Screaming fans, being mobbed on public transport, and people camping outside their hotel are becoming the norm for Union J now they’re on X Factor – and it’s only week three.

Stopsley lad Jaymi Hensley and his group Union J stepped up their game on Saturday night’s show, performing Leona Lewis’ Bleeding Love mixed with James Morrison’s Broken Strings, which received a great reacion from the X Factor judges.

Former Putteridge High School student Jaymi found time in his hectic schedule to catch up with the Luton News this morning (October 16).

Jaymi said: “X Factor has been absolutely amazing so far, but it’s really hard work. That’s the biggest eye-opener; the 14 hour days, always working, but we can’t complain because it’s what we’ve always wanted and it is incredible. It’s everything I thought it would be and more.”

To read the full interview with Jaymi, and find out what he thinks about One Directon and his X Factor competitors, see the Luton News out on Wednesday.

Available from all good local newsagents.

Big kids – and little ones too – are invited to the launch of an animal-themed adventure play area at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

‘Hullabazoo’ opens on Saturday, October 27, when children can swing like chimps, slide like penguins and buzz like bees.

It will be suitable for children up to the age of 12.

For more details contact kat.baldwyn@zsl.org or visit zsl.org

A new set of proposed boundaries for parliamentary constituencies have been revealed today (Tuesday), and there are a few surprises.

Initial proposals published last autumn saw the Mid Beds constituency – home to Toddington, Harlington, Barton and Streatley – scrapped.

But the new proposals include a Mid Beds and Harpenden seat, stretching from just below Biggleswade in the north to Harpenden in the south, and taking in Barton, Upper and Lower Sundon, Caddington and Kensworth, Silsoe, Lilley, Offley, Wheathampstead and Kimpton.

The proposed new constituencies of Luton North and Dunstable, and Luton South, have not changed.

But the South West Bedfordshire constituency would now no longer include Barton, and has been stretched northwards to include Cranfield and Marston Moretaine.

The Boundary Commission wants to reduce the number of serving MPs in England from 650 to 600, and is running an eight-week consultation on the proposals before publishing its final set in 2013.

Miss Dorries said: “Mid Beds is back and I’m delighted, although it was never going to happen as the Lib Dems have withdrawn their support.

“There won’t be a vote until next year and a year is a long time in parliament, but I think we will be going into the 2015 election with the status quo.”

The current Harpenden and Hitchin constituency is held by Peter Lilley, who will be 71 at the next general election.

Under existing rules both Mr Lilley and Miss Dorries would be able to apply to run for the seat.

Miss Dorries said that although the changes no longer had Lib Dem support, they would be one of the “first things” a Conservative majority would want to vote on should they win the next general election.

Top chef Jean-Christophe Novelli’s Tea Green Academy has been shortlisted as a finalist in the inaugural British Cookery School Awards.

It has been entered in the Unsung Hero category which requires proof that an individual works tirelessly behind the scenes, above and beyond the call of duty, to ensure the business is the very best it can be.

The talented kitchen supremo and charity champion is up against stiff competition from across the country.

The winners will be announced at a gala event in London next month.

Barton’s Unity Hall was one of only four entries to receive the coveted Campaign for Rural England Mark in the organisation’s annual awards.

The hall is situated on Luton Road sports field adjacent to Barton Rovers Football Club.

Marks were also awarded to The Community Tree Trust, Rectory Farm, Wilden and Rushmere Country Park, Leighton Buzzard.

Lord Lieutenant Helen Nellis said: “I am so impressed with the range of examples across the county of schemes to improve the landscape, maintain its biodiversity and enhance its character through good building design and restoration.”

> For more details visit www.cprebeds.org.uk

The female driver of the black Citroen (pictured above) did not get off to a good start this week when her vehicle was in collision with a police panda car.

The accident happened mid-morning on Monday in Hastings Street, Luton, outside the Icon Hotel near the junction with the flyover.

A police spokeswoman said: “No-one was injured. It looks like it was just a shunt.”

In another accident on Sunday, a Mazda MX5 was involved in a collision with a Vauxhall Astra in Gypsy Lane.

