A Luton AllStars under 9’s player won the Asian Star programme at Chelsea FC’s training complex on Monday, May 5.

Nearly 400 children took part in the scheme and Ibrahim Khan, 9, won his category.

He has been invited to join the Chelsea Foundation’s Football Development Centres.

The Downside primary school pupil said: “It’s been good. I thought I did well and was pleased the coaches liked my skills. I was impressed with the whole day and am so pleased to have won.”

The striker was judged on a series of matches and tests designed and used by the Chelsea academy to examine speed, skill and ability.

Ibrahim’s father, Pervaiz Khan, said: “I am delighted for my son and will support him in pursuing this as far as it takes him.”

The Asian Star programme has uncovered five players that went on to play for professional clubs’ academies.

Tariq Khan, club chairman, said: “This is Luton AllStars first season and we are delighted that the hard work everyone at the club puts in has been rewarded and Ibrahim is just one of many talented players at Luton AllStars.”

We’ve heard a lot about pensioners forced by these tough times to work on long beyond their normal retirement age just to make ends meet.

Surely that can’t be the case with golden oldie Arnold Schwarzenegger – but he keeps on cranking out geriaction adventures, with Sabotage out this week, a third instalment of the Expendables bus pass blockbuster franchise due later this year and even a new Conan film on the blocks. Just so you know, the Austrian oak will be 67 in July.

What’s it all about? Arnie heads up a team of crack agents charged with taking down America’s deadliest drug cartels.

But when a big chunk of cash from a raid goes missing and someone starts bumping off members of the team, the blood starts to flow.

It claims to be tough, gritty and realistic but Arnie sadly looks his age. Slippers for Mr Schwarzenegger, please.

Bad Neighbours is one of those comedies that looks like it was fun to make, though it’s far from a riot for the audience.

Zac Efron and Seth Rogan are at loggerheads here – Zac’s the leader of a gang of rowdy students who move in next to family man Seth’s home.

Slapstick feuding ensues, but Forgetting Sarah Marshall director Nicholas Stoller has come up with an infinitely forgettable grossout comedy.

An oddity worth seeking out is Frank, cult director Lenny Abrahamson’s ‘inspired by a very odd but true life’ film based on oddball performer Chris Sievey (Michael Fassbender) who fronted a forgotten band with his features concealed by a giant papier mache head. Really.

Tomorrow (May 8) is the biggest day in Luton schools’ annual athletics calendar.

Putteridge High will be hosting the senior track and field championships at Stockwood Park athletics track from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

This year the competition has been organised with the emphasis on community spirit and cohesion, in addition to incorporating the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics.

Each school will represent one of the Olympic countries and will take part in a number of activites including hurdles, long, high and triple jumping, short and long distance running as well as events such as javelin, discus and shot putt.

Gold, silver and bronze medals will be presented to first, second and third winners.

A coronation cup will be awarded to the school with the highest average score and students whose best event scores are the highest will receive an individual athlete award.

Putteridge PE teacher Laura Bartoletti said: “We want to show how significant sport can be in bringing people together, promoting a sense of belonging and developing good community spirit.”

Answers surrounding the circumstances of Leon Briggs’ death are “no closer” six months on, according to campaigners.

Father-of-two Leon died on November 4 after being detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act and taken to Luton Police Station.

Sunday marked six months since his passing and friends, family and members of the Justice 4 Leon campaign marked the day by lighting candles outside the station.

Following another pre-inquest hearing on May 1, Leon’s family have been invited to a meeting with Beds Police, council and Independent Police Complaints Commission representatives at Town Hall on May 27.

Despite this “no answers” have been provided by the IPCC, according to J4L.

Campaign spokesperson Liberty Louise said: “We’ve wanted to know why Leon was not taken to hospital in an ambulance when there was one on site and why there has been no toxicology report yet.

“This is six months after his death, it took two weeks to produce one for Peaches Geldof.

“We were told at the first public meeting with the police that everything would be out in the open but our questions have been blocked over and over again.”

Beds Police have unveiled plans for the use of body worn cameras, though J4L contends that use of the units should be non-discretionary.

Liberty Louise added: “The campaign remains strong and we will not give up until we have the right conclusions for Leon’s family.”

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue service reached out to the community at Luton Town Football Club on Monday, May 5.

A faith based community cup for under 10’s, under 12’s, under 14’s and mens, brought elements of the community together.

Simon Barker, assistant chief fire officer, said: “Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue service are extremely pleased to continue to support this joint event which has now been successfully running for the last seven years.”

Rayman Khan, the Luton Tigers winning captain, said: “The whole day has been a big success and it’s been a pleasure to be involved with the Fire and Rescue service.”

