The son of two Bedford traffic police officers has denied falling asleep at the wheel and killing a much-loved grandmother.

Callum Wilkinson, 21, is said to have told bystanders at the fatal collision that he had “dropped off” just before his truck killed 56-year-old Sandra Nightingale.

However, in court this week he claimed not to have fallen asleep and denied a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The jury was told he has admitted a lesser charge of causing death by careless driving.

They heard Callum’s parents had brought him up to be very much aware of safety when driving, and he took their advice “incredibly seriously”.

His father Inspector Ewan Wilkinson has worked in the Bedford police traffic department for 27 years.

A self-employed tree surgeon, Callum insisted to the jury he simply could not remember what had happened during the collision almost two years ago on the A428 near Bromham. He was driving home from work when his Mazda pickup truck, with a trailer attached, ended up travelling in the wrong lane of the carriageway.

Prosecution barrister Nigel Ogbourne said experts found no external reasons for the vehicle crossing into the opposite lane.

Callum told the court: “I went straight over the roundabout, staying on the A428 and made my way up the hill and over the crest of the hill. That’s about all I remember.

“I remember going down the road as it levelled out. The next thing I remember is the shock of impact. It was like a shudder sent through my whole body and the whole vehicle.

It felt like complete darkness. “

He added: “All I could hear was things like glass shattering and metal crumpling around me. The first thing I saw was the wood chipper on its side in the middle of the road.

“At that time I didn’t really know what had gone on. Then I noticed a small blue car. I immediately ran over to it.

“I didn’t really have a clue. I knew something huge had happened because my vehicle was on the wrong side of the road. I knew it must have been my fault.”

Defence barrister Warwick Aleeson told Callum: “People reported you repeating ‘it’s my fault, it’s my fault.

t’s my fault’,” to which Wilkinson replied: “ I may have fallen asleep.

He added: “There was no other explanation, I couldn’t remember.”

Mr Ogbourne gave a list of witnesses who had been at the scene immediately after the crash, and had given evidence yesterday to the court that suggested the young tree surgeon had been asleep at the wheel.

“Why have you no memory? Was it because you fell asleep? You said there was complete darkness. You said ‘after the noise I opened my eyes’. Why were your eyes shut? Was it because you were asleep?”

Callum replied: “I don’t know. I may have said those things, I don’t know if I said any of these things.”

His mother Julie Wilkinson, said after the crash , when she was on her way to see her son, her husband Inspector Ewan Wilkinson phoned her, saying “The lady is dead Julie, the lady is dead.”

She said: “It was like a nightmare. I saw Callum sitting in the ambulance to the left with his head in his hands.”

Mrs Nightingale was a popular member of the community in Turvey. She was actively involved with All Saints church and a member of the amateur dramatic group.

Her death came as a ”huge shock”, said her family at the time.

An aggravated burglary in Luton has left the elderly victim “extremely shaken and fearful”.

At around 5am on Thursday (August 10), the elderly victim awoke to find two masked men in balaclavas breaking into his property.

The offenders forced entry to the house in Ashburnham Road and the victim was attacked when he disturbed them. After assaulting the victim, the offenders searched the victim’s home before fleeing empty handed.

Detective Constable Jason Wheeler, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “I urge anybody with information about this offence which has left the victim injured, extremely shaken and fearful to be in his own home to come forward. We are keen to speak to anyone who has information about this offence or may have witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time of the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Wheeler on 101 quoting 10/08/17 0056 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The University of Bedfordshire has joined forces with the Cherie Blair Foundation to support female business owners in South East Asia.

The project, funded by the foundation, saw the University’s Business and Management Research Institute (BMRI) work with partners in Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam to see how they can support women in these countries to grow businesses using mobile technology.

Dr Sandar Win, a senior lecturer in Banking and Finance from the BMRI, said: “We need to understand women’s roles in economic development in Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam because the informal economies in these countries play a significant role in development.

“When we talk about informal economy, we are referring to businesses that are not registered but the income generated from these contribute to family life and education of the children.”