Neither vehicle was damaged but the ambulance was called after one of the drivers was said to be “extremely shaken.”

A week long inquest into the death of a Luton man who died from gunshot wounds in a park last year is to be held later this month.

Idi Atiba, 31, died from gunshot wounds in Leagrave Park on January 24 2011 following a 15-hour stand off with armed police and negotiators.

Police had been called to the park the previous evening after reports of a man armed with a gun. He was surrounded by police marksmen and negotiators close to the centre spot of one of the park’s football pitches.

Officers pleaded with Mr Atiba overnight to put the gun down but he was pronounced dead at the scene after he shot himself in the chest.

The inquest will take place the week commencing October 29.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

The king is on the loose again in the delightful and funny third film from the Madagascar set, writes guest reviewer Alison Devlin.

Brought to you by DreamWorks, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted is set to be a real crowd pleaser.

With its new characters and exciting adventures, the gang of escapee animals begins their adventure running riot on the streets of Monte Carlo attracting unwanted attention from a super cop, Captain Chantel DuBois (voiced by Frances McDormand), in their attempt to get back to The Big Apple.

Loosely following on from the events of the second film, Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller) and his friends are still stranded in Africa waiting for their ride back to New York. After having a bad dream about growing old and still waiting, Alex takes it into his own paws and the group set off around Europe, bringing with them disruption, laughter and a whole lot of animal antics.

If not taken too seriously, this can be an enjoyable and humorous film for family of all ages.

With comedy talent such as Stiller, Chris Rock (Marty the Zebra), David Schwimmer (Melman the Giraffe) and Jada Pickett-Smith (Gloria the Hippo) you’re guaranteed ninety-three minutes of entertainment.

As usual, the returning cast is top notch, though scenes with our favourite Lemur-king and his sidekick Maurice are rare. That doesn’t stop them having their own storyline in which our crazy dancing monarch falls in love with someone who you wouldn’t imagine to be his type…

Fun loving, family-friendly and children pleasing, Madagascar 3 will be the talk of the playground in the next coming month.

Frankenweenie

It seems that by returning to his roots, Tim Burton has found his mojo again.

This stop-motion fable is a feature-length adaptation of Burton’s own short film, one of the shorts that brought him to attention and prominence at the start of his career. It’s good to see him tackling his own stories again, and going hands on, tactile, rather than adapting and using CGI lazily.

Scepticism is cast aside by a passionate and light touch, and beautifully crafted animation. It lacks the depth of his best work but it is a return to form.

The story revolves around a young boy, Victor, heartbroken over the death of his beloved dog. He finds a way to bring the pooch back to life and at the start it’s fine, his companion is back, but it’s what he has brought back with him, and what has been unleashed that starts to cause mayhem. A strong voice cast, filled with actors rather than stars, adds some weight, and it just feels, well, Burton-esque. Good to have him back, let’s hope he is here to stay

Paranormal Activity 4

Really? It’s still going on? People still want it? But it’s no good. The first one wasn’t even that good. So why? Oh money. Ok. The fourth instalment is no improvement on the previous three.

A shot was reportedly fired in Marsh Farm in Luton yesterday afternoon (October 17).

Officers responded to the incident in Waleys Close at 1pm and carried out a full search of the area, but no injuries were reported.

Local officers are on the ground to provide reassurance for residents that nothing untoward is happening.

Ever fancied going to the Rio Carnival? If you can’t wait till February, the UK Centre for Carnival Arts offers a solution – the Brazilian Carnival Encounter 2012.

For one night only the UK’s National Centre for Carnival will be sizzling with some of the world’s best Samba bands, live music, DJs, dancing, authentic Brazilian food and Caipirinha cocktails.

This Saturday, anyone can come along to the centre and try an introductory Samba drumming workshop during the day.

JP Courtney, Musical Director of Brazilian Carnival Encontro 2012 said: “We are really excited about the Saturday Night Showcase. We’ll have performances from some of the Samba bands that took part in the London 2012 Olympic handover to Rio.

“All this served up with lashings of traditional Brazilian food and drink bodes well for a fantastic night out.”

