Diabetes UK is looking for energetic volunteers in Luton and Dunstable to support a collection weekend at their local Tesco store.

The Big Collection weekend will take place in Tesco stores on 13, 14 and 15 June 2014 with the aim of raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for Diabetes UK, as part of the major national charity partnership between the two organisations. The partnership aims to make life better for those with the condition or at high risk of developing it.

Diabetes UK is recruiting 4,800 volunteers throughout the UK.

Volunteers can select morning or afternoon sessions running from 9am until 6pm on 13 and 14 June and 10am until 4pm on 15 June.

Sharon Roberts, Diabetes UK Eastern Regional Manager, said:: “We are looking for enthusiastic and approachable volunteers with a desire to help raise lots of money for a fantastic cause.

The weekend takes place at the end of Diabetes Week and it is a great way to inform customers about diabetes while raising money for Diabetes UK. Contact Gemma Pilgrim on 01376 505247, gemma.pilgrim@diabetes.org.uk or email BigCollection@diabetes.org.uk

For further information on the Big Collection and to find your nearest store visit www.diabetes.org.uk/big-collection

A university of Bedfordshire student is organising a disco and quiz night to raise money for Help for Heroes on Saturday, May 3.

Georgia Coan, of Luton road, is holding the event in memory of her late brother Elliot, who died unexpectedly, aged 16, last May.

The 20-year-old said: “My brother was an inspiring policemen who was set to start police cadets, he was very interested in helping the local community and always put others before himself.

Peter Newton Pavillion will host Elliot’s Quizco, from 7pm, and the family are hoping to raise £2000.

Ms Coan said:“My aunty, who also helped to organise the event, thought Help for Heroes is a great charity to give to as my brother was interested in Public services and was also part of Regiment Fitness who work closely with the charity.”

They have received a lot of support from local businesses, she said: “We are grateful for all the donations from Creations Hair dressers, Avalon UK management, Whipsnade Zoo and London Gliding Club, also Garage Doors Luton are sponsoring the event, allowing us to raise more money.”

Legendary movie mogul and straight talker Sam Goldwyn reckoned a good movie should start with an earthquake and build to a climax.

Old Sam probably thought that a decent plot, adequate acting and a semblance of good storytelling could be taken as read, but it’s sadly not so.

That’s why Pompeii joins a long list of historical epics which have come a cropper by putting too much faith in eye-catching special effects.

This steaming pile of magma has no real A-list names to haul it over the line, the story is ponderous and we all know there’s a big bang coming. Sadly it doesn’t come soon enough – even though it only runs to just over 100 minutes.

Another familiar scenario gets one more turn around the ring this week – the latest Tarzan is an animation promising all sorts of modern extras and an updating of the classic ‘raised in the jungle’ story.

Plastic is an unpromising title for a ‘based on a true story’ tale about young crooks getting in over their heads and having to fend off a sadistic gangster – another familiar storyline. Rising Brit stars Ed Speleers and Will Poulter are at the centre of the action.

Brick Mansions is chiefly notable as being the last completed project of Fast & Furious franchise car freak Paul Walker, who was killed in a high-speed car smash last year.

He’s an undercover cop pursuing a crime lord armed with a neutron bomb in decaying Detroit, but underneath all that it’s a routine remake of French action classic District 13.

Luton MPs Gavin Shuker and Kelvin Hopkins have rounded on a ‘half-hearted’ grant to improve disabled access at Luton train station.

The Department for Transport has announced that Luton is one of 42 stations across England, Scotland and Wales to be given a share of £100m funding to improve access into stations and between platforms.

With detailed designs yet to have been confirmed for the station it is not yet known how much funding has been allocated to Luton, though the DfT says it expects improvements to be completed by 2019.

Previous work under the Access for All scheme has included improvements such as new ramps, lifts or tactile paving.

The announcement hit a bum note with both of Luton’s Labour MPs, who are calling for a major rebuild of the station.

Mr Hopkins said: “It is the gateway to our town and first impressions are important. We need an attractive, well equipped station to welcome visitors to Luton, not just a halfhearted facelift.”

Mr Shuker added: “The Tories pulled the cash that the last Labour government put in place to completely rebuild Luton Station and now they want credit for money that has to be put in place just to keep the building legal.

“It’s time for this government to give Luton what it deserves: a better station.”

A Luton care home could be kitted out with surveillance cameras, the Herald & Post can reveal.

