The separation of Barnfield College from its academy trust is the fallout from an ‘aggressive expansion programme’, according to Luton South MP Gavin Shuker.

On Thursday the Barnfield Federation announced that the college, on New Bedford Road, will become its own entity separate from academies and a free school dotted around Luton.

The move comes after the college was investigated by the Department for Education in the wake of a Skills Funding Agency report which flagged concerns over use of funds, management and a ‘lack of oversight by governors’.

In February the Federation was told by the DfE that it should consider all options for the future, including splitting the academies from the college before September.

The split has now occurred and is expected to take effect from early November, though the Federation has asserted that its funding agencies ‘played no part’ in the plan.

A spokesman said: “This decision was not taken lightly but only after several months of deliberation.

“We believe it is in the best interest of both Barnfield College and the Barnfield Academy Trust.

“Barnfield College and the academies are planning to continue to work together to share expertise and build on the achievements of the last few years.”

Mr Shuker has called for a parliamentary debate on the Barnfield investigation.

He told Luton News: “I think that Barnfield’s decision to split the college from its chain of academies is a welcome step after the controversy which has unravelled over recent months.

“Barnfield had always been a well-respected and well embedded institution in Luton before the previous leadership began its aggressive expansion programme in 2010.

“It was here that we saw Barnfield gobbling up schools across the town and as a consequence, we have seen that the quality of education here has fallen.”

Volunteers from Luton’s Thomson and First Choice branches gave the Grampian Way Park in Luton a makeover on Thursday.

Year 1 pupils from Cheynes Infant school, chose the colour scheme and suggested improvements that could be made, after they wrote to Luton Borough council and a local MP expressing their concerns about the condition of the park.

Head of year 1, Darren Ruffett, said: “The children were extremely passionate about making the park a nicer place to visit.

“They worked hard participating in purposeful learning by writing complaint letters, designing new play areas and liaising with the Council.

Local businesses regularly support the council’s volunteer scheme, where employee volunteers help to improve community spaces and initiatives.

Councillor Khtija Malik said: “It is always great to see local businesses working with and supporting the local community like this. I’ve been told that TUI UK & Ireland’s volunteers did a fantastic job and the children at Cheynes Infant school are delighted with the new play area.”

Caroline Kitcher, human resources director for Thomson and First Choice, said: “We believe volunteering brings people together, creates an opportunity to make a difference, develops new skills or builds on existing experiences and knowledge. It is rewarding and can help to improve confidence and self-esteem.”

The death of a Luton woman at the L&D could have stemmed from a dirty catheter tube which caused septicaemia, it has been claimed.

Claire Alnutt, 28, was taken to the hospital on November 10 after suffering with the effects of what was found to be necrotizing fasciitis– better known as the flesh eating disease.

A number of operations followed and after two months plans for Claire’s discharge were made as she recovered.

During a visit Claire’s parents Richard and Anne heard a nurse remark that a catheter tube being used was dirty, though it is claimed nothing was done to correct this.

Two days later Claire stopped breathing and suffered five heart attacks.

She died the next morning.

Medical negligence layer Carole Watts of AshtonKCJ, who is representing the Alnutts, said: “It’s confirmed that Claire died of septicaemia.

“It seems the microbiologist at the hospital had requested that the PICC line should be removed on the Friday before. It wasn’t done.

“A hospital investigation concluded that she should not have been restarted on antibiotics she had used previously.”

An inquest into Claire’s death has been scheduled for October 15.

Carole Watts added: “For the rest, we’ll have to wait for the inquest.

“Following that hearing, we will discuss with Claire’s parents whether there are grounds for pursuing a legal action against the hospital for negligence.”

In a statement her parents said: ‘Our lives and the lives of our family will ever be the same again without Claire.

“All her hopes and dreams for the future with her partner Dave have been taken away.

“We are devastated to lose Claire from an unrelated infection she caught whilst in hospital.”

A hospital spokesperson said: “Luton and Dunstable University Hospital has carried out an extremely thorough investigation into the tragic death of Claire Allnutt and we have offered a full apology to Claire’s family.