Paul Anderson, CEO of the UK Centre of Carnival Arts, in St Mary’s Road, added: “The centre is all about showcasing excellence in carnival arts and introducing people from all walks of life to the joy of carnival.

“The Saturday showcase gives everyone the chance to have fun and enjoy all that is great about carnival.”

Brave Luton burns survivor Shamiam Arif is one step closer to the groundbreaking surgery that will allow her to ditch her protective helmet and lead a more normal life.

The 10-year-old Foxdell Junior pupil saw award-winning craniofacial specialist Jonathan Britto (pictured right) at Great Ormond Street Hospital last week.

He has had a special titanium plate made to fill the bone defect in her head. This occurred after her skull was burned down to the lining of her brain in a devastating fire at her home in Pakistan.

Shamiam was only nine months old at the time. The prompt action of Muslim Hands charity worker Farooq Ahmed undoubtedly saved her life - he brought her back to Britain where renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon Professor Peter Dziewulski waived his fees to treat her devastating injuries.

In spite of losing both hands in the blaze, Shamiam is fiercely independent. She makes the most of her two ‘fingers,’ fashioned from her forearms in the Krukenberg Procedure.

Mr Britto also gave parents Mohammed and Tahira the welcome news that none of the trio of top surgeons who will operate in January will charge for their services.

The Herald&Post has been at the forefront of a campaign to raise funds to cover her hospital treatment.

Please help us to help her - send a cheque to United for the Needy (Shamiam Arif Appeal), 146 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 5JE.

Luton resident Jennifer Castleman found a rather unusual addition had made its way on to her shelf of ornaments last week.

A frightened fox had made its way into the house after being chased by Mrs Castleman’s dog, Juno, in the garden of her Osborne Road home.

The frightened fox, who had a cut paw, zipped through an open door, up the stairs and then proceeded to get wedged between the banisters.

Mrs Castleman said: “I tried to free the fox from the banister – but he then moved out of reach on the shelf and half of my Buddha ornaments went flying.

“Then he just sat there with his legs crossed like a dog. I just kept talking to him with a soothing tone and he did not appear to be frightened – he just kept looking at me until the RSPCA arrived.

“I tried to coax him down with food and left the front door open – but I think he was just too high up and too frightened to jump.

“He did have an injury on him, but it was very small and he was checked over by the RSPCA and he was fine – so he was released back into the wild.

“It was all very bizarre and strange – the funny thing is my cat Angel just slept through the whole thing and didn’t stir once despite all the commotion.”

RSPCA inspector Mel Fisher attended the incident and rescued the fox from the shelf.

She said: “This is one of the oddest on call fox retrievals I’ve had to do in a while.

“Thankfully he only had a tiny superficial cut on his pad and I re-released him at midnight.

“But it was a strange sight to see a fox just sitting there on a shelf – not moving and surrounded by ornaments!”

A young mother is fighting back after she says a member of staff at David Lloyd gym in Luton suggested she was a terrorist.

Sahdia Yousefi, 35, had just paid the £1,500 annual membership to join Capability Green gym on October 8 when she asked if she could leave her bag at reception while she looked round again.

She says a male member of staff said to her: “Yes, as long as it doesn’t blow up.”

Yorkshire-born Mrs Yousefi said: “I was so shocked I felt like someone had kicked me in the mouth. I said to the female staff member, ‘Did I just hear that correctly?’ and she replied, ‘He just means that we have had it all refurbished recently so the place would get ruined’.”

After complaining to the manager, Mrs Yousefi, said she was offered a free hot drink, three free training sessions and free towel hire for a month as a ‘goodwill gesture’.

Mrs Yousefi, who has a three-year-old daughter, said: “If I wasn’t insulted before, that drove me over the edge. They think it’s so minor that they can throw a few freebies at me and I will go away. I’m just so angry.

“I need to safeguard my child and myself from derogatory remarks and that is where this company failed. If I had wanted to be labelled a terrorist in a public place I would go to a BNP march where I am sure they would be happy to oblige.”

Legal advisor Mrs Yousefi, who lives in Luton town centre, said: “I just want to leave, I can’t trust them now. The club manager told me the issue had been resolved but I want a written apology. This man didn’t even know me, he didn’t know if I spoke English, he just judged me by the colour of my skin.”