Milliner House Care Home, in Marsh Road, may see the introduction after operator HC-One announced its intention to investigate use in all of its homes across the country.

The firm’s consultation follows a BBC Panorama investigation, broadcast last night, which showed abuse and neglect of patients in Braintree and Croydon.

The latter of these two homes, Oban House, is owned by HC-One, which called the footage “shocking and distressing”.

The firm will be consulting residents in Milliner House on their views over the introduction of cameras.

HC-One chairman Chai Patel said: “We are proposing that residents and relatives would be able to request that a camera is installed in their room at any time.

“We are pursuing an ‘opt in’ voluntary model which will mean those who do not wish to be filmed would not be.” Mr Patel added that after it was made aware of neglect the firm “took immediate action and we remain deeply sorry for these failings.”

HC-One is the UK’s third largest residential care provider.

The expansion of Luton Airport will now take flight after the government backed plans this morning.

A raft of upgrades were agreed by Luton Borough Council in December but Communities Secretary Eric Pickles asked to review the decision.

He has now given consent to the plans which will take the airport’s capacity from 12 million to 18 million passengers a year.

The biggest change will be a vast expansion of the airport terminal, which will be remodelled and modernised.

Once complete it will be equipped with:

> Up to 20 security passenger screening lanes

> 15 immigration passenger screening lanes

> Up to eight international and one domestic passenger reclaim belts

> Increase retail, catering, circulation and seating areas

> A new two storey pier

A number of changes will also be made around the terminal.

A new parallel taxiway will be built to increase the capacity of the existing runway for an additional six million passengers a year.

The road from the Holiday Inn Roundabout will be dueled and a newly configured road system will be put in place to the front of the terminal area.

A new multi-storey car park will also be built.

Glyn Jones, managing director of the airport, issued his pleasure at the decision.

He said: “We are delighted that after a thorough process, the council can proceed to grant planning permission for London Luton.

“We see this as a real vote of confidence in the Airport and its future, underlining the determination of our new owners, Ardian and Aena, to develop and radically improve London Luton and deliver a better airport experience for our passengers in the years to come.

“The opportunities it brings for the local economy in terms of jobs and investment are significant, and Luton can now press ahead with making its local airport bigger and better, while remaining a good neighbour.”

The announcement comes a fortnight after easyJet revealed its intention to more than double its operation at the airport.

The airline says this 10-year deal will create 2,500 new jobs and take its own operation from four million to nine million passengers a year.

The council is keen to hear from anyone who has been the victim of domestic violence in order to improve the way cases are handled and identify the support required.

It has also launched a Luton-specific website to help those experiencing domestic abuse or who are concerned about family, friends or colleagues.

There are special sections for adults, children and professionals with guidance tailored to particular needs

A community safety spokeswoman said: “It helps victims understand the effects of domestic abuse on themselves and others, and how to seek help to stop it.

“But remember that anyone who feels their life is in danger should always call 999.”

Access the website at www.lutondomesticabuse.co.uk
> If you would like to be involved in the council’s domestic violence task and finish group review, email scrutiny@luton.gov.uk or attend the group’s next meeting at 6pm on Thursday May 8 in the Town Hall.

Passengers at Luton Airport were left facing border control queues up to two hours long overnight, due to an IT glitch.

The problem, which also affected travellers arriving at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports, meant that UK Border Force staff had to manually input passport details for those arriving in the UK rather than scan documents.

The glitch caused a large backlog at London Luton, with reports that it took two hours for travellers to be processed.

Passenger Simon Kalman, who arrived at Luton from Barcelona at 10.45pm last night, told BBC News he was forced to wait alongside around 2,000 other people.

He said: “It was a total mess, there was limited water available and people were getting very frustrated.”

Josh Bone captured the madness at 1am this morning, in a picture which shows hundreds in line.

At the time he added: “Sort it out”.

Immigration and Security Minister James Brokenshire apologised for the problem.

He said: “Our engineers have been working through the night to fix the temporary IT problems that regrettably led to longer queues for some passengers at passport controls yesterday.

“The current situation is much improved and we are doing our best to keep waiting times to a minimum during this morning’s busy period.

“We apologise for any delays but security must remain our priority at all times.”

Police are appealing for information after a bag of cigarettes and tobacco was snatched from the back of a car on Monday, April 28.

The victim had visited Best Way Cash and Carry on Dallow road and purchased cigarettes and tobacco, to the value of £800.