Through the project it was revealed that most of the businesses that make up the informal economy are run and led by women.

Furthermore, researchers discovered that although most of these women do not have access to a bank account, they nearly always have access to a mobile phone. The project explored how mobile technologies could be used to support female business owners, many of whom face financial, social, and geographic obstacles.

Supporting women through mobile technologies and promoting financial inclusion were found to be key factors that need addressing.

Little Luton swimmers of Water Babies Bucks and Beds have helped raise an impressive £36,000 and counting for Tommy’s, the baby charity.

Local little ones have been taking part in a special Splashathon for sponsorship, helping to support the charity, who fund research into miscarriage, still birth and premature birth.

Tots from as young as three months old have been swimming a width of their local pool during their Water Babies classes, and children, parents and teachers have been dressing up as superheroes.

Tamsin Brewis, owner of Water Babies Bucks and Beds, said: “At Water Babies, we cannot stress the importance of the work that Tommy’s does.

“They can provide so much care and support for grieving parents, and even new parents can receive the best possible information from Tommy’s.”

To donate, visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=WaterBabiesBucksandBedsBigWishes

The food standards agency have released an updated list of products in the UK which have been withdrawn due to possible contamination with the Fipronil insecticide.

Up to 700,000 contaminated eggs are thought to have entered the UK food chain. This represents around 0.007 per cent of the eggs consumed in the UK every year and the agency advised that “it remains the case that it is very unlikely that there is any risk to public health from consuming these foods.”

As such, the decision to withdraw these products is not due to food safety concerns, but is based on the fact that Fipronil is not authorised for use in food producing animals.

Heather Hancock, Chairman of the Food Standards Agency, said: ‘I’m confident that acting quickly is the right thing to do. The number of eggs involved is small in proportion to the number of eggs we eat, and it is very unlikely that there is a risk to public health. Based on the available evidence there is no need for people to change the way they consume or cook eggs. However, Fipronil is not legally allowed for use near food-producing animals and it shouldn’t be there.’

List of affected products

By Sainsbury’s Ham and Egg Salad - 240g - 9 th -14th August 2017

By Sainsbury’s Potato and Egg Salad - 300g - 9 th -14th August 2017

Morrison’s Potato and Egg Salad - 250g - Use by up to 13th August 2017

Morrisons Egg and Cress Sandwich - 11th August 2017

Morrisons Cafe Sandwich Selection - 11th August 2017

Waitrose Free Range Egg Mayonnaise Deli Filler - Use by 13 & 16th August

Waitrose Free Range Reduced Fat Egg Mayonnaise Deli Filler - Use by 14 August 2017

Waitrose Free Range Egg and Bacon Deli Filler - 170g - Use by 14 & 16th August 2017

Asda Baby potato and free range egg salad - 270g - Use by 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th Aug

Asda Spinach and free range egg snack pot - 110g - Use by 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th Aug

Asda FTG Ham and Cheddar ploughman’s salad bowl - 320g - Use by 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th Aug

Healthcare students from the University of Bedfordshire were rewarded for care and compassion shown to their patients on placement.

The students, who carried out placements in hospitals across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, were given their ICARE badges at the annual ICARE Conference, recently held at the Luton campus.

The kind students studied either nursing, midwifery, or operating department practice.

The winners were: Sharon Graham, Elizabeth Payne, Ashley Champ, Elizabeth Pyatt, Lucy Nganga, Farzad Sajjad, Justine McNulty, Clara Seers, Lise Honeyman, Stacey Coster, Lucy-Anne Richardson, Cinderella Dutiro, Ernestina Osei, Lee Mapp, Laura Ducker, Lauren Singleton, Angel Brown, Lelia Omar and Emilie Roast.

Patients and their families nominate students for the ICARE badge award scheme.

Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Kathryn Holloway has welcomed the brand new chief officer for the force’s volunteer Bobbies.

