despite this dog’s horrible injuries, he was extremely friendly and didn’t even growl or grumble when the vet was treating him. He had obviously been well fed, was in good condition and knew commands like sit and stay. It is such a shame that such a good natured and lovely dog has been left to get into this state.

“We therefore think that the person who owned and loved this dog just hadn’t realised how bad the injury was until they removed his collar and looked under the folds of his neck. It could be that they then couldn’t get veterinary treatment and the dog was left straying as a result, although of course we probably won’t know exactly what happened to him.”

It is not known how long he had been straying and he is now being cared for at an RSPCA centre.

Anyone with information about who this dog belongs to should contact the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 1238018.

If you would like to help the RSPCA, ypu can give £3 now by texting HELP to 78866 (Text xosts £3 + one standard network rate message).

On a cold, grey and rainy Friday morning at 9am, guests, teachers, pupils and parents gathered together at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Junior School to celebrate an extra special achievement – the launch of Luton’s first Fairtrade School.

Pupils from Year 6 led the event, giving a showstopping performance demonstrating how, in the words of Martin Luther King Jr, “Before you finished your breakfast this morning, you’ll have relied on half the world”.

The children reminded all how supporting Fairtrade is a way to love our neighbour, one of the most important commandments in Christian teaching and for other faiths, too.

St Joseph’s has worked tirelessly to learn about and support Fairtrade, working closely with Fairtrade Luton group.  Pupils have enjoyed a visit from Fairtrade banana producer Tookie from St Vincent, presented Fairtrade at Luton Peace Walk, held Fairtrade tuck shops and information days and engaged with shoppers at the Sainsbury’s supermarket.

Guest left the school with their mornings brightened, inspired by the message of hope through Fairtrade portrayed by the talented pupils.

A youth homeless charity has been cleaning up a house to help provide homes for young people in Luton.

LAMP, a local Christian charity, joined up with the workers from Vauxhall to restore a house on Napier Road.

Helen Snowden, at LAMP, said: “We aim to support and provide opportunities for homeless people aged 16-25, this project is a great opportunity to provide homes for some of them.”

Cherie Denton, Community Relations Officer at Vauxhall, said: “At Vauxhall we want to help with charities for young people and we have been supporting LAMP since last year.”

“LAMP help them get homes and the money we donated was used to kit them out and provide transport for interviews.”

Cherie and five Vauxhall workers spent their day cleaning the house and garden and building the flat pack furniture,from the charity.

She said: “We all worked really hard and it was a great day, we felt like we had made a difference.”

Helen said: “We have a good relationship with Vauxhall and are grateful for the work they have done for us.”

“Now that it is all cleaned up, we hope to start moving people in this week.”

According to received wisdom, you are either a dog person or a cat person.

There is, of course, a third category in which I am happy to put myself – I’m just a person, and anything four-legged will be waiting a long time for me to direct any loopy love in their direction.

I just can’t see why anyone would saddle themselves with being tied down by an expensive, ungrateful, smelly, unresponsive burden. I’ve had teenagers, thank you very much, and at least they grow out of it for the most part.

Pet owners of all sorts, but we’ll restrict ourselves to dogs for today, cherish the bond of companionship which makes all that wet weather walking, the crippling vet bills and the little matter of scooping for poop worthwhile. They reckon.

But wouldn’t it be so much better if their faithful friend was able to communicate in a more meaningful way?

Well, they won’t have to wait much longer – boffins for whom a cure for cancer or world hunger just doesn’t provide enough of a challenge have come up with a prototype gadget which they say could take pet-to-human communication to a whole new level.

It’s a headset that uses brain-scan technology to detect doggy thought patterns, analyse them and translate them into the spoken word. No, really.

Potential canine conversation gambits already identified include simple phrases, not unlike those that might be uttered by a child’s toy, to express joy, tiredness, confusion and other basic emotions.

In the last decade, big strides have been made in mapping the human brain’s functions, but the developers say this is the first time anyone has tried to apply the technology on man’s best friend.

Hang on a minute, isn’t there a missing link here?

Let’s be honest, however clever the technology a dog is never going to be much of a conversationalist.

I can’t see a future full of canine cocktail parties at which sharp-tongued Sealyhams and tart terriers trade quips while wolfing down far too many tiny sausages and being sick on the carpet. Dogs are dim, and whatever they have got to say it’s hardly worth strapping a headset on their bone-headed bonce – besides, they’ll only scratch it off in double quick time and more than likely wreck the delicate instrument. More expense.

But if scientists really are making progress in mapping the emotions at play in a human brain, forget the dogs and let’s cut straight to the chase.

A simple machine that can tell your handler when you’re hungry, when you’re tired, when you’re anxious and when you’re just confused?

I can think of many a wife who would buy one tomorrow, and many a husband who would be happy to wear one if it meant an end to that inevitable question: What are you thinking?

New carnival arts boss Lisa Marie Trump still can’t believe she’s landed her dream job at the age of 39.

“Being chief executive of the UK Centre for Carnival Arts embraces all the things I love and ties in with everything I’ve done so far,” she explains.

A fast talking blonde with three identical silver piercings in each ear, she holds a degree in costume design from Wimbledon School of Art and has worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company and Glyndbourne, to name but two of the illustrious credentials on her CV.

She’s worked with David Tennant – “fascinating actor, great sense of humour and very intense on stage” – and Judi Dench – “an absolutely lovely person.”

Lisa’s last post was with Shape, a disability-led arts organisation.

“I was looking for something that was a bit more of a challenge and then this came along,” she smiles.

“We’re a national body with a local heart. I see the Centre as an incubation hub, a natural launch pad for creative people who are just getting their careers off the ground.

“It has a really important role in the local community, representing other arts organisations and supporting their growth.”

She added: “This venue is unique – I want to see it buzzing.

“There’s so much we can do with it and when the couryard comes alive, it reminds you of how the Centre is meant to be.”

Linslade-based Lisa is also Luton’s latest cheerleader.

She says: “Any diverse town has its tensions but there are so many good things like Mela, the St Patrick’s Day parade and Carnival – that’s how inclusive Luton is.

“And the food is amazing! So not only do you have music and dance but the streets are full of delicious smells – there’s nothing you can’t get.”

Lisa originally came to Luton in the 1990s on what she calls “a hat pilgrimage.’

“I can’t believe how different and how much safer it feels now,” she says. “The redevelopment has been quite remarkable.”

Her hobbies include portrait and still life painting. She also owns a narrow boat she laughingly refers to as ‘HMS DIY SOS.’

“I retrained in Roses and Castles, which is narrow boat folk art,” she said. “My style before then was big and expansive; it made me re-focus on detail.”

She’s full of energy and enthusiasm for the task ahead, applying for Art Council funding one day and attending a circus workshop in London the next.

This year’s carnival – the first to be produced in its entirety by UKCCA – is on Sunday, May 25.

The theme is ‘We are what we are’ and Lisa believes it’s an accurate reflection of Luton and its diverse community.