At a junction on Dallow road, at 1.30pm, an Asian man wearing dark clothes got out of a silver Vauxhall Vectra, opened the back door and took the bag containing the products.

Detective constable David Elias said: “This is an extremely busy road junction and other motorists, pedestrians and the driver of the blue vehicle, could have vital information that may help identify the person responsible for this crime.

“It is also possible that the offender had followed the victim from the cash and carry and I would urge anyone who has information relating to this offence to contact the police.”

Anyone with information should call DC Elias on 01582 394376.

Roy Hodgson will announce his squad for the upcoming World Cup in Luton, it has been confirmed.

The England manager will travel to Vauxhall’s Griffin House HQ on May 12, where he will name his squad for the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Three Lions are set to face Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in the group stages of the tournament.

The town will host Hodgson as Vauxhall is the sponsor of national football, the firm is also the lead partner of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales footballs until the end of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Marketing director of Vauxhall Motors Peter Hope said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the England manager to Griffin House on such an iconic day in England’s World Cup campaign.

“For our employees to be engaged in such a big day in the England team calendar is very exciting and we look forward to welcoming all of the media to Vauxhall HQ.”

Club England managing director Adrian Bevington added: “We have enjoyed an extremely close relationship with Vauxhall since they became England Team Sponsor three years ago, and this is a fine example of that.

“This will be an important day for Roy and the players ahead of an exciting summer in Brazil. It is always a day of interest to the whole country, and we’re glad we can share it with Vauxhall.”

The announcement will be the second time that England manager Roy Hodgson has visited Vauxhall’s Luton Headquarters, previously he previewed England’s trip to Brazil there last year.

Little Starz day nursery has been deemed inadequate by an Ofsted report, released on Tuesday, April 29.

The day nursery, on Prospect way, got the same result in 2013 following an inspection, new owners have taken over the nursery, and believe things are improving.

The Ofsted report stated: “The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection.”

New owners, All About The Children, have 12 nurseries across England and have invested £45,000 into improving it.

Liz Richardson, director, said: “The nursery is in the progress of changing, we have spent a lot of money on new resources to aid their learning and there are new rooms for the children.

“We have spoken to the parents and they seem very happy with the changes that are being made.

“The name is changing to Prospect House nursery, we want a fresh start, we cannot change what has happened in the past, but the staff have been working really hard with us to change things and I think it is going to have great results.

Politics students put their revision into practice as they got the chance to grill EU candidates yesterday.

The hustings event, held at Luton Sixth Form College, saw East of England candidates from major parties attend to debate immigration, EU membership and tuition fees, among other issues.

The debate came three weeks before EU elections on May 22 and also three weeks before students themselves will be grilled in end of year exams.

East England currently has 7 MEPs, four Conservative, one Labour, one Lib Dem and one UKIP.

Government and Politics A-Level students pre-prepared questions to be asked,

Answering the questions and debating the toss were MEP candidates Linda Jack (Lib Dem), Chris Ostrowski (Labour), Margaret Simons (Conservative) and Marc Schiemann (Green). Party activist Daniel Jukes, 17, represented UKIP on the panel.

The first question put to the participants, on whether the proportional representation voting system should be introduced for Westminster elections, proved divisive though tempers did not flare until immigration was touched on.

Margaret Simons, the Conservatives’ sixth East England candidate, told the audience: “We are now negotiating with the EU to reduce to desire of people to come to this country and that is not to do with discrimination but it is to do with our ability to plan for public services.”

UKIP representative Daniel Jukes disagreed, arguing: “As it stands you cannot control your borders while still in the EU. There is no way to tell who will be coming over while you have free movement of labour. There is no way there will be negotiation on that.”

Students chipped in with questions throughout the 90 minute discussion.

Government and Politics teacher Steve Coghlan, who organised the event, said he was pleased with the turnout of around 70 students.

He said: “The questions were not randomly chosen, about 150 students were asked to submit questions and the most popular ones were used,

“I was very pleased that the questions were answered in a way that could be understood, I think students will now go away and decide which party is for them.

“UKIP are flavour of the month but they come with controversy so I expected sparks to fly but everyone was well-mannered.

“That was the point for these students, to see that people hold different views and can fall out over them.

“It was very useful for the students, it has validated what they have learnt in class. We hope that a few may consider becoming politicians and perhaps one will represent Luton in the future.”