Clint Sharp has been confirmed as the new head of Bedfordshire Police’s Special Constabulary, with the county’s volunteer police officers dedicating over 4,000 hours in the past month to support their regular colleagues on duty.

Clint said:“I never dreamed I would lead the Special Constabulary when I joined in 1995 and I feel incredibly proud to have the opportunity to take the reins. They are some of the most dedicated people.

“In July, 10 new volunteers joined and will now have further on-the-job tuition and support from experienced colleagues.”

Special Constables must be over 18 and able to commit a minimum of 16 hours a month to the role.

Specials work closely with full-time officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s) both to patrol Bedfordshire’s communities and volunteer in specialist units.

A private ambulance service used to transport NHS patients to hospital appointments has come under fire from a health watchdog.

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire (HCB) said users of the transport provided by Private Ambulance Service (PAS) had missed hospital appointments and had little confidence in the system.

PAS was given a 12 month contract earlier this year to relay non-emergency patients to and from hospital appointments from Luton, Bedford, the Biggleswade area, Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable.

In March this year our sister paper the Biggleswade Chronicle reported how patients had missed appointments, been late or had not been picked up for the return home from hospital.

One woman was left at the hospital after the sessions were due to close and staff had to arrange for a taxi to take her home.

Another man said he got back home so late he had to sleep in his day clothes as his carers had left for the night.

A survey released by HCB this month said 70 per cent of those questioned were dissatisfied or very dissatified with communication from PAS and 67 per cent were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied that the tranport arrived on time. Satisfaction levels with the service overall were low with 55 per cent being either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. But 76 per cent praised the drivers of the service.

“Patients had experienced late pick up and drop off times, in some cases up to five hours,” said the report.

“Some patients had missed healthcare appointments or had been very late arriving and were not confident that future commitments would be met by the service.”

Those attending Bedford Hospital renal unit were particularly hard hit with staff having to make changes to their dialysis slots to minimise the impact on their treatment and home life.

“Many of the respondents commented on how the service impacted poorly on their life, causing stress and anxiety,” said the report.

There were also concerns the fabric seats of the cars and ambulances could not be adequately cleaned, raising fears of infection.

“As the service period progressed there was evidence of some improvement across all services,” said the report. “However, this was not consistent across all respondents and there was little confidence that this was a sustainable, long term improvement.”

The watchdog said PAS needed to apply a contractually agreed complaints procedure and review its vehicle stock to meet infection control guidelines.

It also recommended the HCB be included in any future negotiations for a non emergency patient transport service.

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group said the group: “takes the results of the survey extremely seriously and has been working closely with the provider Private Ambulance Service (PAS) to take action on patient feedback to tackle the issues raised head on.

“We have put in place an action plan with PAS to drive improvements. As part of this the BCCG quality team are monitoring the performance of the service closely, making unannounced visits and meeting with patients, to ensure improvements are reflected in patient experience.

“The feedback from the patient survey will also be used to inform the procurement process which is underway with a new contract due to commence in April 2018.”

Luton Borough Council is to consider the service at its Scrutiny health and Social Care Review group when it meets on Monday.

A former championship body builder has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a child aged just four-years-old.

Jenev Varghese, 32, a personal trainer from Luton, was convicted of two counts of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 at Luton Crown Court today (Friday) after the jury in the trial returned a majority verdict.

During the trial the jury heard how Varghese sexually assaulted the young girl on a number of occasions and threatened to kill her family if she spoke out.

Detective Constable Samantha Shane, of the Bedfordshire Police Public Protection Unit, said: “Varghese took advantage of a young child in the worst and most sickening way possible and I am pleased that he will be made to pay for his actions.

“We are absolutely committed to tackling child sex abuse, clamping down on dangerous individuals such as Varghese while providing support and justice to victims. I’d like to praise the victim and her family for the bravery they have shown in coming forward and having to relive the experience in court.”

Varghese was been remanded in prison ahead of sentencing on 8 September.