“We have also met with Claire’s family and we send them our sincere condolences.

“The hospital is now focussing on providing as much information as possible to assist the coroner with the forthcoming inquest.”

A scheme to introduce body worn cameras for police officers across the county has received just under £800,000 from the Home Office.

The fund will allow 1179 body worn camera units to be purchased for use across Bedforshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

The £795,723 grant from the Home Office follows a Beds Police trial on use of the cameras which began in June 2013.

This culminated in the roll-out of 60 body worn video cameras for use by frontline police officers across the county in May.

It is hoped that the cameras will deter disruptive behaviour, as well as provide evidence which can be used for convictions.

in Bedfordshire earlier this month, a man who had given the police false details was identified from video footage, enabling appropriate action to be taken.

Beds police and crime commissioner Olly Martins welcomed the funding.

He said: “The cameras are proving popular with the public and police officers alike – the only people not too keen are the criminals being brought to justice due to the evidence provided.

“Local officers have told me that they are making a real difference in helping to secure prosecutions and defuse difficult situations.”

An air ambulance was sent to Stopsley yesterday evening after a man in his 30s reportedly suffered a heart attack.

Emergency crews were alerted just after 5pm after a man collapsed in Co-op on Hitchin Road.

Two response cars and an ambulance were sent, as well as an air ambulance which landed at Cardinal Newman School.

The man, who is in his 30s, was taken by ambulance to Lister Hospital in Stevenage escorted by a doctor from the air ambulance.

His condition was said to be life threatening.

A biker who ‘could easily have been killed’ in a Luton collision got into the car that struck him to chase down its fleeing owner yesterday.

Detectives from Beds Police’s Operation Boson, who usually investigate gun crimes in Luton, are investigating the incident which saw a motorcyclist seemingly targeted by a car driver but then gave chase to the person who was responsible for the attack.

The attack occurred at around 2.15pm in Wauluds Bank Drive when a black Renault Clio collided with the motorcyclist, knocking the rider from his Kawasaki bike and into the road.

An altercation then took place between the bike rider and the driver of the vehicle, who was assaulted.

The driver of the Renault Clio and two passengers fled the area on foot but the motorcyclist got into the car and gave chase towards Henge Way before getting out of the vehicle and running through the Spinney.

Officers quickly attended the scene and carried out an area search which resulted in one man being arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Detective Inspector Dani Fitzharris, who leads the Operation Boson team, is keen to speak with witnesses who were in the area and may have valuable information.

DI Fitzharris said: “This was an extremely blatant attack which took place in broad daylight and could easily have resulted in the rider of the motorcycle being seriously injured or even killed.

“I know that a lot of people were in the area at the time of the attack and that several people were filming the collision and the aftermath on their mobile phones.

“I would urge anyone who may have seen the incident or captured it on film to come forward and speak with us.

“While the Operation Boson team is dedicated to cracking down firearm related violence in Luton, we also target individuals associated with drug dealing, robbery, burglary and car crime and all those who ruin the lives of innocent members of our communities.

“If you have any information, please come forward and help us identify the people responsible.”

If you have information relating to crime in your area you can contact Bedfordshire Police in confidence on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

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

Saints Community Centre will be closed next April, Luton Borough Council has confirmed.

The council’s executive committee last night agreed to close the centre as it cannot afford essential repairs of £400,000.

The Solway Road North facility, which is worth £215,000, will be kept open until April 2015 to allow its users to find alternative venues.

The closure was confirmed as the council reviewed all of its community centres and decided that it cannot afford to operate all ll at current levels.

Park Town Community Centre is also under threat of closure due to low usage levels.

The council agreed that the facility would be retained until it completes its review of children’s centres.

Cllr Khtija Malik said: “While any closure is deeply regrettable, the scale of the budget cuts we are faced with means there isn’t enough money to carry necessary repairs to Saints Community Centre.

“We have however decided to keep it open until April as our priority is to work with existing users to find alternative venues in the local area so that activities currently operating out of Saints can continue as close by as possible.