Work on the A5-M1 link road improvement scheme will begin this month, according to the Highways Agency.

Advance work will start on May 27, following approval by the transport secretary.

Utility companies will move two overhead high powered electricity cables underground, and the relocation of gas and water pipes and fibre optic broadband cables.

Moving these will support the main construction of the A5-M1 link road and the new Junction 11a, due to start in March 2015.

This part of major civil engineering work will take 24 months to complete and will continue alongside the main construction.

Karen Green, Highways Agency project manager, said: “It’s important we start this package of work now, as it helps us keep on target for main work starting by March 2015.

“There will be some local traffic management in place during the work, but we expect it to have minimal impact on road users.”

Central Bedfordshire council provided £5 million towards the scheme.

Director of regeneration at the council, Jason Longhurst, said: “This marks an important step in the on-going process of meeting the future infrastructure needs for the area. Over the coming months we will be working hard with our partners to bring our plans to fruition.”

Impact on traffic is expected to be minimal but drivers can keep up to date on www.highways.gov.uk.

An angry mother is backing the RSPCA campaign to stop puppy trafficking, after her pug was taken off her by trading standards.

Cheryl Ashton, of Icknield road, bought the puppy from a Lithuanian man in Enfield, believeing it was Kennel Club certified.

She took Charlie home and got him settled with her children, who loved him, before taking him to a vet at Pets At Home to get him registered.

The 31-year-old said: “The vet said he looked younger than 15 weeks and called Trading Standards, they came to my work the next day, I thought they were just coming to do some checks on him but they took him, it was horrible.”

The pug was taken into quarantine at Bayton Lodge, a private company in Warwickshire.

A council Trading Standards spokeswoman said: “We seized the puppy from Ms Ashton under the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 1974 after a local vet became suspicious that the dog’s passport was fake.

“Enquiries suggest the 7 week old puppy, which is far too young to be removed from its mother, is from Lithuania and has not had its rabies vaccination, and is therefore a risk to its owners and the general public.

“The puppy will be well cared for and provided the owner pays the costs of seizure, transport and quarantine, it will be returned to her once it has been fully vaccinated, completed its stay in quarantine and is free from rabies symptoms.”

The RSPCA campaign to stop illegal puppy trafficking in the UK, warns of the dangers of bringing dogs from other countries with false vaccination certificates.

Ms Ashton is backing the campaign, she said: “It is too easy for people to bring puppy’s to this country that have not had the proper checks, I was naive when buying Charlie and now I am paying the price, I want people to be aware of what is going on.

“I have set up a Facebook page ‘Save Charlie Boy’ to raise money to bring him home, so many people want to help.”

Before 12 YEARS A SLAVE (15: Entertainment One) came along there were precious few films about slavery in the US told from the point of view of the enslaved.

I can only think of the milestone 1970s mini-series Roots, Quentin Tarantino’s revenge fantasy Django Unchained and a handful of others.

So director Steve McQueen’s Oscar-winning adaptation of Solomon Northup’s memoir is essential viewing for correcting that imbalance.

It’s also a tremendously powerful piece of film-making – a tale of suffering, endurance, courage and humanity about a man kidnapped and sold into slavery.

The scenes where characters are brutalised and tortured are shocking in the extreme and the film packs all the more wallop for the elegance with which it’s made.

But McQueen tempers that horror with a display of directorial craft so that the most emotional moments, like the long-held close-up of Northup singing, are delivered with maximum force.

Chiwetel Ejiofor’s fine lead performance fully deserves all the praise that’s been heaped upon it and the supports, especially Lupita Nyong’o and Michael Fassbender, are no less impressive.

> 47 RONIN (12: Universal) is a handsomely staged action blockbuster blending Japanese myth with Hollywood-style CGI beasties.

Keanu Reeves stars as Kai, an outcast foundling who finds himself fronting a small band of masterless samurai called ronin.

They were betrayed by a ruthless warlord and banished from their homeland, but they receive fresh hope in the shape of this mysterious former slave, who leads them into battle against monstrous and magical enemies as they seek to reclaim their status.

The movie both benefits and suffers from its splendidly all-Japanese support cast. They look great, but are obliged to speak in English, so subtitles might have been employed.

Although things tend to flag around the action and the film lacks the sense of fighting overwhelming odds that, say, The Seven Samurai had, it’s a decent effort and quite moving in its final moments.