A man was flown to hospital by air ambulance in a “critical” condition after plunging from a multi-storey car park in Luton.

The man was seen falling from the NCP car park at Victoria Street at around 9.45am this morning.

An East of England Ambulance spokesman said: “We were called at 9.48am today to Victoria Street, Luton, to a report of a man who had fallen from height.

“Two rapid response vehicles, an ambulance crew and Magpas Air Ambulance were dispatched.

“They treated a man who was airlifted to Royal London Hospital in a critical condition.”

Chapel Street was closed while emergency services were in attendance but has since reopened.

You won’t need a telescope to stargaze this weekend because the Perseid meteor shower is set to light up the sky tonight.

Named after the Perseus constellation, this annual galactic event takes place every August when “Earth ventures through trails of debris left behind by an ancient comet”, according to NASA.

This year’s Perseid meteor shower will be the debris from the tail of Comet Swift-Tuttle and will give stargazers a glimpse of around 100 meteors, or ‘shooting stars’, an hour.

Set to travel through the sky at 132,000 miles per hour in a north-easterly direction, the Perseid meteors can peak at anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit as they race through the sky.

“At that speed, even a smidgen of dust makes a vivid streak of light when it collides with Earth’s atmosphere,” says NASA.

But don’t worry about the meteor shower battering earth any time soon as most burn 50 miles above the planet.

It’s set to be a spectacular display of shooting stars, so look up to the sky on the evening of Saturday 12 August for your best chance of witnessing the Perseid meteor shower.

How can I see them

To see the meteor shower, you don’t need a telescope, binoculars or any other equipment.

It’s best to the weather forecast in advance via www.metoffice.gov.uk as the clearer the skies, the more you’ll see - and if there’s heavy cloud, you’ll struggle.

Find a spot away from bright lights and allow time for your eyes to get used to the dark. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes - so get comfortable.

If you’re out at night, even in August, the temperature can get quite chilly, so dress accordingly and take extra warm layers even if it doesn’t feel cold when you head out. It’s easy to get cold if you’re waiting around.

Sleeping bags, blankets and food and drink supplies can all help make for a more comfortable experience while you’re out searching for shooting stars.

The meteors appear randomly everywhere in the sky, so you do not need to look in any particular direction as meteors appear randomly anywhere in the sky - just keep looking up, filling your gaze with as much of the sky as possible for as long as you can.

It may take a little while before you see one, and it’s easy to look away and miss one!

Energy drinks could act as a ‘gateway’ to cocaine for young people, say scientists.

A study found 21 to 25 year-olds who consumed high amounts of the sugar and caffeine-fuelled beverages were much more likely to become hooked on the party drug.

They were also at greater risk of alcohol abuse and being on amphetamines and other non-medically prescribed stimulants (NPS) within the next five years.

Professor Amelia Arria, of Maryland University, said: “The results suggest energy drink users might be at heightened risk for other substance use - particularly stimulants.

“Because of the longitudinal design of this study - and the fact we were able to take into account other factors that would be related to risk for substance use - this study provides evidence of a specific contribution of energy drink consumption to subsequent substance use.”

The findings published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence suggest the drinks - which have been linked to obesity among young people - could present another danger.

Prof Arria said it is the first time patterns of energy drink consumption and drug use have been explored for such a long time - and there is reason for concern.

Regular consumers over the whole period were significantly more likely to be abusing drugs by the age of 25.

Previous research by Prof Arria’s team at the university’s Centre on Young Adult Health and Development (CYAHD) has suggested the drinks can lead to high-risk alcohol and drug use.

But this study is the first to examine the unique effect of different levels of consumption on the likelihood of later substance abuse.

Notably more than half (51.4%) of the 1,099 participants fell into the group with a “persistent trajectory” - meaning they sustained it over time.

They were much more likely to end up using cocaine, amphetamines and other stimulants - and be at risk for alcohol use disorder.

The researchers single out energy drinks because they took into account other factors that could have had a possible influence.