“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the community centre review and consultation. The many suggestions put forward for various centres has meant that the overall impact across the town is not as big as it might have otherwise been.”

Sci-fi adventure DIVERGENT (12: Entertainment One) is a Hunger Games clone with enough menace and suspense to make it reasonably diverting.

Teens inhabiting post-apocalyptic Chicago are tested to determine their personalities before being separated into warring factions.

Tris (Shailene Woodley) is a so-called Divergent who doesn’t fit into any one group and is therefore seen as a danger to society.

She doesn’t mesh with the fearless ‘Dauntless’ faction and that makes her a threat to the budding fascist ‘Erudite’ brigade, led by a sinister Kate Winslet.

Information overload affects the film and Tris’s brutal initiation trials are a bit of a slog, while a romantic subplot doesn’t add much intrigue.

The action is more brisk than imaginative, but at least director Neil Burger, who also made Limitless, delivers a rousing finale.

> Threadbare fantasy tale THE LEGEND OF HERCULES (12: Lionsgate) is a low-budget trudge through Greek mythology by well-known director Renny Harlin, whose glory days are clearly far behind him.

Kellan ‘Twilight’ Lutz gets top billing as the son of Zeus, who’s betrayed into gladiatorial slavery, but fights his way back home for the love of a princess and revenge on his deceitful half-brother.

Although Lutz certainly has the muscle to play the demi-god, the script is one-dimensional and the movie borders on pantomime with its overdone villainy and banal dialogue.

With dodgy special effects, there’s little spectacle on offer and it’s enough to make you nostalgic for the cheap and cheerful Steve Reeves epics from the 1950s and ’60s.

> HALF OF A YELLOW SUN (15: Soda Pictures) is a harrowing, yet superficial, drama set during a tumultuous decade in newly liberated Nigeria.

After being granted independence from Britain in 1960, the Igbo people rise up to establish the Republic of Biafra with British-educated twins Olanna (Thandie Newton) and Kainene (Anika Noni Rose) caught in the maelstrom.

Olanna leaves Lagos to be with revolutionary academic Odenigbo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), while Kainene stays to run their father’s business and be with an English writer (Joseph Mawle).

But as civil war decimates the nation, Kainene winds up running a refugee camp and Olanna is forced to cope with Odenigbo’s infidelity, his disapproving mother and fixation with the houseboy.

The film’s tone lurches between highbrow and soap opera, but is elevated by committed performances and some memorable set-pieces, like a wedding under shellfire.

> VENUS IN FUR (15: Artificial Eye), Roman Polanski’s psychodrama exploring dominance and submission, is based on a hit Broadway play.

On a claustrophobic theatre stage, unknown actress Vanda (Emmanuelle Seigner, Mrs Polanski) arrives late to audition for an adaptation of 1870 novel Venus In Fur.

Convinced she’s too brassy and loud for the lead role, the director changes his mind when she gradually becomes the demure seductive heroine of the novelist’s, and his, fantasies. It’s similar to Death And The Maiden, which Polanski transferred from stage to screen 20 years ago.

Firefighters across Luton and Dunstable will again walk out as part of a dispute with the government over pension reforms.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union will close stations and picket during the series of 16 protests.

The strikes will take place from noon to 2 pm and from 11pm to midnight every day between August 9 and 16.

The walk-out is part of a three-year feud betweenthe FBU and government, which plans to up pension contributions and the retirement age of firefighters.

FBU says the move would see firefighters working into their late 50s and leave them facing dismissal if their fitness falls below required levels.

Beds Fire & Rescue confirmed that it would operate a reduced service during the period of industrial action.

Area commander Ian Evans, the service’s head of operations, said: “Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will put into place its well-practiced plans to continue to deliver services during the periods of FBU strike action.

“Fully trained BFRS firefighters and fire officers will be ready to respond to 999 calls. However, we will have a reduced service, compared to normal, as with any period of strike action.

“We will respond to 999 calls, but may have to prioritise our response, to be able to deal with a potential threat to life.”