Butch Fazal, chair of Luton United FC and the Asian Football Forum, said: “I would like to thank Luton Town FC, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue service, Luton Tigers and Inspire FM 105.1 and all the volunteers for their help on the day.”

Molly’s Ltd workers will be joining hundreds of women at Stockwood park on Sunday, June 22, for Race For Life.

Molly’s Minx’s who work for the Lewsey Farm company raised over £1000 at last years event.

Nicci Dillon, member of the group, said: “We want to try and raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research.

“It affects so many people, so the more money we can raise the better.

The group of ten hope to raise £1500 this year.

Ms Dillon said: “We want everyone from work to get involved, on the Saturday before the event we will be outside the shops holding a raffle, selling cakes, running competitions and some of the lads have agreed to get their legs waxed.”

To donate visit: http://www.justgiving.com/mollys-minxs

Police are searching for two men who robbed a bookmakers with what is believed to be a gun last night.

The incident took place at around 9pm at Ladbrokes in St Dominics Square, Luton, when the two offenders entered the shop with their faces covered and threatened staff with what appeared to be a handgun.

One of the offenders passed a rucksack to staff and demanded that they filled it with cash while the second offender threatened a customer with another weapon which was either a hammer or a crowbar.

A large amount of money was put into the bag and handed back to the offenders who then fled the shop heading towards Thatch Road.

The first offender was a black man, in his early 20s, 5ft 8ins tall, wearing a thick black bomber jacket, black woolly hat, a dark scarf across his face, dark blue jeans and gloves.

The second offender was also a black man, in his early 20s, 5ft 7ins tall, wearing a blue jacket with a dark hooded top underneath, a dark coloured balaclava covering his face, dark blue woolly hat, light blue stone washed jeans and dark shoes.

Detective Constable Lucy Arnold, who is investigating the incident, is keen to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time of the robbery and may have seen the offenders either before or after the attack.

DC Arnold said: “This was a terrifying incident for the staff and customers who were in the shop at the time of the robbery and all genuinely believed that they were going to be harmed.

“Lewsey Park was quite busy at the time of the incident and I would encourage anyone who may have witnessed the robbery taking place or may have information about the offenders to contact Bedfordshire Police immediately. Even the smallest piece of information could help us with our enquiries.”

If you have information relating to this incident, contact DC Arnold, in confidence, on 01582 394285, 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.

A man was attacked and robbed at knifepoint in an alleyway off Milton Road on Monday.

The incident occurred at 11am when three men ran out in front of the 28-year-old victim, threatened him with a knife and forced him to hand over cash, cigarettes and keys.

The first offender is described as a black man, between 30 to 40 years old, 5’10” tall with a medium build. The second offender is described as a light skinned man, between 20 to 30 years old, 6’4” tall with a skinny build. The third offender is described as a white man, between 30 to 33 years old, 5’10” tall with a chubby build.

Detective Constable Cathie Layton, investigating, is keen to trace anyone who saw the robbery or anyone who saw a group of people matching the descriptions given in the area on Monday morning.

DC Layton said: “This incident happened in broad daylight and on a Bank Holiday when lots of people who would normally be at work would have been out and about. I would urge anyone who saw this crime or anyone who can help identify those responsible to come forward and assist this investigation.”

Anyone with information relating to this crime can contact DC Layton at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394442, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Luton based internet pet supplies retailer VioVet marked the beginning of the next exciting chapter in it’s brief but remarkable story when the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis opened their new Bilton Way 25,000 sq ft warehouse last month.

Founder Luke Cousins started the business which sells veterinary prescribed pet & equine medication at just 16 years old as a summer holiday experiment in building his own website.

As the venture grew and grew he left school at 18 to pursue his now flourishing business. In just five years VioVet has passed the 1 million orders milestone and is now shipping almost 40,000 orders every month.

HM Lord Lieutenant Helen Nellis was inspired by Luke’s story said: “It has been wonderful to learn more about the entrepreneurial spirit which gave rise to this exciting company.

“I am delighted that VioVet has established itself in Luton demonstrating once again that Bedfordshire is an excellent place to do business” said Helen.

A number of staff from the 40 strong workforce met the visiting guests.

VioVet Founder Luke Cousins re-inforced their comments by underlining the opportunities that young people have for being successful. “Although it’s hard work it’s immensely satisfying to see what is developing. Our team here are fantastic and because of my own experience I’m always keen to give young members of staff the opportunity and responsibility to take on important roles”.

VioVet is changing the way that the millions of pet and horse owners in this country buy their medication and essential supplies. It can save them a considerable amount of money, often hundreds of pounds per year, when compared to normal veterinary prices or even some of the high street pet super stores with the added benefit of next day delivery to your front door .