This included demographics, sensation-seeking behaviours, other caffeine consumption such as coffee and prior substance use before 21.

Those in the “intermediate trajectory” group (17.4%) were also at increased risk for using cocaine and other stimulants.

This was compared to those in the “non-use trajectory” who never consumed energy drinks (20.6%).

Members of the “desisting trajectory” group - those whose consumption declined steadily over time - and the non-use group were not at higher risk for any substance use.

The biological mechanism that might explain how someone who persistently consumes energy drinks might go on to use other stimulant drugs remains unclear.

But the researchers said it’s a cause for concern that should be further investigated.

Prof Arria’s research group has previously examined the health risks from consuming energy drinks.

She has been a leader in efforts to protect teenagers and children from them. These include heart damage and even death.

She has also joined with other medical and public health experts who urged the US food and Drink Administration to regulate them.

Unlike soft drinks energy drinks remain unregulated and are not subject to government labelling requirements to list caffeine content or additional ingredients that are not well understood.

Prof Arria said: “Future studies should focus on younger people, because we know that they too are regularly consuming energy drinks.

“We want to know whether or not adolescents are similarly at risk for future substance use.”

Energy drinks are flavoured beverages that contain extra caffeine as well as other additives such as taurine, guarana and ginseng.

Sales of energy drinks in the UK increased by 155% between 2006 and 2014 - from 235 to 600 million litres.

About seven-in-ten 11 to 18 year-olds in the UK and a fifth of children aged 10 and under consume THEM.

A single can of popular brands can contain around 160mg of caffeine. the European Food Safety Authority recommends an intake of no more than 105mg per day for an average 11-year-old.

Five years ago a study found young people who love drinking coffee or other high-energy drinks are more likely to become cocaine or amphetamine users.

Those who responded favourably to caffeine also enjoyed the effects of the drugs - especially in high doses.

This could suggest a vulnerability to the stimulating effects of cocaine or amphetamines among some people who enjoy caffeine.

But Gavin Partington, Director General at British Soft Drinks Association commented: “It’s important to note that a study of this sort cannot prove cause and effect.

“The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) latest opinion confirms the safety of energy drinks and their ingredients and therefore does not provide any scientific justification to treat energy drinks differently to other caffeine-based drinks such as coffee.”

A Batman style superhero corset has been developed that could end the misery of back pain for millions.

The unisex underwear is suitable for nurses, surgeons and anyone whose job entails large amounts of bending that strains the discs.

The smart garment can be turned on by either tapping it or using an app - putting the strain on elastic bands instead of muscles.

It has been likened to the body armour worn by superheroes like the Caped Crusaders, or Iron Man.

Mechanical engineer Professor Karl Zelik, of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, said: “

I’m sick of Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne being the only ones with performance-boosting supersuits.

“We, the masses, want our own.

“The difference is that I’m not fighting crime. I’m fighting the odds that I’ll strain my back this week trying to lift my 2-year-old.”

Half the adult population of the UK report low back pain lasting for at least 24 hours at some time in the year.

The NHS spends more than £1 billion annually treating eight in ten people who will suffer it during their lives.

The researchers said TV infomercials offer a world of potential solutions but most are either unproven, unworkable or just plain unattractive.

So their design combines the science of biomechanics and advances in wearable tech to create a smart, mechanised undergarment.

Prof Zelik began thinking about resolving the problem when he experienced back pain himself from repeatedly lifting his toddler son.

The garment is worn on the chest and legs and consists of two fabric sections made from cheap materials like nylon, Lycra, polyester and other materials.

These are connected by sturdy straps across the middle back, with natural rubber pieces at the lower back.

Experiments showed the clothing offloads stress on the discs.

It is designed so wearers engage it only when they need it. A simple double tap to the shirt works the straps.

When the task is done, another double tap releases the straps so the user can sit down, and the device feels and behaves like normal clothes.

It also can be controlled by an app the team created. Wearers tap their phones to engage the smart clothing wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Eight subjects tested the device leaning forward and lifting 25-pound and 55-pound weights while holding their position at 30, 60 and 90 degrees.