A bitter dispute over a housing development has seen Luton Borough Council take legal action against Central Beds Council, Luton News can confirm.

On June 2 an ‘urban extension’ of Houghton Regis, which included up to 5,150 homes and 202,500 sq metres of space for commercial use, was approved by CBC.

In making the decision LBC claims that CBC ‘failed’ to co-operate with its neighbouring authority and has started proceedings for a judicial review.

The disagreement stems from Luton’s need for additional homes, with limited land within the authority’s boundaries to extend into.

Instead it has called on neighbouring authorities to assist with new housing and last year told North Hertfordshire District Council that it “must accept the need to help meet some of Luton’s unmet housing need”.

Within LBC’s submission CBC is accused of “failure to consider, adequately or at all, alternative sites or strategies” and “misdirection as to the application site’s planning pedigree”.

LBC also questions the approved application’s impact on green belt land.

Nigel Young, CBC’s executive member for strategic planning, remained defiant over the disagreement.

He said: “It’s the prerogative of any local authority to prepare a case for judicial review.

“This tactic, is not only lucrative for expensive planning lawyers, it is also used to delay and frustrate growth.

“It doesn’t mean however that such cases will hold any water when they come to be reviewed– as demonstrated by Luton’s unsuccessful challenge to the Secretary of State on this very development a few weeks ago.

“We are entirely confident that we will be able to robustly challenge the arguments put forward by Luton but for now, we are concentrating on preparing our submission and will be focusing on this rather than commenting on hypothetical arguments.”

A teen who raped and brutally beat a 14-year-old girl to the brink of death in Lewsey Park, Luton, has been given a discretionary life sentence today.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Luton Crown Court on May 16 and pleaded guilty to the rape.

On June 23 he also pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm s18 with intent.

He will serve a minimum term of seven years.

During the hearing the court heard how on January 19, an investigation was launched by officers from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, after the girl had been found unconscious in the park.

The victim was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital suffering with severe head injuries and at the time it was expected that she would not survive.

After extensive hospital treatment she has now made a recovery but will face a life managing severe life changing physical and mental injuries caused by the assault.

Detective Inspector John Arthur, said: “Due to the thorough investigation the boy had no option but to confess his guilt. 
“The young victim was known to him and he left her unconscious in a cold dark park after violently assaulting her.

“The boy’s behaviour on that night leaves me in no doubt that he is an extremely dangerous person.”

He added: “My thoughts remain with the victim and her family.

“Throughout this ordeal her family have shown great bravery and conducted themselves admirably.

“Family members sleep at the hospital where the victim is still recovering and the love and support they have shown is commendable.

“I am full of respect for them as I know they face a difficult future.

“The victim will need constant care and she will always need her family’s support due to the injuries she has suffered but I hope that today’s sentencing will go some way in helping them start to look forward.”

Deputy police and crime commissioner Tafheen Sharif has resigned, Luton News can confirm.

Ms Sharif, 31, who is also a Luton councillor for Dallow, was appointed by PCC Olly Martins in November 2011.

He said: “It is with regret that I have accepted Tafheen Sharif’s resignation as the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire.

“The Police and Crime Panel has been advised and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

The deputy PCC role is a £36,000pa four day a week position.

Luton News has contacted Cllr Sharif for comment.

Though Cllr Sharif was named the 2012 Young Councillor of the Year she will be unable to contest her seat in next year’s election as she was de-selected in February.

At the time PCC Olly Martins openly criticised the Luton Labour decision to de-select Cllr Sharif.

Love Luton will host Summer In The Sun in St George’s Square from Saturday, August 23, till Friday, August 29.

The Square will be turned into a beach with sand and deck chairs.

The event will be part of the Centenary World War 1 Remembrance programme, with a Punch and Judy, Story time, Victorian Fairground rides, games and donkey rides.

Linsey Frostick, Chair person of Love Luton said “ We are delighted to be hosting Summer in the Sun for the second year in a row.

“It promises to be bigger and better than ever with an extended week of fun for all.

“Punch and Judy and other activities will happen live from the beach.