A David Lloyd spokesperson said: “We are very sorry to learn that a comment allegedly made at David Lloyd Luton, which is being investigated, has caused Mrs Yousefi distress.

“David Lloyd Leisure does not tolerate discrimination of any form from either our staff or members and takes any such allegation very seriously.

“We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all members, and this is reflected by the ethnic and cultural diversity of both our staff and membership.

“The club has endeavoured to resolve this matter with Mrs Yousefi as we value all of our members very highly. We will be willing to cancel Mrs Yousefi’s membership, as she has requested.”

Two taxi drivers were robbed in Luton in separate incidents on Tuesday (October 16).

The first incident happenend in Russell Rise at 1.10am when three men approached a 51-year-old taxi driver’s vehicle and two of them threatened him, took his keys and demanded he hand over money.

The driver tried to call for help on the radio system but one of the offenders smashed it. He managed to get out of the vehicle and run away while the offenders fled towards Russell Street with a small sum of money.

At 9.20pm, a 45-year-old taxi driver collected three passengers and took them to Vincent Road in Luton.

When they got there, one of the offenders grabbed the victim from behind and held him by the neck as the second offender stole cash before all three ran away.

All the offenders were said to be black males.

Call Det Con Lucy Arnold in confidence on 01582 473347 or Beds Police on 101.

SATURDAY

The Jonathan Ross Show 
(ITV1, 10.20pm)

This week, as king of chat Wossy wraps up another hugely successful series, we can expect good humour from comedian and actor David Mitchell, who’ll be plugging his new memoir Back Story.

Bradley Cooper, star of The Hangover movies, will be promoting his new film, Silver Linings, and no doubt be discussing what it means to be one of the sexiest men on Earth, while Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry promote new album Music from Another Dimension! which is released next month. Singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé provides the music for the evening after a fabulous year of appearances at the Olympics and becoming one of Scotland’s most recognisable stars.

SUNDAY

Surprise, Surprise (ITV1, 7pm)

Holly Willoughby will be giving well-deserving members of the public the biggest surprise of their lives as Cilla Black’s classic show returns, minus the flame-haired diva herself.

We have been promised a number of tear-jerking surprises and dramatic family reunions as Holly and guests help make some dreams of a lifetime come true.

In the opener, a soldier faces his biggest fear, and a friend gives his best mate the gift of life.

The Saturdays surprise a devoted fan and a couple are reunited with something very special after more than four decades, plus guest appearances by Gareth Malone’s acclaimed vocalists the Military Wives, and British racing champion Jenson Button.

MONDAY

Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals (Channel 4, 5pm)

If you caught Jamie Oliver’s 30 Minute Meals, you’ll have a good idea of what it’s about as the frantic foodie shows how, in the time it takes to heat up a ready-meal, a delicious feast can be cooked from scratch. He’s cooking the meals in real time and has been careful to reduce calorie content as much as possible.

He says: “We all want food that’s healthy, gorgeous and super quick, so I’m going to show you a whole new way to cook – amazing meals that you can do in just fifteen minutes, time-saving tricks and multi-tasking to the max

TUESDAY

Rolf’s Animal Clinic (Five, 8pm)

Rolf Harris is back with a six-part series that sees him come face-to-face with more furry friends at the University of Liverpool’s Leahurst campus, home to one of the UK’s top veterinary colleges.

The first patient is Millie, a family’s pet horse, who is brought in with a life-threatening case of colic and needs emergency surgery.

WEDNESDAY

Brazil With Michael Palin 
(BBC One, 9pm) ****

The comedian-turned-actor-turned-globetrotter may has more stamps in his passport than most people, but there’s one place he’s never been to, and it happens be the fifth-biggest country on the planet – Brazil.

Now he’s about to put that right by journeying there for a new, four-part series.

THURSDAY

Hatfields & McCoys (Five, 9pm)

Epic fact-based Western with Kevin Costner as the intriguingly named Devil Anse Hatfield looks well worth investigating. Also involved is director Kevin Reynolds, who called the shots on Costner’s biggest cinema hits.