Using motion capture, force plates and electromyography, the team demonstrated the device reduced activity in the lower back muscles by an average of 15 to 45 per cent for each task.

Added Prof Zelik: “The next idea is can we use sensors embedded in the clothing to monitor stress on the low back, and if it gets too high, can we automatically engage this smart clothing?”

Co researcher Dr Aaron Yang, who specialises in non surgical treatment of the back and neck at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, said the technology is aimed at prevention rather than cure.

It focuses on reducing stress and fatigue on the lower back muscles. He has seen many back belts and braces and typically meets them with scepticism.

Dr Yang said: “People are often trying to capitalise on a huge societal problem with devices that are unproven or unviable.

“This smart clothing concept is different. I see a lot of health care workers or other professionals with jobs that require standing or leaning for long periods.

“Smart clothing may help offload some of those forces and reduce muscle fatigue.”

According to the NHS almost 3 million working days a year are lost because of lower back pain.

The underwear was unveiled at the Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics in Brisbane, Australia.

Ever fancied being on TV? Well if you’re single and looking for love, now’s your chance!

ITV’s primetime Saturday night dating show Take Me Out is looking for singletons to take part in the new series.

Auditions will take place across the country between August and October so people are being encouraged to fill in the application form now.

To get an application form, just email: takemeoutboys@thames.tv (for boy application forms) takemeoutgirls@thames.tv (for girls application forms).

All applicants must be 18 years old or over. And remember, no likey, no lighty!

Staff from across the Thameslink and Great Northern rail networks have raised over £2,300 in seven days for Luton-based Keech Hospice Care.

Staff got involved in a host of activities during National Small Charities Week to raise the money.

Their week began with a bake sale at the company’s head office in the City of London. The next day the two brands took each other on in a ‘cycle the distance’ challenge to see who could cycle the furthest on an exercise bike and collect the most donations from passengers across the three-hour evening peak.

The Thameslink group at Luton won with a total distance of 107km.

Charles Horton, CEO of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), operator of Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “At GTR, we are committed to supporting local charities across our network.

“Keech Hospice Care is a cause that our staff are passionate about and it’s wonderful to see so many of them go out of their way to help raise much-needed funds.”

Staff at London Luton Airport (LLA) who took part in a sponsored bike ride to Amsterdam raised more than £50,000 for Keech Hospice.

Neil Thomson, from LLA, is pictured presenting the chief executive officer of Keech Hospice, Liz Searle, with a cheque for £51,192.86 following the ride.

The 34-strong team departed from LLA’s control tower on July 12, reaching Amsterdam on July 16.

Caron Hooper, Keech corporate fundraiser, said: “We are overwhelmed by the support from London Luton Airport, their corporate supporters and the cyclists who took on this incredible challenge.

“The money will ensure we can provide care for our patients wherever they need it most.”

Officers celebrated the Luton Mela alongside the community in the town’s Wardown Park over the weekend of August 5-6.

The two-day festival celebrating music, art and culture was attended by Bedfordshire Police to meet residents and listen to their concerns, as part of the force’s commitment to understanding issues which matter to communities most.

Visitors had an opportunity to dress up as police officers and take a picture with the teams and Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, while the recruitment team was also available to talk about career opportunities within the force.

Community South Chief Inspector Hob Hoque said: “The Luton Mela is strongly embedded in Luton’s cultural calendar and grows bigger year on year. Our force has always strongly supported the event, which celebrates the vibrant and diverse cultures of our county.

“I am proud of our communities coming together in harmony and celebrating the event in a joyful and safe atmosphere.”

A dozen generous volunteers from The Mall rolled up their sleeves to help a local charity refit their new shop in the shopping centre.

Level Trust, which supports school age children whose families may be struggling financially, has taken over a shop on the first floor in The Mall Luton.