“Be sure to take a picture in our giant deck chair and post on our social media pages for a chance to win a prize.

“It promises to be fun, fun, fun!”

Heart Angels will be attending the event and giving people the chance to take part in family activities.

The event is free and the beach is open every day from 12 noon till 9pm.

For more information visit www.loveluton.org.uk/summer-in-the-sun.

As the school summer holidays get under way, a local homebuilder is warning youngsters to stay safe and keep away from its development sites.

New homes developments under construction may look like fun and exciting places to play, but David Wilson Homes South Midlands is warning children that they can pose serious dangers.

“Children of all ages are often on the lookout for somewhere new and exciting to play over the summer holidays, said Mark Penn, Construction Director at David Wilson Homes South Midlands, “but construction sites are not adventure playgrounds.

“At this time of year it is important to remind children and parents about the potential hazards on construction sites and the need to stay well away from them.”

The developer holds regular safety talks and site visits for schools close to where it is building, to highlight the dangers of playing on or near building sites.

“We have active sites across the region,” Mark continued, “and while our construction teams watch out for children during the day and secure the sites at night, we would also ask local parents to warn their children and make sure they know where they are during the holidays.”

David Wilson Homes South Midlands is currently building quality new homes at developments across Buckinghamshire, including Windsor Park in Buckingham and Tattenhoe Park and the recently launched Brooklands in Milton Keynes

Litter bugs who throw rubbish out of their car windows are the biggest summer annoyance to other drivers, reveals the AA.

A third (34%) of drivers said this anti-social group topped the list of things that annoy them most about other road users in the summer.

This fell to just one in five (19%) of young drivers (18-24) and rose in the 45-54 age group to 37%,

Slow-moving caravans came second with one in six (15%) drivers getting hot under the collar when they encounter them.

Groups of cyclists are the third most unpopular according the AA/Populus poll of 23, 085 drivers, although there was significant regional variation on this.

Overall, almost one in six (13%) cited groups of cyclists as the thing which annoyed them most about other road users in the summer. But this fell to one in ten (10%) in the East of England, and rose to 16% and 18% in the South East and Northern Ireland.

The Highway Code contains rules for cyclists and drivers on how they should interact with each other. Drivers are required to leave ‘at least as much room’ as they would when overtaking a car; while cyclists are not supposed to ride more then two abreast and stay in single file on narrow or busy roads, and bends.*

The full list of results shows the top ten summer annoyances.

Drivers were asked which, if any, of the following annoy you most about other road users in the summer months?

Throwing rubbish out of the window 34%

Slow caravans 15%

Groups of cyclists 13%

Inconsiderate parking 10%

Dawdling / lost drivers 7%

Loud music with the roof down or windows open 7%

Sightseers stopping without thought or consideration 5%

Overloaded cars with no view to the rear 4%

Groups of motorcyclists 1%

Half naked drivers 0%

None of the above 4%

Edmund King, AA President, said: “Litter bugs have understandably emerged as the clear ‘winner’ in our summer top ten of driving irritants.

“Chucking rubbish out of a moving vehicle really annoys me as it is totally unnecessary, messes up the environment; it’s also dangerous to other road users and those that clean up. Previous AA/Populus research showed that many drivers would support tough penalties, such as points on their driving licence, large fines and community sentences for littering drivers.

“It is interesting that some motorists find anything that slows them down an irritant whether slow caravans or groups of cyclists. All road users need to show consideration for fellow road users whether on two wheels, four wheels, six wheels or even horse legs. Common courtesy and consideration on both sides can improve road safety and reduce road rage this summer.

“We’ve been enjoying some fantastic weather so far this summer, so hopefully these annoyances won’t stop Britain’s motorists enjoying the sun and having a brilliant few months.

Taylor Wimpey North Thames and Woburn Safari Park are celebrating a pioneering partnership project which is proving highly successful in helping raise awareness about the park’s new tigers.

In the first corporate sponsorship of its kind, Taylor Wimpey has sponsored Woburn’s new tiger house, which is now home to two Amur tigers from the European Endangered Species Program (EEP), Elton and Minerva.

