Students and staff at Cardinal Newman Catholic School and Newman Sixth in Luton are celebrating another year of excellent A Level exam results.  The average grade score rose to a record high of 212 points per entry, equivalent to an average of just over a C grade for every entry.

As ever there were a number of outstanding individual performances with a number of students gaining A grades across all subjects.  There was also a general increase in overall standards as the percentage of entries securing A*-B grades rose 3 points to 44%.  The percentage of students achieving 3A*-E grades also increased to 93%, over 15% higher than the national average last summer.

Joe Richardson, Headteacher of Cardinal Newman Catholic School, commented:  “This is a fantastic achievement by students and staff in the school.  We set very high standards for our students demanding high performance levels throughout the course and this is reflected in the results achieved this summer.  We are particularly pleased to see so many of our students in such a strong position to progress onto University or secure employment.  Cardinal Newman is a college where all students have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and I am particularly pleased to see so many students who came to Cardinal Newman from other schools doing so well.” 

Many students were overjoyed with their results.  Elena Panepinto and Frances Welch both secured places at Nottingham University with top grades and commented on the high level of support available to them throughout their studies.  Among other students securing top grades were Eamonn Kitching, Emily Rand and Muhammad-Ismail Abdul-Karim.  Muhammad achieved A*A*A across Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry and did this at the same time as completing Islamic Studies.  He noted the excellent support available from his teachers and recognised the way that staff at Cardinal Newman go the extra mile to ensure students achieve the best that is possible.

Luton Sixth Form College has recorded another impressive year of exam results.

The pass rate for A Level courses was 96.9%, identical to the 2014 mark, with 35.2% of all grades awarded at A*-B.

The BTEC Level 3 diploma pass rate was 97.7%, a slight fall from last year’s record-breaking figure.

All five students who applied to get into Oxbridge secured their places. Sophy Lelliott, Maryam Manzoor Mushtaq and Ryan Riordan will be moving on to the University of Cambridge, with Affan Saibudeen and Daniel Woods going to Oxford.

Principal Chris Nicholls said: “We are delighted with our very high pass rates at A Level and BTEC. It has been wonderful to be able to celebrate all of the hard work that our students and their teachers have put in to enable them to achieve these excellent results.

“Approximately 1,300 young people from Luton have received their A Level and BTEC results at this college today and so are now able to progress to the next stage in their lives, which for around 1,000 of them will be a place at university.”

All five Luton Sixth Form College students who applied for Oxbridge this year have secured their places.

Sophy Lelliott will be heading to the University of Cambridge to read law, having gained four A* grades in history, geography, English literature and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), and an A in government and politics.

“I needed just one A* and two As, and I was so scared this morning about what I’d have done if I missed out,” Sophy said.

“I had also said to my parents how much I wanted to go to Cambridge so that added a bit of pressure.

“But now I’m really excited about going there and starting uni. I’ve got that as my future now and so much to look forward to!”

Also Cambridge-bound is Ryan Riordan. He also notched four A* grades, in chemistry, biology, maths and the EPQ, and an A in Spanish.

Ryan, who will be reading medicine, said: “I’m really happy, I’ve worked very hard for this.”

Asked what advice he’d give to younger students wanting to achieve the top grades, he added: “Definitely revise as you go along and don’t leave it until the last minute. And hope you get the right questions in the exams, too!”

The third student off to Cambridge is Maryam Manzoor Mushtaq, who achieved four A* grades and two As. She will be reading medicine – and is actually following in the footsteps of her brother Yusuf, who left Luton Sixth Form College for Cambridge two years ago.

Two students heading to Oxford are Affan Saibudeen, who will be reading medicine after gaining one A* and five As, and Daniel Wood, who got four A*s and will be studying economics and management.

Police are reminding people to be vigilant against courier fraud scams following an incident in Luton this week.

Officers are also asking for anyone with information about such scams to contact them after a victim was conned out of more than £7,000 on Wednesday.

The victim had received a scam call from an offender claiming to be from Hammersmith police station and investigating a fraud against their account.