The Mall introduced Jane Malcolm, director of Level Trust to Damian McPherson, the project manager for Capital and Regional, who own The Mall. Damian drew up the shop unit plan and the specification for the unit, while the local team gave support and guidance throughout the works.

However, the shop needed a little TLC before opening to the public on August 7, so staff members from The Mall were on hand to help.

General manager Roy Greening was one of the 12 volunteers who helped paint, clean and set up the store.

He said: “It was an absolute pleasure helping to transform the empty unit into a new home for Level Trust.

“This is a wonderful charity and one that we are proud to support.”

Morrisons is to sell the UK’s longest sausage roll – for just £1.

The supermarket has launched the Foot Long Sausage Roll, believed to be the largest in the UK.

At one foot long and weighing in at nearly half a kilogram, the store claims the sausage roll is double the length and four times the weight of some high street competitors.

Available from August 7 from the supermarket on Newland Street, the Foot Long Sausage Roll is freshly baked in-store by its Market Street bakers, made with seasoned pork meat and wrapped in a crisp, golden flaky pastry.

The sausage roll has to be served on a special tray that holds its weight, rather than being served in just the traditional paper bag.

Morrisons has created the Foot Long Sausage Roll after listening to its customers, who said that they wanted a bigger version of the British classic.

At only £1, the jumbo-sized British favourite can be bought hot and ready-to-eat from Morrisons Pie Shop counters on Market Street. It could be enjoyed as part of a picnic, shared with the family, or eaten by customers with big appetites.

The sausage roll is being launched in time for the start of the football season to be the ultimate match day pie experience.

Kissing it better really does work... thanks to a protein in human saliva, according to new research.

Injuries in the mouth heal faster and more efficiently than those elsewhere - and now we know why.

A chemical in saliva boosts the formation of blood vessels, a process that is critical in recovering from an injury.

Harnessing its power opens “a wide door” to improving the treatment of wounds, said an experts.

And it shows ‘licking your wounds’ is more than just an expression and is based on scientific fact.

Prof Vicente Torres, of the Institute for Research in Dental Sciences at the University of Chile, Santiago, said: “These findings open new alternatives to better understand the biology underlying the differences between oral and skin wound healing.

“We believe the study could help the design of better approaches to improve wound healing in tissues other than the mouth.”

The research published in The FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) Journal revealed the salivary protein histatin-1 aids wound healing.

Prof Torres and colleagues made the breakthrough by delving into the mystifying fact mouth wounds mend better and quicker.

Until now, it was understood saliva played a part in the wound healing process, although the extent of its role was unknown.

The study examined the effects of histatin-1 on new blood vessels, a process known medically as angiogenesis.

It showed the molecule promoted angiogenesis, as well as improving the contact and migration of cells.

Prof Torres’ team carried out experiments on chicken embryos and human skin and blood vessel cells.

Using these three models, histatin-1 and saliva samples obtained from healthy donors were found to increase blood vessel formation.

The researchers have already begun using these molecules to generate materials and implants to aid in wound healing.

Prof Torres said: “Saliva is a key factor that contributes to the high efficiency of wound healing in the inside of the mouth.

“This is not only attributed to physical cues but also to the presence of specific peptides in the saliva, such as histatins.

“Histatin-1 is an antimicrobial peptide, highly enriched in human saliva, which has been previously reported to promote the migration of oral skin cells in lab animals.

“However, the participation of histatin-1 in other crucial events required for wound healing, such as angiogenesis, is unknown.

“Specifically, histatin-1 promoted skin cell contact and spreading as well as migration in the wound closure tests.

“Finally, we showed that salivary histatin-1 is required for the promigratory effects of saliva on skin cells.

“In conclusion, we report salivary histatin-1 is a novel proangiogenic factor that may contribute to oral wound healing.”

Journal editor Dr Thoru Pederson, of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, welcomed the exciting discovery.

He added: “The clear results of the present study open a wide door to a therapeutic advance.

“They also bring to mind the possible meaning of animals, and often children, ‘licking their wounds.’”