For more information visit www.viovet.co.uk or email info@viovet.co.uk

Homeless Cats Rescue are looking for new owners for three of their felines.

Marley was a stray, the vet thinks he is three-years-old. He has been micro-chipped and neutered. He likes his home comforts and would be happiest in a home with no other pets.

Waffles is nine-years-old and very gentle. He is shy with strangers but once he knows you, he loves to be stroked.

He is getting used to playing and being held. He has lived with dogs and cats and would be fine with older children.

He has had all his teeth removed due to gingivitis, which is now all healed and causes him no problems.

He is definitely a lap cat, not an explorer and would ideally like an indoor home. He is neutered and chipped.

Star and Kitty, a pair of 10 month old beautiful siblings are inseparable so must have a home together.

Kitty is very playful and likes to play fetch with her favourite toy.

Star is full of energy but can be shy around strangers.

They like to sit on your lap and have a fuss. Both are neutered and micro-chipped.They will fill a home with fun.

For more information about giving them a home visit: www.homelesscatrescuebedfordshire.weebly.com

A man suffered a broken nose and ‘nasty injuries’ after a row over a parking space spilt over into a bloody brawl.

The incident took place on Sunday April 27 between 6.30pm and 6.45pm in the car park beside Slip End Stores in Church Road, Slip End.

The victim– a 43-year-old man who was driving a blue Rover 75– became involved in a verbal altercation with the driver of a dark coloured pick-up truck– believed to be a Nissan Navara– after he was blocked in.

The offender– a white man, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall, of stocky build, shaved head and wearing a brown leather jacket – then attacked the victim as has sat in his car.

The offender punched and kicked the victim to the head before returning to his own car and driving away.

PC Richard Partridge, who is investigating the assault, is keen to speak with anyone who was in the area and may have seen the offender or the incident taking place.

PC Partridge said: “This was a violent attack which took place after the victim remonstrated about being blocked in his parking space by the offender.

“The victim suffered a broken nose and some very nasty injuries to his face and I would urge anyone with information to get in contact with Bedfordshire Police.”

If you have information relating to this incident, contact PC Partridge, in confidence, on the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.

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

Lord Bill McKenzie will launch a new charity, set up by entrepreneur Nigel Hyde, this Saturday, May 10, in The Mall.

Mr Hyde set up the charity, Home Leone, to help build a thousand homes in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

He said: “I have been to over 70 countries and Sierra Leone has perhaps the worst chronic long term poverty I have seen.”

Local runners who completed the same course 23 years ago will be at the launch from 11am.

A replica house will be on display outside Debenhams to show the conditions that they live in.

To help raise money, David Hall, of Colin road, will run from Lands End to John O’Groats, the equivalent of 40 marathons in 40 days.

He will be running in August and September, followed by a trailer carrying the replica house.

The 50-year-old said: “This is a huge personal challenge for me.”

He hopes to raise £5000, the cost of one house, supporters have pledged to pay for four more houses.

Mr Hyde said: “I have money for 5 homes but you know if that was all I was able to do then that is 5 families lives forever transformed.”

For more information visit: www.missiondirect.org/homeleone

As part of National Smile Month, from May 19 to June 19, the council’s community dental service is encouraging people to take care of their gums and teeth.

Gerry Taylor, Luton’s director of public health, said: “Tooth decay is the most common chronic, preventative disease in children* so it’s important we all learn the right messages and actions to keep our teeth and gums healthy, from the youngest to the oldest person in Luton.”

Some tips from dental experts: brush your teeth twice a day, cut down on sugary food and drinks, use fluoride toothpaste and visit your dentist regularly.

For more information visit: www.nhs.uk.

Two suspected cable thiefs were arrested last Friday after an exhaustive police search around Caddington.

The search began at 11.30am after intruders were spotted cutting up the metal cable at an aerial station on Dunstable Road and an emergency call was made to police.

A police containment was placed around the scene while officers, including a police dog handler, searched the area. A strong scent was picked up by the dog which led to a wooded copse and towards a local golf course.

Using local knowledge two officers placed themselves in Folly Lane where they expected the track to emerge. Within minutes of arriving two men matching the description of the offenders were spotted along the lane and arrested.

Speaking after hearing of the arrests, Superintendent David Boyle, said: “This was an excellent example of communication and teamwork by numerous officers which led to the immediate arrest of two suspected offenders for a serious acquisitive crime.”

He added: “Often people do not understand that this type of crime is serious but these offences do have a negative impact on local communities and the businesses involved. The cost implication to the company owning the aerial will also have a detrimental impact and may run into thousands of pounds.”