The conman instructed the victim to withdraw a large sum of cash and pass it to a member of the ‘fraud squad’. At around 5.20pm an offender, described as male, in his 20s and of Oriental appearance, who spoke English but with a foreign accent, collected the money from Emerald Road.

When asked where his vehicle was, the offender, who was around 5’2” and wearing a hooded top and dark-coloured bottoms, pointed towards a white taxi-style car.

PC Allan Taylor, investigating, said: “This incident has been devastating for the victim who, after handing over the money in trust, became suspicious and discovered a scam had taken place.

“This con has not only cruelly taken thousands of pounds from the vulnerable victim but has also left them distressed and fearful of the suspects returning.

“I would appeal for anyone who recognises the man or vehicle described, or who knows anything about people operating scams in the Bedfordshire area, to contact me immediately.

“Our investigations into this type of scam are ongoing in the county. Criminals are warned that this heartless activity leaves a footprint and we will do all in our power to track those responsible.”

Call PC Taylor using the non-emergency number 101 with information.

‘Hang up’ on telephone scammers – your bank or the police will never:

• Telephone you to ask for your four digit card PIN or your online banking password, even by tapping them into the telephone keypad

• Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping

• Ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons, even if they say it is in your name

• Send someone to your home to collect your cash, PIN, payment card or cheque book if you are a victim of fraud

• Ask you to purchase goods using your card and then hand them over for safe-keeping

Remember, if you suspect a scam is taking place or you feel vulnerable, hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line, or where possible use a different telephone line, to call your bank or card issuer on their advertised number to report the fraud.

Call police on 101 to report a crime or suspicious activity. If you suspect you have been a victim of fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Life’s looking up for brave Luton Burns survivor Shamiam Arif.

The Challney High student, who turns 13 this month, won three trophies at the end of the school year – including the coveted Headteacher’s Award – and she’s about to spend a fortnight in Scotland with John and Linda McGoldrick of her appeal committee.

But the cherry on the cake is the news that The Little Princess Trust has agreed to fund the new head piece recommended by her Great Ormond Street Hospital consultant, Justine O’Hara.

This will have a soft silicone base and incorporate a metal plate to protect her head, which was burned down to the lining of her brain during a devastating house fire when she was a baby.

Until now she’s worn a trendy purple helmet but she’s desperate to have ‘proper’ hair and hopefully her own long locks will be used to create something that looks natural.

The Little Princess Trust is a charity which funds real hair wigs and hair pieces for children with hair loss.

Since it was founded 10 years ago, it has helped more than 3,500 young people who have lost theirs – many as a result of difficult and sometimes tragic circumstances.

But Shamiam’s request was a definite first for the charity.

Spokeswoman Wendy Tarplee-Morris said: “We’re very keen to help in any way we can, even though Shamiam’s circumstances are particularly challenging.

“We’ve put her family in touch with an experienced wig maker, Liz at Raoul’s, who will make a bespoke hair piece from human hair to fit on to the metal plate for Shamiam’s head.

“The Little Princess Trust will also fully fund the cost of the hair piece. We really are very happy to be able to help such an inspiring, brave young girl.”

For more information about The Little Princess Trust, go to www.littleprincesses.org.uk
> If you’d like to help with the cost of Shamiam’s ongoing treatment, send a donation to United for the Needy (Shamiam Arif Appeal), 148-164 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 5JE.

Flamstead is preparing for a three-day scarecrow invasion, with thousands of visitors expected to come to the village for its 14th annual Scarecrow Festival.

The event has become one of the summer’s ‘must see’ occasions and runs from 12 noon on Friday, August 21 to 5pm on Sunday, August 23.

More than 100 amazing examples of hay men (and women) created by local people will be on display to raise money for charity.

The proceeds are split between St Leonard’s Church in Flamstead and Herts MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth. To date the event has raised £100,000.

This year there’s an even closer connection between the two beneficiaries – the vicar’s mother attends the Centre regularly for personal training.