> While it will resonate more if you’re familiar with the original TV show, as most of the characters and actors reappear, there’s enough charm, wit and mystery to make VERONICA MARS (12: Warner) worth watching.

The US series starring Kristen Bell as small-town student sleuth Veronica ran for three seasons between 2004 and 2007. Then last year Bell and series creator Rob Thomas launched an online appeal and thanks to loyal fans were able to raise nearly $6million to make the feature.

All that love and lolly is warranted as the film is a class act, with Bell back as the former teen private eye, now in her 20s and working as a lawyer in New York.

She’s compelled to return to her Californian home town of Neptune when an ex-boyfriend is charged with murder.

> We all love a terrible movie – and THE CANYONS (18: Sony) is an absolute stinker.

This erotic thriller, directed by the once-great Paul Schrader, features James Deen, who learns of a secret affair between his former actress girlfriend (Lindsay Lohan) and the lead in his film project. He spirals out of control and his cruel mind games escalate into violence.

‘We are a fraternity, we are a brotherhood, and we are here to party!’

Bad Neighbours – or just Neighbors as it was originally distributed on the other side of the pond – is the latest entry in a long line of frat-house comedies that trace their roots through flicks like Animal House, Revenge of the Nerds, Van Wilder and Old School.

The spin this time is to find out what happens when a raucous fraternity led by the uber-buff Teddy Sanders (Zac ‘High School Musical’ Efron) moves in next to a thirtysomething couple with a young child. It’s not all sweetness and light, that’s for sure.

It is, however, an all out hilarious if morally dubious comedy clash.

Director Nicholas ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ Stoller is blessed with a talented cast led by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne who play Mac and Kelly Radner, the couple with a new young baby who are trying to cope with parenthood.

The last thing this sleep-deprived pair need is a loud bunch of college guys moving in next door and partying all night every night.

As well as some of the funniest scenes to hit the big screen for years – you may never forget the airbags pranks – there is a real heart at the core of Bad Neighbours.

The issues of adapting to being parents are handled well through a comedy lens and there is a touch of ‘Project X’ about the frat party finale.

Bad Neighbours certainly isn’t for the easily offended as there is mucho profanity, nudity and general wrongness writ large, but it works because the leads are so darn likeable.

The film nails the parental insecurity and frustration about how having a child forces you to quit partying or having much chance for spontaneous fun experienced by the older generation and the fear of having to ‘grow up’ from the college kids.

All the cast go about the funny business with gusto as the prank war escalates to insane proportions. Rogen is on great form and has superb chemistry with Byrne while Zac Efron eats up the screen looking incredibly cool. Dave Franco is also superb as Zac’s vice president – their ‘bromance’ is a good balance to the young couple’s relationship – and both relationships have real heartfelt moments.

If you need a good laugh, Bad Neighbours is by far the funniest film to hit the cinema in 2014 – it’s a full on wild, crude hilarious thrill ride!

The British obsession with gardening and nosing round other people’s plots has proved a money spinner for charity.

In 2013 the National Gardens Scheme raised more than £2m for charities including Macmillan and help the Hospices.

Bedfordshire has 23 private gardens which open for the charity throughout the year, offering people a chance to wander among a diverse variety of landscapes and planting.

On Sunday Flaxbourne Farm in Apsley Guise opens its gates and in June two gardens in Barton le Clay, the Manor House and the quirky Wayside Cottage across the road will be open for visitors.

Other gardens in the scheme include Dragons Glen in Clophill and Luton Hoo Walled Garden. Luton Hoo Hotel Golf and Spa with landscaping originally created by Capability Brown will also be providing guided tours and illustrated talks.

The Hyde Walled garden in East Hyde, opening on June 14 and July 13, features a rose garden and an interesting group of Victorian greenhouses, coldframes and cucumber house.

Across the border in Hertfordshire more than 60 gardens will be on show throughout the year.

>For more details of gardens and opening times go to www.ngs.org.uk

Companies in the county have been so busy this year that the organisers of this year’s FSB Bedfordshire Business Awards have extended the deadline for entering to give them more time.

As a local survey of business confidence shows a massive 49 per cent of companies have more confidence this year than 2013, the awards entry deadline has been moved back a week from May 8 to May 15.

FSB Bedfordshire branch chairman Ian Cording said: “Over the last few months the upswing has been really noticeable. Businesses I speak to across the county have been working their socks off.