Both men were taken to Luton Police Station for questioning and released on police bail pending further investigation.

If you have information about this offence you can contact the officer in charge of this investigation, DC Stephen Francis, at Luton Police Station on 01582 394362, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A pizza delivery driver was robbed after a group of men threatened him with a knife on Burnham Road this morning.

The incident happened at approximately 1.30am after the driver had arrived to deliver food to a property in the area.

A group of men approached the driver, threatened the victim with a knife before demanding he hand over the food and cash.

The driver, fearing for his safety, dropped the pizza and handed over a small amount of cash before the offenders fled the scene towards Yeovil Road.

The first offender is described as a mixed race man, 5’7” tall with a skinny build, wearing a dark hooded top and dark trousers. The further two offenders are both described as men, approximately 5’7” tall, with skinny builds and wearing dark hooded tops and dark trousers - one had a scarf over his face.

DC Lucy Arnold, investigating, is keen to trace anyone who was in the area at the time of the offence who saw a group of men matching the descriptions given or anyone who heard a commotion during the early hours of the morning.

Anyone with information relating to this crime can contact DC Arnold at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394285, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Joel Lagnado who works in the L&D Hospital’s supplies department is not content to run just one marathon for charity.

Keen sportsman Joel is currently in the middle of a mighty challenge to run 3.5 marathons in just 7 weeks! That’s over 90 miles!

Joel is not just doing it for fun though, because he aims to raise £500 to support the NICU Appeal at the L&D and he has already raised an amazing £400!

On April 6 he finished the Paris Marathon in four hours 33 minutes, and three days ago he completed a Tough Mudder challenge which in Joel’s words ‘was tough and muddy’!

He took part in the Milton Keynes Marathon on Monday May 5 and is now gearing up for the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday May 25.

To support Joel visit his online sponsorship page: http://www.justgiving.com/runningforNICU

Martin Scorsese’s fact-based drama THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (18: Universal) is an exhilarating tale of decadence and debauchery.

It’s the director’s fifth collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio and the closest he has come to duplicating the highs of the eight films he made with Robert De Niro.

DiCaprio turns in a charismatic lead performance as high-flying New York finance executive Jordan Belfort.

He became a multimillionaire in the 1990s through fraudulent share trading and stock-price manipulation and the film charts his rise and fall.

Scorsese assembled an excellent cast, including Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey, that keeps the demented momentum hurtling forwards.

DiCaprio and Hill, as Belfort’s larger-than-life sidekick Donnie, create a whirlwind of havoc that recalls the hectic, cocaine-fuelled energy of Goodfellas, but without the brooding, omnipresent threat of violence.

The tone is flat-out black comedy with X-rated laughs, most of them coming from Belfort’s various sex and substance addictions, which perfectly offset the Sopranos-style dialogue.

> That film is not to be confused with the simultaneously released ASSAULT ON WOLF STREET (18: Metrodome), a thriller with a solid cast featuring the likes of Edward Furlong, John Heard, Keith David and Michael Pare.

When Rosie (Erin Karpluk) is diagnosed with a brain tumour, her former soldier husband Jim (Dominic Purcell) decides to cash in his military pension to pay for her treatment.

But his financial advisor tells him much of his money has been lost in bad investments.

Jim borrows money from a colleague and hires an attorney to sue before taking matters into his own hands by going on a spree to kill every man on Wall Street who has abused his power.

> In one of his final roles before his death in a car crash, Paul Walker goes full redneck in HUSTLERS (18: Lionsgate), three tales of grindhouse revenge linked by a small-town pawn shop in America’s Deep South.

Spliced, Creepshow-fashion, with comic-book panels, Walker’s hillbilly meth-addict Raw Dog is joined by Elijah Wood as a serial rapist and Brendan Fraser as a crappy Elvis impersonator who strikes a deal with the devil.

Matt Dillon, Vincent D’Onofrio and Thomas Jane are also in the line-up, but the script is weak and the stories second hand.

> The Vietnam War and the protest movement back home are seen through a very soft lens in soapy romantic drama LOVE AND HONOR (12: High Fliers).

Two soldiers – strait-laced Dalton (Austin Stowell) and prankish Mickey (Liam Hemsworth) – get a week’s leave from the war.

Instead of exploring Asia’s brothels, they head to a hippie-filled Michigan, where they pose as deserters and Dalton attempts to discover why his girlfriend Jane – now calling herself Juniper – has given him the heave-ho.

The film’s modest budget wouldn’t matter as much if the director hadn’t cut corners elsewhere, dropping the soldiers into one stock 1960s situation after another.