Community fundraiser Patricia Saunders, who’s helping to organise the event, said: “In addition to the scarecrows there will be stalls, activities and entertainment.

“It really is a great day out for the family. You can vote for your favourite scarecrow, there’s free parking and a bus to take less able-bodied visitors around the trail.”

> The Herts MS Therapy Centre is a registered charity that helps people with neurological and long-term conditions in Luton and Hertfordshire.

It has a hyperbaric oxygen chamber as well as a fully equipped gym and therapy rooms.

Local scouts from one of the longest established groups in the country have been sailing brand new boats and canoes for the first time – thanks to a £1,000 gift.

First Luton Sea Scouts received the donation from Amazon’s Hemel Hempstead fulfilment centre to buy new equipment.

Amazon’s Hemel general manager, Henry Low – who spent 15 years in the Navy before joining the company – said: “As a former naval officer, I know first-hand the benefits of handling and seamanship and how it can help build team work in young people.”
He added: “I’m absolutely delighted to be able to support 1st Luton Sea Scouts and hope the new boats serve the Scouts well for years to come.”

First Luton Sea Scouts leader Phil Jeffrey said: “This kind donation was welcome by us all and the Scouts are over the moon with the new boats.”

> The group was formed in 1909 and has been Admiralty-recognised since 1941. The Royal Navy inspects troops every year to ensure they meet its high standards and only the top 101 receive this accolade.

The main aims of the 1st Luton Sea Scouts are for members to have fun while learning and developing new skills, interests and good citizenship.

A Luton recruitment agency has set itself a target to fund 6,000 hours of vital care for Together for Short Lives, a charity for children with life-limiting conditions.

Some of the money will go towards Keech Hospice Care, which is based at Bramingham Lane on the outskirts of Luton.

Staff at Hays, a specialist recruitment group, chose Together for Short Lives as their charity partner for 2015 - 2017.

They will undertake a number of sponsored events such as bike rides, cake sales and family fun days.

Hays spokesman Geoff Sims said: “We’re very excited to launch our partnership with Together for Short Lives and look forward to seeing our staff take part in a variety of fundraising activities for this very special cause.”
Keech Hospice Care CEO Mike Keel said: “We’re thrilled that Hays will be raising money for children’s hospices for the next two years.

“Their support will help us provide vital care for children with life limiting conditions and their families.”

> For more information visit www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk

A spectacular event will celebrate the opening of Keech Hospice Care’s new wildlife garden which was designed by Alan Titchmarsh and his Love Your Garden team.
KEECHFEST takes place on Sunday, August 23, and promises to be an entertaining day for the whole family with live music, entertainment and lots of activities to keep the kids amused.

The garden will be opened by BBC 3CR presenter Roberto Perrone and will feature Voices with Soul and Daniel Duke from The Voice.

Hospice supporters can catch the ITV show Love Your Garden on Tuesday (August 18) at 8pm.

It showcases the new facility which Alan said he was honoured to be asked to do.

He added: “Gardens have tremendous healing properties and I hope it continues to offer hope and inspiration for many years to come.”

It’s already proving popular with patients, their families and hospice staff.

One lucky couple were awarded free tickets as Luton-based airline easyJet celebrated its 80 millionth passenger.

Jack Jessee and Kaitlyn Potter, both students from London, had free return flights to Amsterdam, courtesy of the low cost airline which now offers 51 routes from the airport.

Amsterdam was one of its first destinations when it started 20 years ago.

Commercial manager Neil Slaven said: “We’ve come a long way since the launch of our first flight in November 1995. We now carry five million passengers a year to and from Luton to a range of business and pleasure destinations.”

The airpoirt’s head of business development, Simon Harley, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement and comes at a time when the airport is celebrating record passenger numbers and is on track for its busiest year ever.”

Luton South MP Gavin Shuker added: “I’m delighted easyJet has reached this incredible milestone.

“They’ve not only put Luton on the map, but they’ve provided hundreds of jobs.”