Peter Gurr, Managing Director for Taylor Wimpey North Thames, visited the park to see the new enclosure, which allows visitors to enjoy the amazing spectacle of these beautiful animals, and brought along the housebuilder’s Taylor Tiger mascot to meet Woburn’s own tiger mascot.

Taylor Wimpey has organised a series of events which have raised awareness of the new tigers at Woburn, including a storytelling session for pupils from St Andrew’s Lower School in Biggleswade who enjoyed a special reading of the classic children’s tale The Tiger Who Came To Tea at the housebuilder’s nearby Saxon Fields development in the town.

Peter says: “We are very proud to be involved in this unique partnership with Woburn Safari Park and I was delighted to visit the park myself to see the enclosure which our sponsorship has helped to provide.

“Our investment will also aid the conservation of the species, as the safari park is hoping the tigers will breed successfully and nurture future generations.

“We have also been thrilled to organise a series of highly successful tiger-themed events, which have raised awareness of this exciting project at Woburn.”

There are only an estimated 400 to 500 Amur tigers living in the wild, in the birch forests of Eastern Russia. They face a number of threats, mainly poaching and loss of habitat, and the EEP is playing an important role in trying to preserve the species and prevent its extinction.

Woburn Safari Park Commercial Manager, Claire Rhodes, says: “We are delighted to welcome Taylor Wimpey as our first corporate partner and the sole sponsor of the new Amur tiger house in the Kingdom of the Carnivores. At the same time, this investment is a valuable contribution to our fundraising, conservation and breeding plans for these endangered animals.

“This partnership programme is a brand new concept for Woburn Safari Park, providing just a few select companies a truly unique, fun-filled way to deliver on their corporate social responsibility commitments. In addition, it provides organisations with an inspirational environment that allows them to engage with their staff and customers and access to a whole host of on-site facilities which are ideal for a wide variety of activities, from the small intimate occasions, right up to a family fun day for 3,000 guests.”

Fire Officers have said that people are putting lives at risk because they are using petrol to get their barbecue going.

On Thursday Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) attended two separate incidents where householders had “a very lucky escape”, after their BBQ got out of control and resulted in serious fires because of petrol.

The first incident occurred at 1 pm, when a resident in Wyatt Road, Kempston, attempted to put petrol from a can onto a lit BBQ. The fuel ignited and spread back to the can, and the occupier threw the flaming can across the garden, setting fire to the plastic patio furniture and a fence. The fire was out when firefighters from Kempston Fire Station arrived, and nobody was injured.

Four hours later, the same fire crew from Kempston was sent to another barbecue fire in Caister Road, Bedford, when a badly maintained BBQ fell over onto a nearby can of petrol. Once again the fire was out when the Fire and Rescue Service arrived, and nobody was injured.

In both cases, young children were present at the time of the fires.

Watch Manager Dave Wright, from White Watch at Kempston Fire Station, who attended both incidents said:

“Regardless of how difficult it may be starting a BBQ, or getting it going, you should never, ever use petrol. Or even have petrol anywhere near the BBQ. Petrol fumes are explosive and can ignite instantly. The consequences could be fatal.”

“Although neither of these fires resulted in serious damage to property, the outcome could have been devastating. In both instances, the situations had got out of control very quickly and the occupiers were in immediate difficulty and danger. The fact that young children were present on both occasions highlights they all had a very lucky escape.”

“When lighting your BBQ, allow time for the coals to heat up. Barbecuing is not an instant process, like turning on a cooker. Don’t place people’s lives at risk by forgetting about the dangers of putting petrol on or near a fire.”

The Woodland Trust has teamed up with Kelly’s of Cornwall to launch its Wild Summer Photography Competition, and is encouraging people across Bedfordshire to visit their nearest wood and get snapping over the summer holidays.

The two organisations are encouraging budding photographers in the region to capture their wild summer on camera for a chance to win a holiday in Cornwall, the home of Kelly’s. There will also be a range of prizes for three runners up. The competition is open to all ages and abilities, and is looking for entries that capture the essence of what makes our trees, woods and countryside so unique.