“It’s great news for them but we know some people have delayed filling in their forms, so we’re putting the deadline back a week to allow them to finish off. It also gives others the chance to get in there for the great opportunity it offers them to market their business.”

The survey also showed 44 per cent have about the same level of confidence and only 7 per cent have less.

Marketing spending normally rises during periods of increased confidence and the survey reflects that, with 31 per cent of firms planning to spend more this year. The majority, 56 per cent will be doing about the same amount of advertising, PR and other kinds of marketing.

And of the kinds of marketing likely to benefit, it’s possibly good news for leaflet printers, newspapers and magazines, with a whopping 48 per cent planning to use print this year. Using Facebook attracts 45 per cent, Twitter 31 per cent, 29 per cent other forms of social media. Business networking will be used by 54 per cent of respondents and public relations by 20 per cent.

Ian said: “Entering awards is the perfect complement to those other forms of marketing. The pictures can be placed on Facebook and Twitter, your print adverts carry more gravitas, you have good news for a press release and your website and it gives an added element to your business pitching.

“So our message to all small businesses in Bedfordshire is don’t put it off any longer. Filling in that entry form could be the most effective form of marketing you’ve done this year.”

IA small business is defined as one which extends from sole traders to up to 250 employees at the time of entering. Find out more at www.fbs.org.uk/bedsawards

Five schools from across Luton and Dunstable have been praised by standards watchdog Ofsted after positive inspections at the end of March.

Wenlock C of E Junior, Thornhill Primary, St Martin de Porres Primary, St Joseph’s RC Infant and Sacred Heart Primary were all given interim assessments by Ofsted on March 28– shorter visits which determine when each school will undergo its next full Ofsted report.

All five schools had previously attained a ‘good’ rating, meaning that they will be inspected less often than other schools under new Ofsted rules.

Generally ‘good’ schools are now inspected once in five years, whilst schools that require improvement will normally be inspected within two years of their last inspection.

During the interim assessment each school was considered for pupils’ attainment, progress and attendance.

Parents’ views are also sought, while any other issues brought to Ofsted’s attention are looked over.

All five schools were told that they had sustained their ‘good’ ratings and will not be inspected before the summer term next year.

Sir Michael Wilshaw, HM Chief Inspector, wrote to each school: “I wish everyone involved continued success in the future.”

Her office is a like a mini Piccadilly Circus – there’s always something going on.

At the moment there’s a mum doing a recce to see whether the baby and toddler unit Pam Gray has run for the past 14 years will be suitable for her new baby (it is); another who’s just heard that Pam is retiring and has popped in to say she’ll be sadly missed; and a third who buried her mother the previous day wants to thank Pam personally for her support.

It’s obvious that she’s universally adored – not only by the mums who trust her with their precious offspring, but also by the children themselves and her loyal staff, many of whom have been with her for years.

There’s huge sadness that she’s decided to call it a day but lots of laughter as everyone recalls the happy times they’ve shared.

Pam, 68, remembers one hilarious parents’ event: “It was a lovely summer evening and we were having a barbcue.

“We rolled the piano out into the garden and someone complained about the noise. When the police arrived at 11pm, they couldn’t believe they’d been called to a nursery.”

The grandmother-of-two trained as a nursery nurse at St Albans College of Further Education.

“I always wanted to work with children,” she says simply. “There was nothing else even on the horizon.”

For the past four decades, she’s been a much-loved and familiar face at many Luton schools, including Warden Hill, Icknield and Foxdale.

Tadpoles was opened as an offshoot of Grasmere Nursery School, catering for working mums and those going to university.

It started with 12 children, taking babies of three months to toddlers of three.

“We’ve now got 90 children – and a long waiting list,” Pam says.

“I designed the building as open plan, so you can see where everything is.

“I’ve always wanted it to be like a home-from-home and there’s always lots of banter.”

Pam credits her staff of 22 with Tadpoles’ success and says they’ve all got that extra something.

She explains: “You can educate people, you can lead by example but you’ve got to choose people who want to be here, who have that special sparkle.”

Admin assistant Carol Lawrence claims she speaks for everyone when she says: “We’re all going to miss her very much, we’re like her extended family. She’s a very warm, kind and caring person with a fun sense of humour.”

Pam won’t discuss why she’s leaving but you get the distinct impression she’s a people person and she’s finally had enough of the bureacracy.

“Life’s changing,” she smiles. “And I want to go out on a high.”