A taxi driver was forced out of his own vehicle at knifepoint in a ‘horrific’ crime last week.

The shocking incident took place on Thursday, August 13 as the taxi driver collected a man from Bury Park at around 10pm and was asked to go to Butlin Road, where two other men were collected.

The men asked the taxi driver to go to a cash point. While driving down Oak Road, one of the men allegedly grabbed the victim from behind, while another threatened with him with the knife.

He was dragged out of the taxi, and the offenders drove off in the vehicle.

The taxi was later recovered in Hillside Road.

Detective Constable Rachel Lydon, investigating, said: “This was a horrific and appalling crime with no obvious motive, and one which has left the victim understandably shaken. These men are potentially dangerous and we are urging anyone who may be able to help us identify them to get in touch immediately.

“As the taxi driver was dragged from the cab, he managed to sound the horn on several occasions. I’m appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard the disturbance to contact us.”

The three men are all described as white and in their 30s or 40s.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Lydon on 101, text 07786 200 011, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Delays of up to an hour are expected for motorists on the M1 after a collision earlier this morning resulted in damage to the road surface.

One lane has been closed as emergency roadworks take place between junctions 12 and 11 to fix the damage.

The closure has piled traffic back up to junction 14 for Milton Keynes stretching from Luton.

Highways England expects the lane to be reopened shortly after 10am.

Detectives investigating the brutal assault of a heavily pregnant woman which resulted in the loss of her baby are now offering a £20,000 reward to help catch those responsible.

Malorie Bantala, a former University of Bedfordshire student was 32 weeks pregnant when she was attacked.

One man has already been charged but the substantial sum is available for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of a second suspect involved.

Malorie was 32 weeks pregnant when she was attacked and her unborn child could not be saved.

Detective Inspector David Suddick, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “Although one man has been charged, we have yet to identify the second person involved in this horrific attack.

“The victim has recovered physically from her ordeal but naturally remains devastated at the loss of her baby.

“Somewhere out there is a very violent individual and we hope the offer of this reward may encourage someone to come forward. If you have any information, please contact us.”

The 21-year-old mum to be was walking down Talfourd Place, Peckham, at around 8pm on Monday, June 15, when she was approached by two men wearing motorbike crash helmets.

They pushed her to the ground and continually kicked and stamped on her stomach.

The suspects then ran off, still wearing the crash helmets, in the direction of Denman Road.

A member of the public called police who administered first aid at the scene. Malorie was taken to a south London hospital where she lost her baby.

The outstanding suspect is described as being in his 20s.

DI Suddick added: “We are also appealing for any information about the victim’s white iPhone 5s which went missing during the attack. It has yet to be traced.”

>Anyone who can help is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8345 3985 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Virgin has hit out at claims that one of its hot air balloons hit power lines before ‘crash landing’ in Luton.

A number of social media posts published last night claim that a Virgin balloon flight from Milton Keynes was forced to make an emergency landing in a field at the bottom of Sundon Park Road, Luton.

The posts were accompanied by images of the balloon being loaded onto a trailer.

Captions indicated that the balloon and its passengers had been ‘rescued’.

Virgin has rubbished ‘absolutely false’ reports that the flight hit difficulties after leaving Willen Lake.

In a statement the firm said: “Our flight from Milton Keynes last night was absolutely normal and landed perfectly safely.

“Hot air balloons travel with the wind and land where the pilot sees a suitable open space, as per Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

“The images have come from someone who pulled up a significant time after the landing, after the balloon had been packed away and are in fact of passengers enjoying their traditional champagne toast.

“Every balloon and basket is collected by a trailer after landing- it is how we transport our balloons.

“It was not an emergency of any kind, there was no ‘rescue’”

Additional pictures submitted to the ‘Spotted Sundon Park’ Facebook page show the hot air balloon travelling at low altitude over Toddington High Street.

A Virgin Balloon Flights spokesperson told the Luton News that this may have led to the false reports.

She said: “People get excited when it comes in that low, that is how they land.

“I spoke to the pilot and he said there were no problems at all.”

We are getting reports that the M1 has been closed both ways at Luton

The motorway is closed junctions 11/10 between the Luton turnoff and the slip road to the airport.

A Beds Police spokesman said: “We were called shortly before 1pm this afternoon (Tuesday) to Hatters Way, Luton, to reports of concerns for a man’s welfare.

“Hatters Way was closed at the junction with Dunstable Road, and the northbound carriageway of the M1 was also closed while police assisted at the scene.

“The incident has now been resolved and the road closures are expected to be lifted shortly.”

A Luton man nabbed by a pair of ‘paedophile hunters’ has been told to expect an immediate prison sentence.

Leslie Turner, 54, of Cromwell Hill, was arrested after arranging to meet a 14-year-old girl at Luton train station last month.

What Turner did not know is that the ‘girl’ he had been sending illicit messages to was actually Dunstable couple Neil and Katie Ivall, who had set up a fictional profile of a teen on a social media website.

At Luton Crown Court yesterday Turner pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to meet a child through sexual grooming.

Sentencing was adjourned to September 29.

Judge Stuart Bridge told Turner: “You have pleaded guilty at the first opportunity but it is obviously a very serious offence.

“There is a strong likelihood that you will receive an immediate custodial sentence.”

Footage of the confrontation at Luton train station shows Turner telling Neil Ivall: “I was teasing her, I wasn’t going to go through with anything”.

He adds: “I was only going to talk to her.

“I shouldn’t have done it...contact her.”

The clip also shows Mr Ivall asking Turner how he feels, to which the 54-year-old responds: “Ashamed, for coming down here.”

Turner is the first of two Luton men to face trial after being apprehended by the Ivalls.

The other man– who handed himself into police after being confronted outside The Mall– is due to appear in court next week.

Since first deciding to take on the task of handing over alleged paedophiles to the police a month ago, Neil and Katie Ivall have conducted ‘stings’ across the country.

The couple’s first meeting came with Peter McCallum, 33, from Coventry, who later handed himself in to police.

McCallum has pleaded guilty to charges of communicating and attempting to meet two girls under the age of 16.

He will be sentenced at Warwick Crown Court on September 21.

Following the airing of Alan Titchmarsh’s hit ITV television show, Love Your Garden on Tuesday night, Keech Hospice Care is set this Sunday to entertain.

The adults hospice for Bedfordshire is throwing open its doors on Sunday between 11am and 4pm for the ultimate summer KEECHFEST party and the official opening of its green fingered celebrity’s new Garden.

The action packed family afternoon set within the hospices stunning gardens and grounds of Great Bramingham Lane, Luton includes a back-to-back line-up of live music as TV, West End and Celebrity Just Dance stars take to the Keech Main Stage.

ITV’s X Factor successes, Voices with Soul, Daniel Duke and West End performers and dancers will be wowing the crowds on the Keech Main Stage.

KEECHFEST goers can laze away a Sunday afternoon in the tranquil countryside setting, while keeping the kids entertained with the charity’s Disney Princess experience, magic and balloon acts, face painting and bouncy castle.

Those who love to shop can browse the many stalls of the Keech craft and plant market and top it all off with a bite from the scrumptious BBQ and a beverage from the bar.

Arrive by 12pmfor the official opening of the garden.

Keech supports adults with end of life illnesses from Bedfordshire. The charity depends on the support of the local community for its survival.

Commuters are warned to expect rail delays after a woman was struck by a train at Leagrave station.

It is understand that police and ambulance are still at the scene.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: “We were called to Leagrave station today to a report of a person hit by a train.

“Our officers attended the incident, reported at 9.25am, alongside colleagues from Bedfordshire Police.

“Medics from East of England Ambulance Service also attended and a person was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Officers are now working to identify the person and inform their family.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

A spokesman for Thameslink added: “At 09:30 today an East Midlands train hit a person at Leagrave. All lines are currently blocked while emergency services are attending the scene.