Beccy Speight, Woodland Trust Chief Executive, said: “Our trees, woods and countryside have provided inspiration for many iconic scenes and we want people to get out and create one of their own this summer. We have plenty of woods in Bedfordshire to visit and get up close and personal with nature.”

Some of the top Woodland Trust woods in Bedfordshire include Bramingham Wood near Luton, Reynolds Wood near Brogborough and Swineshead & Spanoak Woods near Kimbolton. Just 13% of the UK is covered by woodland, which is one of the lowest amounts in the whole of Europe. The charity hopes to reconnect people with the great outdoors and remind them why it’s so special.

Lucy Morrison from Kelly’s added: “Britain is filled with wonderful natural creations and that’s why we’ve teamed up with the Woodland Trust to encourage people to get outdoors and explore their local wildlife over summer. It’s the start of the summer holidays so while you’re out and about with the family, why not take a camera and capture your adventures on film – you could snap yourself an amazing ice cream experience in Cornwall!”

Last year more than 10,000 photographs were judged, featuring inspiring ancient forests and colourful wildlife. Last year’s winner, Ashley Chaplin saw his shot used across national media, including the Guardian, Times and the BBC.

People have until September 30 to upload a competition entry at woodlandtrust.org.uk/wildsummer.

Prepare to be blown away by the Guardians Of The Galaxy, writes Matt Adcock.

Marvel Comics’ new fantasy sci-fi feelgood summer smash hits the screen from relative obscurity to go toe-to-toe with The Avengers as the best superhero team the world has ever seen.

The Guardians include Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), an eccentric wisecracking maverick with more than a little Han Solo about him, and Gamora (Zoe Saldana), a walking female weapon with slinky looks, green skin and a host of deadly martial arts skills.

The team’s comedy double act are bounty-hunting genetically enhanced racoon Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and his muscle Groot (Vin Diesel), who is in fact a walking sentient tree.

Finally there’s Drax (Dave Batista), a violent rogue looking to avenge the death of his family.

Director James Gunn should be applauded for taking a risk on this lesser-known and slightly outlandish comic book tale. He delivers over and above expectations, confidently using a huge budget and quality actors like Glen Close and Benicio Del Toro in cameo roles.

The action is crunching and satisfying, but not overly gruesome. The special effects are jaw-dropping (especially in IMAX 3D) and the script crackles with well-observed humour. The Kevin Bacon references are especially hilarious if you’re of an age to remember his Footloose days. There is excellent chemistry between the characters who all seem to be having a great time delivering the sci-fi action film of the year.

The plot revolves around an ‘Infinity Stone’ – a source of unstoppable power – which is craved by evil alien warlord Ronan (Lee Pace), who plans to wipe the central planet of the cosmos. He’s in league with Marvel baddie Thanos (Josh Brolin), who popped up in the after credit scene of The Avengers, which also paves the way for a possible superhero team-up of epic proportions.

Guardians is an insanely entertaining two hours which every comic book fan on the planet needs to see. It’s really rare that a film lives up to the hype, but this one sets new standards for superhero adventures – and is destined for immediate cult-classic status.

Don’t deny yourself this incredible cinematic super treat!

Seven of the town’s parks have retained their Green Flag awards.

Wardown, Stockwood, Memorial, Brantwood, People’s and Manor road parks and Kidney wood were recognised among the UK’s leading parks and green spaces, for the second year running.

Friends Of The Park volunteers have worked with the council to improve the parks.

Councillor Aslam Khan said: “I am absolutely delighted that all seven parks that we nominated for Green Flag status have again been assessed as meeting the award criteria.

“This is a particularly noteworthy achievement given the ongoing extremely challenging financial environment which has meant unprecedented year-on-year funding reductions.

“To have retained this status, despite having to make cuts of just over £1m from our parks maintenance budget over the last four years, is down to tremendous teamwork from our staff and the volunteers who put so much effort into ensuring that everyone can enjoy Luton’s parks.”