It’s a lightweight drama full of heavyweight war-is-hell monologues.

Help us find the top hairdressing or beauty salon in the News/Gazette area

We need YOU to help us find the top hairdressing and/or beauty salon in our area. Somewhere that’s a cut above the rest and doesn’t take you at face value.

Your favourite salon might provide the best blow-dries, the perfect haircuts, the neatest threading, the hottest self-tans, the most relaxing massages, fantastic facials or the most glamorous nails.

Whether it’s the way they colour your hair, the extra little touches, or the friendly welcome you always receive, we want to hear from you!

We’ll accept nominations for any local salon or barbers offering hair and/or beauty treatments (independent businesses or franchises). To nominate your favourite for the award, simply post a coupon, send us a text, or email us. The salons with the most nominations will be added to a final shortlist. Readers will then be invited to vote for a winner. The winning salon will be crowned the Newspaper Title Salon of the Year 2014 later this year. Nominations need to be submitted before 9am on Monday, May 26.

HOW TO NOMINATE BY EMAIL

Email the name and address of your favourite salon to midlands.marketing@jpress.co.uk before 9am on Monday, May 26, 2014. Please include your own name, address, and phone number. You must write “BLN Salon Nomination 2014” in your email’s subject-line.

Pick up a copy of the News/Gazette for details of how to nominate by text and by post

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Deadline for email nominations is 08.59am on Monday, May 26, 2014. Nominations must be for a permanent salon (no mobile businesses). Johnston Press standard competition terms and conditions apply (these can be found at www.johnstonpress.co.uk/jpplc/competition) and nominating is deemed as acceptance of these terms. Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Johnston Press Plc (the publishers of this newspaper) or its agents may use your information to contact you by mail, email, phone or SMS/MMS to let you know about our (or our partners’) products, services, and offers. By giving us your address and phone numbers you agree that we may contact you by these methods for marketing. Please add the word EXIT at the end of your email message if you do not wish to receive these. To contact Johnston Press Midlands Marketing call 01604 467081 or email midlands.marketing@jpress.co.uk. We may monitor communications for quality and training purposes.

“Scheming on a thing, that’s a mirage, I’m trying to tell you now, it’s sabotage…”

Alas there’s not a Beastie Boy to be seen (or even heard) in this limp and stupid ‘action thriller’ that pretty much nails shut the coffin on Arnie’s leading muscle man credentials.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m a big Schwarzenegger fan, and grew up loving his cheesy butt-kicking roles in Terminator, Commando, the original Total Recall and others.

But all good things come to end and if there is any justice in the world, Sabotage should provide a juddering halt after audiences endure the 66-year-old all at sea as leader of an elite DEA tactical team.

Director David ‘End of Watch’ Ayer has made some great cop action thrillers but Sabotage is by far his weakest effort to date.

Arnie is actually the least of the problems. He might look confused as to quite why he’s even there – which isn’t helped by his most used line being “What the f…?” – but there are a couple of moments when his sheer bulky presence works.

The script, however, is DOA and the rest of the cast look as if they have wandered onto the set from another film altogether, seemingly ad-libbing wildly.

Chief offender is Terrence Howard who plays Julius ‘Sugar’ Edmonds – his DEA tag should have been Julius ‘Token Black Male’ Edmonds as he only gets a few lines which are all stereotypical rubbish.

The rest of the ill-fated team – it seems that they are being taken down one by one by a psychotic drug cartel after stealing $10 million from them – include the usually OK Sam ‘Avatar’ Worthington as James ‘Monster’ Murray as well as Joe ‘Grinder’ Phillips (Joe Mangeniello), Eddie ‘Neck’ Jordan (Josh Holloway), Max ‘Pyro’ Roberts (Max Martini), ‘Smoke’ Jennings (Mark Schlegel) and Lizzy Murray (Mireille Enos). All of them look suitably embarrassed to be there, and Enos in particular hams it up as if her life depends on it.

Sabotage is also unnecessarily nasty in places, which doesn’t sit well with the crass jovial tone banter tone of most of the dialogue.

What’s more, it boasts the worst car chase ever committed to screen and one of the limpest ‘climactic’ showdowns of all time.

Sabotage leaves no loose ends but is the cinematic equivalent of being repeated punched in the face by a angry imbecile.

Unsurprisingly, the advice is to avoid if possible.

Luton Borough Council wants volunteers to help carry out surveys as part of their ‘Your Say, Your Way’ scheme in June.

The scheme is about increasing opportunities for people to help shape the future of their neighbourhoods.

Training will be provided on Tuesday, May 20, at the Hat Factory, from 6pm till 8pm. For more information call 01582 548782.