“Passengers can use their tickets on London Midland, Southern, London Underground, Great Northern and South West trains.

“We would like to apologise for the delays experienced by our passengers.”

The owner of a luxury car hire firm has described his dismay after one of his most expensive vehicles was totalled in Luton on Sunday.

Police were called to Selbourne Road at 7pm and officers arrived to find that a £210,000 Ferrari Italia 458 had crashed through a wall and was somehow wedged underneath a private hire car.

Remarkably no-one was injured in the collision.

At the time of the incident the supercar was on loan from Shoreham-On-Sea firm Prestige Lifestyle for £850 a day.

The 29-year-old man, who has not been named, who rented the vehicle told the company that it was to be used in a wedding.

He has lost the £5,000 deposit he placed at the time of booking the car, which had just 4,600 miles on the clock.

Prestige Lifestyle co-owner Jamie Ford said: “‘When I saw what had happened I was absolutely devastated.

‘They have done a really good job of crashing it and writing it off. It took three minutes for the insurance assessors to write it off.

“I just wish people had more respect for super cars.

“People need to realise that they are not invincible.”

He added: “We can deal with scratches and little dents, but this is absolutely gutting.”

Beds Police has not made any arrests.

Young shoppers have been taking part in a range of free activities at The Mall throughout the summer holidays.

Last weekend a replica caving experience with 90ft of tunnels, twists and turns across two levels came to the shopping centre.

Over 1000 children took part in the caving experience.

From Monday, August 3, to Thursday, August 13, the shopping centre hosted daily fun from 11am till 4pm.

The children took part in arts and crafts workshops making and decorating suncatchers, gnomes and gliders.

There was also giant summer games, colouring competitions and face painting.

Lavinia Douglass, The Mall’s marketing manager, said: “Our fortnight of fun has been a huge success here at The Mall, with hundreds of children from Luton and beyond joining us.

“Plus it wasn’t just for the children, as mums, dads, grannies and grandpas had fun in our replica caving experience.”

For more information on activities at The Mall, visit: www.themall.co.uk/Luton

A newlywed drowned as he waded into a swimming pool on his honeymoon in Dubai, an inquest opening heard this morning.

Mohammed Majid Malik, 28, of Overstone Road, Luton, was pulled from the water at the Jebel Ali Beach Hotel in the early hours of Saturday morning.

At the time the mortgage advisor was enjoying the last day of his honeymoon with new wife Maira Shahid, whom he had married on July 30 in Ilford, London.

After going out for dinner and to shop the couple returned to the hotel and decided to go for a stroll.

Maira Shahid told the hearing: “Majid said he wanted to go for a walk, that was the first time we went there (to the pool)

“We were there paddling and chatting then we went around the other side and sat there.

“He said he wanted to swim.

“I asked him if he could swim as it was our first holiday together and he said he had done it before at the gym.”

The inquest heard that Maira Shahid took pictures of her husband as he walked backwards in the pool and as she put her phone back in her bag the 28-year-old got into difficulty as he passed a drop in depth.

Maira Shahid added: “I could see his hands going up and down and I went into the pool to try to get him up but I couldn’t.

“I was screaming for help and couldn’t get hold of his hands.

“My headscarf came down and I couldn’t see him.”

Maira Shahid got out of the pool and managed to alert two hotel guests, who dived in and pulled up Mohammed.

Staff performed CPR but were unable to resuscitate the 28-year-old.

He was pronounced dead at hospital around 35 minutes later.

Friends, family and colleagues of Mohammed swelled the Central Mosque on Westbourne Road on Tuesday to pay their last respects.

Following the inquest opening Mohammed’s uncle, Akhtar Mohammed Malik, paid tribute to his nephew.

He told the Herald & Post: “(Mohammed) was a loveable, enjoyable and very playful person.

“He was very much loved by all of the family.

“Obviously his wife has been traumatised and is in shock having witnessed this tragedy.

“It was a tragic accident, the hotel had never had an incident like this before.”

A full inquest will be held on February 3.