FRIDAY

Piers Morgan’s Life Stories: Burt Reynolds (ITV1, 9pm)

The former tabloid editor tries to shed some light on the hirsute hunk whose million-dollar grin and trademark ‘tache once left women the world over weak at the knees.

Burt bounced to fame in the 1970s, and his role in disturbing thriller Deliverance is still a standout success – but more often he’s been played the comedy card, and is as well-known for his love life as his acting career.

Will Piers be able to probe beneath his affable exterior and tease out something new?

The long-awaited A5-M1 link road has been given the thumbs up by ministers following a public inquiry, South Weds Beds MP Andrew Selous says.

The bypass would be a 2.9-mile dual carriageway, running east from the A5 north of Dunstable to link to the M1 at a new junction, 11A.

The MP said a start on the project was now dependant upon “the developers contributing £45 million and Central Bedfordshire Council £5 million”.

Work is due to begin in 2014 after power lines have been moved next summer.

Mr Selous said: “This is wonderful news for the whole of South West Bedfordshire. Traffic jams will be greatly reduced in Dunstable and Houghton Regis and villages like Totternhoe, Kensworth and Toddington will see much less through traffic. “Leighton Buzzard and Linslade will get fast direct access to the M1 and the whole motorway network, which will help business growth in the town and Aylesbury will also benefit.

“I called for the bypass to be built in my maiden speech in 2001 and shortly afterwards presented a 25,000 signature petition to Parliament requesting the road be built.

“Alistair Darling announced the road would be built on July 9, 2003 and the delay since then has been appalling and has held back economic growth and job creation.

“I pay tribute to Central Bedfordshire Council for negotiating the developer contribution, without which the road would not be built.

“I believe that South West Bedfordshire will now realise its full potential in creating jobs and wealth.“

See next week’s Dunstable Gazette for more reaction.

Construction company employees put down their tools to help with Keech Hospice Care’s annual maintenance.

Wates Retail/Construction have been volunteering at Keech, who care for both adults and children across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes, for the last four years.

They spent the day staining benches, removing old tree stumps, gardening and carrying out repairs.

They also helped to raise money for the hospice by washing cars.

Mike Keel, chief executive at Keech, said: “Their help is essential for Keech in this economic climate. We need everything that can stop us having to spend money on anything other than care.

“We hope this will encourage more people to come and help us.”

Two dogs went missing from Caddington after chasing a fox this morning (October 19).

Jasper and Charlie ran into the woods at the back of Folly Lane and haven’t returned home since.

Frantic owners Sandra and Kevin Collins are desperately searching for the dogs, who were sighted in Chaul End Lane in Luton heading towards Hatters Way a few hours ago.

If you see them, please call 07905 743781.

Police are warning residents to be extra vigilant following a spate of burglaries in the Stopsley area.

Officers have been posting cards through residents’ letterboxes after six separate raids in the area in the last month, including three on the same day – September 25.

Burglars have struck three times in Ravenbank Road, twice on September 25 when offenders broke into the rear of two properties, and once on October 10 when a rear door was forced and a TV stolen.

Also on September 25, thieves attempted to break into the back of a house in Wood Green Road.

Further burglaries where thieves broke in through the back of the property took place in Swifts Green Road and Putteridge Road in September.

One local resident, who did not wish to be named, told the H&P: “It’s a very low crime area around here, so it’s quite shocking to hear about all these burglaries. It’s a bit scary to think these lowlifes are out on the streets, watching out to see when people aren’t at home.”

Beds Police recommend making your house look and feel occupied at all times to stop burglars.

A spokesman for Beds Police said: “Use your lights – keep them on a timer. Make sure they are switched on early even if you leave them on while going shopping or on the school run. And remember, use the lights in a main room and not in the hallway so it looks like someone is home. Keep your radio switched on and tuned in to a talk station so it sounds like someone is at home.

“Make sure your doors are securely locked at all times. If you have uPVC doors make sure they are double locked.

“Lock all windows and fit restricters – thieves can wriggle through any gap larger than a human head. Fit locks at the top and bottom of patio doors.”

For more information on home security call 101 or email crimereduction@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk.