Sheffield Wednesday striker Sam Winnall turned down a number of League One clubs on deadline day, revealed by the Sheffield Star.

Several clubs, with Sunderland credited with strong interest, enquired about the 28-year-old, who has been promoted twice from the third-tier.

Wednesday were open to letting Winnall go on a temporary basis to build up his match fitness, however Owls boss Steve Bruce revealed yesterday Winnall wanted to stay at fight for his place at Hillsborough.

Former Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton has held talks with SPL club Hibernian over becoming their new manager, according to Deadline News.

Hibs sacked Neil Lennon last week and recently spoke with ex-Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom - however Appleton is thought to be a prime candidate.

Other names such as Dean Holden, Paul Hurst and and John Doolan have also been linked with the vacancy as Hibs look to settle on their preferred list of candidates by Friday.

Luton Town interim manager Mick Harford believes the club were right to sell defender Akin Famewo for the good of his career.

Famewo left Kenilworth Road last month after interest from the Championship club saw his season-long loan spell at Grimsby Town cut short.

Harford said: "He’d been at Grimsby and Norwich did try and buy him 12 months ago.

"They’ve kept tabs on him, watched him, we thought it was probably the best thing for Akin to go there and kick-start his career, so good luck to Akin.”

Terry McPhillips has been frustrated by a swathe of fresh injuries just as Blackpool were getting close to full-strength.

Curtis Tilt, Ollie Turton and Mark Howard are now fit but Blackpool have picked up new injuries to midfielders Jay Spearing and Callum Guy.

McPhillips said: “It’s frustrating but what can you do? It’s part of the game.

“We’ve always said if we can keep our best players fit and keep them here we’d have half a chance.

“It’s no surprise that when we had some of our best players missing we had a run when we didn’t do so well.

“But Jay’s injury gives somebody else a chance. We’ve got a good group and somebody will benefit from Jay’s absence.”

Former Nottingham Forest striker Simon Cox has extended his stay at Southend United until 2020 after after a clause was triggered in his contract.

Cox, who joined from Reading in 2016, has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Southend so far this campaign - netting 12 goals.

In total, The 31-year-old has scored 38 goals since joining in 2016, coming in 132 games.

easyJet has released a statement to calm any concerns passengers may have.

It is trading statement for the quarter ending December 31, 2018 it had a section dedicated to Brexit.

It said: "easyJet is well prepared for Brexit.

"It now has 130 aircraft registered in Austria and has made good progress ensuring it has a spare parts pool in the EU27 and in transferring crew licences, both of which will be completed by March 29.

"Both the EU and the UK have committed to ensure that flights between the UK and EU will continue in the event of a no-deal Brexit."

ABTA, the leading association of travel agents and tour operators, has also said: "There is nothing to suggest that you will not be able to continue with your holiday plans after 29 March. Even in a no-deal scenario, the European Commission has said flights to and from the UK will still be able to operate.

"Customers who book a package holiday with a UK travel company enjoy the most comprehensive consumer protection: if you book a package, your holiday will be protected under the Package Travel Regulations, meaning you have a right to a full refund if your holiday can no longer be provided."

However, Ryanair's third quarter report said that the risk of a 'no deal' Brexit remains worryingly high.

It said: "While we hope that common sense will prevail, and lead to either a delay in Brexit, or agreement on the 21 month transition deal currently on the table, we have taken all necessary steps to protect Ryanair’s business in a no-deal environment.

"We have now obtained a UK AOC to protect our three domestic UK routes, and we will place restrictions on the voting rights and share sales of non-EU shareholders for a period of time (in the event of a hard Brexit) to ensure that Ryanair remains at all times an EU owned and EU controlled airline, even if the UK exits the EU without a deal."

Anyone that is concerned should check before they travel.

Crawley Town head coach Gabriele Cioffi believes their new signing Matty Willock will be the perfect fit to improve the team

Willock, who signed on deadline day from Manchester United, was also joined by Ibrahim Meite after Cardiff City released him. And Cioffi believes both will be good additions to his squad.

“Me and Selim wanted to create this relationship with Manchester United," revealed the Italian.

“I had a clear idea of what kind of player we need in midfield.

“Selim brought me a list of five or six players with the same skills and we agreed together that (Matty) Willock was the best choice for us.

“So I’m happy, a good signing, as well as (Ibrahim) Meite is a boy with potential."

Colchester United striker Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe has joined Airtricity League side Derry City on loan until June 30.

The 24-year-old had been training with Derry and has now tied up a six-month loan deal with the League of Ireland side, who begin their new season next week.

Ogedi-Uzokwe returned to Colchester last month after completing his temporary spell at National League side Bromley, - scoring six goals in 25 appearances.

He is out of contract at Colchester this summer and it is unknown whether he will be offered a new deal.

Following the news a winding up order against Bury had been dismissed, the club reacted to assure supporters of the long-term future of the club.

A short statement read: "The new board have openly discussed the financial situation they inherited from the previous ownership.

"This is something the Chairman and his team have worked extremely hard on and hope to have the club financially stable and self sufficient as soon as possible.

"Today's news acts as confirmation that the hard work is being recognised.

"We'd like to thank the fans for their continued loyal support and to continuing the great season we are currently enjoying."

Crawley Town's next opponents Oldham are expected to learn if Manchester United legend Paul Scholes will be allowed to become their new manager today (Thursday).

The Sky Bet League Two side are keen to appoint Scholes as the successor to Frankie Bunn, who was sacked in December.

The deal is complicated by Scholes' involvement at National League side Salford City, where he is a part-owner along with former United team-mates Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Singapore billionaire Peter Lim.

SEE ALSO Manchester United and Cardiff City players have the skills we want to develop says Crawley Town boss | Crawley Town's new signing from Manchester United will be the perfect fit says head coach - League 2 latest news | Former Arsenal midfielder Mark Randall leaves Crawley Town

The EFL will discuss the matter at a meeting on Thursday, but their rules state that a person cannot have an interest in two clubs at the same time.

Salford are pushing for promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history and currently sit second in the National League, three points behind Leyton Orient.

Rule 104 states: "Except with the prior written consent of the board a person, or any associate of that person, who is interested in a club cannot at the same time be interested in any other football club."

Here - we take a look at EVERY Football League club's average attendance - ranking them in order from lowest to highest. Click and scroll through the pages to discover where each club lies...

Returning dogfighter is Ace.

A couple of years is a long time in modern video gaming, five years is an eternity.

And that’s what it feels like since we last experienced the thrill of piloting a fighter jet in one of the easily forgotten but hugely important founding fathers of flight simulation games, Ace Combat.

Anyone growing up in the 90s will remember this arcadey dogfighting franchise. In fact it was so popular it spiked enough interest to warrant numerous sequels but has not been seen since 2014.

So the announcement for Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown sparked much excitment and plenty of nostalgia before it was finally released on PS4 and XB1 recently, it comes to PC early February.

AC7 has been really well received in Japan and the UK, breaking series records.

Events takes place in the same fictional universe as the previous games in the franchise as former President Vincent Harling orders a space elevator funded off the Erusean coast in order to revitalise the continent’s economy.

The space elevator creates resentment among the Eruseans, who see it as unnecessary Osean intervention. Cue dogfights galore to restore order.

I first saw AC7 at EGX last year and got to play a few minutes. That had whetted my appetite massively and it did not disappoint one bit.

It looks superb and handles even better with the arcade flight combat and graphics combining for the kind of thrill only the likes of Ridge Racer and Wipeout can match as pioneers of their time.

The story leaves a fair bit to be desired but this is all about the dogfighting and one should not get too bogged down in the semantics of the rather tedious backdrop for events.

As I have touched on, the dogfighting is the crowning achievement and offrs thrilling and deeply rewarding play. That alone is justification for bringing the series back and reason enough to continue it into the ensuing years.

Where the story and narrative is lacking the actual concept and objectives in the missions are interesting, unique and memorable.

Playing online against others is simple, effective and exactly what you would expect. Bandai Namco have kept things simple here which is a sensible starting point in what I hope will be a new lease of life for Ace Combat games.

For those with a VR kit there is even the added bonus of missions which are a cool addition to the overall offering without trying to bite off more than they can chew.

It’s not perfect, there are issues with grind and some missions can be infuriantingly difficult. The rather poorly thought out checkpoint placemetns has as much to do with that as anything else.

They are very minor complaints for what can only be described as a triumphant return to the skies for this once video gaming staple.

Wonder mum Maxine Foster - who took part in two marathons in seven days last year - is once more donning her running shoes.

And it’s all in a good cause. The Horsham mum will be stepping out again to help youngsters like her son Austin following a ‘terrible diagnosis’ that he was suffering from a rare genetic condition.

Maxine will be taking part in the Surrey Half Marathon on March 10 followed by the Brighton Marathon on April 14 to raise money for a charity known as Harrison’s Fund in aid of research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

She remembers only too well the moment that her son Austin - now five - was diagnosed with the condtion. “Austin had always been a challenging baby, he cried and screamed a lot of the time. We put this down to him having colic and tummy problems. He was a very late walker and didn’t really speak until he was three years old but never in our wildest dreams had we expected such a terrible diagnosis,” she said.

“Each year Austin’s life changes. Now he is five we attend lots of hospital appointments for speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and most importantly his medical trial which takes him to hospital every week for an infusion of medicine. We are family ambassadors for Harrison’s Fund and it is important for us to play an active role in supporting the charity and raising as much money and awareness as possible.”

Maxine is hoping to raise £2,000 which will go towards the charity’s work funding research into Duchenne - a rare genetic condition which affects all the muscles in the body, causing them to waste away.

Harrison’s Fund’s goal is to get as much money as possible into the hands of the world’s best researchers, who are working to find a cure.

Harrison’s Fund spokeswoman Laura Morgan said: “We are so grateful to the ongoing support from Maxine and her family for the last few years. Whether it’s organising their own fundraising events, taking part in challenges like these marathons or just helping us spread the word about our work, they’ve been amazing.”

To support Maxine visit: https://brightonmarathon2019.everydayhero.com/uk/max

Harrison’s Fund was set up in 2012 by Alex and Donna Smith, in response to their son Harrison being diagnosed with Duchenne.

Plans for major improvements to Gatwick Airport’s ageing railway station are expected to be given the nod by Crawley Borough Council.

An application to build a first-floor concourse and entrance area above platforms 5, 6 and 7 will be considered by the planning committee on Monday (February 11).

The station opened in 1958 and, despite reconstruction and renovation over the years, has found it harder and harder to cope with the ever-increasing passenger numbers.

The application would see platforms 5 and 6 widened, with new lifts and escalators fitted to platforms 3-7.

The new concourse would have a curved roof, while canopies would also be put up over platforms 3-7.

Alterations to the land east of the railway line – to include a two-storey ‘back of house’ building – would mean a public footpath would have to be diverted.

A report to the planning committee said the work would help to address ‘qualitive issues’ affecting the operation of the station.

It added: “The proposal would, it is considered, provide enhanced passenger experience in the longer term at the railway station at Gatwick Airport, resulting in improved passenger access and egress to/from the airport by train.

“It would not add to airport terminal capacity and would not of itself increase passenger numbers.”

The application can be viewed by logging on to www.crawley.gov.uk and searching for CR/2018/0273/FUL in the Planning and Development section.

The committee will meet at the town hall at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Having survived January with its cold, yet often ‘dry’ conditions, we now progress joyously into the grey and damp of February.

Such is our great British winter. Time to start seriously planning some holidays in the sun – the Cote d’Azur in France, the Italian lakes, or perhaps Andalucía in Spain with its warmth not only of climate, but of its people, food and wines.

All this is just a train ride away. OK, if you’re actually going to Spain, it may be rather a long ride, but hop on a train from Sussex and God and the RMT willing, you arrive in Victoria. A 500-yard walk along Victoria Street and opposite Westminster Cathedral is a little bit of Spain, tucked away under the Zig-Zag building, in the form of Iberica Restaurant.

Iberica Victoria is a true Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant, with the added advantage of an interestingly different list of Spanish wines, many of which are imported direct from the producers in Spain. Many of these are served by the glass, allowing a different wine to be paired with each different tapa – and there is a wide selection from which to choose. Apart from the lack of a dancer in a flowing red dress, accompanied by Flamenco guitar and castanets, the restaurant achieves a truly authentic Spanish atmosphere, serving the best tapas I have eaten outside Andalucía itself.

In the words of the group head bartender Nacho Ordiz: “A true Spanish meal is nothing without drinks.”

And the selection of more than 50 wines is designed to showcase the great diversity and vibrancy that modern Spanish wines are all about.

That iconic and massively underrated wine called sherry, is offered in six different styles, all by the glass, starting at the good value of £5 for a bone dry Fino or Manzanilla. Sip as an aperitif or match with Calamares – fried baby squid with garlic mayonnaise. Or if you fancy a glass of something bubbly, try the crisp, dry Raventos Blanc de Blanc Cava, with its delicious aromas of pears and green apple on the palate. A plate of Iberico ham is ‘de rigueur’.

Recently, Albarino from the north-west of Spain, has come to the fore on many wine lists and it has become a favourite dry white wine of mine, with its distinctive, crisp, refreshing character. Iberica has no less than five different Albarinos, including a very unusual and utterly delicious aged version from the 2011 vintage. Fabulous served with salt cod brandade and root vegetable crisps, or poached hake, one of the Iberica signature dishes.

A good choice of other white wines is also available, together of course, with an eclectic list of reds, which pair perfectly with the meat-based tapas. Seasonal specialities are featured on a changing list, irresistible when available. Hare croquetas or partridge pie. Sheer heaven for us omnivores. And with 15 reds by the glass, including some from the deliciously fruity yet little-known Mencia grape variety, the combinations with these or other tapas are endless. It may make for a very long lunch next time you are in town.

Richard Esling BSc DipWSET is an experienced wine consultant, agent, writer and educator. An erstwhile wine importer, he runs a wine agency and consultancy company called WineWyse, is founder and principal of the Sussex Wine Academy, chairman of Arundel Wine Society and is an International Wine Judge. Twitter @richardwje. Visit www.winewyse.com.

New Joseph announced for Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical. Click here to find out more.

The following are results, provided by HM Courts Service, of cases sentenced by Sussex Northern magistrates, sitting at Crawley.

Vibeeshan Athavan, 22, of Ash Road, Crawley, pleaded guilty to drink driving (52mcg alcohol in 100ml breath, compared with the legal limit of 35mcg) in Three Bridges Road, Three Bridges. He was banned from driving for 14 months, with a £400 fine, a £40 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Halldor Bjornsson, 27, of Normandy Close, Maidenbower, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Hastings Road, Crawley. He was fined £150, with a £30 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Kelly Cradduck, 28, of Redehall Road, Smallfield, pleaded guilty to driving with illegal levels of cocaine and a cocaine metabolite in her blood, in Twyne Close, Crawley. She was banned from driving for a year, with a £200 fine, a £30 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Jordan Longford, 24, of Robert Way, Horsham, pleaded guilty to driving with illegal levels of a cannabis metabolite in his blood, in Townsend Way, Crawley. He was banned from driving for three years, and given a community order with 100 hours of unpaid work, an £85 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Pankaj Bahl, 56, of Shoreham Road, Maidenbower, was convicted of failing to identify a driver suspected of speeding in Gatwick Road, Crawley. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Richard Boxall, 54, of Southdown Close, Haywards Heath, pleaded guilty to speeding on the M23 at Pease Pottage. He was fined £233, with a £30 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and four penalty points added to his licence.

Ousman Bruce, 41, of Fernhurst Close, Crawley, was convicted of driving without insurance on the A23 in Lowfield Heath. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Abbie Fitzgerald, 28, of Langley Drive, Crawley, pleaded guilty to speeding in Gatwick Road, Crawley. She was fined £40, with a £30 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and three penalty points added to her licence.

Sandra Flegg, 47, of William Morris Way, Crawley, pleaded guilty to speeding in Gatwick Road, Crawley. She was fined £296, with a £30 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to her licence.

Charles Jasper, 23, of High Street, Henfield, was convicted of failing to identify a driver suspected of speeding on the M23 at Pease Pottage. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Michaela Kilgarriff, 33, of Farriers Walk, Horsham, pleaded guilty to speeding on the M23 at Pease Pottage. She was fined £115, with a £30 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and three penalty points added to her licence.

Jordan Morey, 23, of Rushy Grove, Haywards Heath, was convicted of failing to identify a driver suspected of speeding in Gatwick Road, Crawley. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Richard Orawe, 41, of Wakehams Green Drive, Crawley, was convicted of failing to identify a driver suspected of speeding on the M23 at Pease Pottage. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Ionut Petcu, 26, of Colwyn Close, Crawley, was convicted of failing to identify a driver suspected of speeding in Gatwick Road, Crawley. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Steven Skinner, 31, of Ivory Walk, Crawley, was convicted of driving without insurance in Goffs Park Road, Crawley. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Chris Welch, 42, of Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, was convicted of driving while not wearing a seat belt in Gatwick Road, Crawley. He was fined £220, with a £30 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Joshua Wetherall, 26, of Taunton Close, Pound Hill, was convicted of failing to identify a driver suspected of speeding on the M23 at Pease Pottage. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Paul Green, 50, of Church Road, Horley, was convicted in his absence of driving without insurance in Hazlewick Avenue, Crawley. He was banned from driving for six months, with a £660 fine, a £30 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Ryan Hyde, 47, of Covert Mead, Handcross, was convicted in his absence of driving after having his licence revoked, in Brighton Road, Crawley. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Emma Jackson, 48, of Malcolm Gardens, Hookwood, pleaded guilty to speeding in Gatwick Road, Crawley. She was fined £196, with a £30 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and three penalty points added to her licence.

Antony Newman, 56, of Ifield Drive, Crawley, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention on the M23 at Crawley. He was fined £307, with a £30 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and five penalty points added to his licence.

Daniel Coleman, 35, of Fairway, Ifield, pleaded guilty to drink driving (72mcg alcohol in 100ml breath, compared with the legal limit of 35mcg), driving with illegal levels of cocaine and a cocaine metabolite in his blood, and failing to stop after an accident, in Langdale Road, Crawley. He was banned from driving for 20 months, and given a community order with a four month curfew, an £85 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Iqubal Khan, 35, of Lismore Crescent, Crawley, pleaded guilty to common assault in Crawley. He was fined £48, with £50 compensation, a £30 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Jay Riordan, 25, of Maiden Lane, Crawley, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence, and to two counts of assaulting an emergency services worker (police officers) in Crawley. He was given a community order with 100 hours unpaid work, £180 compensation, an £85 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Philip Eaton, 35, of The Green, Bradford, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, in Crawley. He was given an 18 week jail sentence, suspended for a year, with 100 hours of unpaid work, £1,000 compensation, a £115 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Tazul Islam, of Byrd Road, Bewbush, was convicted in his absence of refusing to allow a disbaled passenger’s assistance dog into his taxi. He was fined £440, with a £44 victim services surcharge, and £843.36 costs.

Jakub Stech, 37, of Friends Close, Crawley, pleaded guilty to keeping an unlicensed vehicle in Cotswold Close, Crawley. He was fined £261, with £102.09 vehicle excise back duty, and £85 costs.

Odiaka Ikpade, 22, of Malmstone Avenue, Merstham, pleaded guilty to theft of a TV (value: £285) from Sainsbury’s in Crawley, theft of a mobile phone (value: £300) in Tilgate, theft of two coats (value: £59.98) from New Look in Crawley, burglary and theft of 12 bottles of brandy (value: £300) from ASDA in Crawley, theft of an iPod Touch and an iPhone XS (value: £1,059) from John Lewis in Horsham, theft of a charity box (value: £20) from Premier Inn in Crawley, theft of coats (value: £290) from Debenhams in Crawley, and making off without paying for a £20 taxi ride in Irving Walk, Tilgate, and admitted breaching a community order and the terms of a release from prison. He was jailed for 14 weeks.

Alex King, 31, c/o Byrd Road, Bewbush, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage (value: £1,420.80) to a Mazda in Crawley. He was fined £307, with £1,420.80 compensation, a £30 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Rupert Blackshaw, 42, of Norfolk Close, Crawley, pleaded guilty to drink driving (155mcg alcohol in 100ml breath, compared with the legal limit of 35mcg) on the A264 at Crawley. He was banned from driving for three years, and given a community order with 300 hours of unpaid work, an £85 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Luis Santos, 53, of Short Close, Crawley, pleaded guilty to two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress in Crawley. He was fined £120, with £50 compensation, a £30 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Sarah Mitchell, 25, of Tandridge Lane, Lingfield, pleaded guilty to driving with illegal levels of a cocaine metabolite and a cannabis metabolite in her blood, on the A264 at Copthorne. She was banned from driving for three years, with a £160 fine, a £30 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Jamie Clarke, 26, of Stephenson Way, Crawley, pleaded guilty to theft of meat (value: £81.67) from Marks and Spencer in Langley Green, and theft of alcohol (value: £75) from Waitrose in Horsham. He was given a community order with £50 compensation, an £85 victim services surcharge, and £50 costs.

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The previous week’s results: https://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/news/crime/magistrates-court-results-december-31-to-january-4-1-8790120

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The following are results, provided by HM Courts Service, of cases sentenced by Sussex Northern magistrates, sitting at Crawley.

Jordan Longford, 24, of Robert Way, Horsham, pleaded guilty to driving with illegal levels of a cannabis metabolite in his blood, in Townsend Way, Crawley. He was banned from driving for three years, and given a community order with 100 hours of unpaid work, an £85 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Richard Boxall, 54, of Southdown Close, Haywards Heath, pleaded guilty to speeding on the M23 at Pease Pottage. He was fined £233, with a £30 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and four penalty points added to his licence.

Steven Collins, 45, of High Street, Billingshurst, pleaded guilty to speeding on the A24 at Horsham. He was fined £153, with a £30 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and three penalty points added to his licence.

Charles Jasper, 23, of High Street, Henfield, was convicted of failing to identify a driver suspected of speeding on the M23 at Pease Pottage. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Michaela Kilgarriff, 33, of Farriers Walk, Horsham, pleaded guilty to speeding on the M23 at Pease Pottage. She was fined £115, with a £30 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and three penalty points added to her licence.

Donald MacDonald, 58, of Orchard Road, Burgess Hill, was convicted of failing to identify a driver suspected of speeding on the A23 at Bolney. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Helen McGrath, 30, of College Road, Upper Beeding, pleaded guilty to speeding on the A2031 at Worthing. She was fined £63, with a £30 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and three penalty points added to her licence.

Mark Mink, 47, of The Street, Bramber, was convicted of failing to identify a driver suspected of speeding on the A23 at Albourne. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Richard Orawe, 41, of Wakehams Green Drive, Crawley, was convicted of failing to identify a driver suspected of speeding on the M23 at Pease Pottage. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

Matthew Shelley, 30, of Oakwood, Partridge Green, pleaded guilty to speeding on the M23. He was fined £440, with a £44 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and five penalty points added to his licence.

Elizabeth Walker, 21, of Croft Lane, Henfield, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a traffic sign in North Street, Brighton. She was fined £100, with a £30 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Robert Armistead, 81, of Petworth Road, Wisborough Green, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a red light at a pelican crossing in Guildford Road, Horsham. He was fined £40, with a £30 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and three penalty points added to his licence.

Ryan Hyde, 47, of Covert Mead, Handcross, was convicted in his absence of driving after having his licence revoked, in Brighton Road, Crawley. He was fined £660, with a £66 victim services surcharge, £85 costs, and six penalty points added to his licence.

William Newell, 24, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to threatening to kill a dog in Plaistow. He was given a community order with an £85 victim services surcharge, and £250 costs. A restraining order was made, barring him from contacting the dog’s owner or going to an address in Plaistow.

Michael Perry, 25, of Deer Way, Horsham, pleaded guilty to driving with illegal levels of cocaine, a cocaine metabolite, and a cannabis metabolite in his blood, in Guildford Road, Horsham. He was banned from driving for two years, and given a community order with 200 hours of unpaid work, an £85 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Katie Price, 40, of Worthing Road, Dial Post, pleaded gulity to driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance, on the A24 at Dial Post. She was banned from driving for three months, with a £1,100 fine, a £110 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Benjamin Jarvis, of Cootes Avenue, Horsham, pleaded guilty to drink driving (42mcg alcohol in 100ml breath, compared with the legal limit of 35mcg), possessing a Class A drug (cocaine), and driving with illegal levels of cocaine and a cocaine metabolite in his blood, in North Heath Lane, Horsham. He was banned from driving for 23 months, and given a community order with 50 hours of unpaid work, a £333 fine, an £85 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Sophia Steer, 20, of Jockey Mead, Horsham, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated use of threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence, and to two counts of assaulting a police officer in Horsham. She was fined £140, with a £30 victim services surcharge, and £75 compensation.

Shafeeq Ahmed, 24, of Millthorpe Road, Horsham, pleaded guilty to driving with illegal levels of cocaine, and a cocaine metabolite in his blood in Lambs Farm Road, Horsham, and to possessing a Class A drug (cocaine). He was banned from driving for a year, with a £245 fine, a £30 victim services surcharge, and £85 costs.

Jamie Clarke, 26, of Stephenson Way, Crawley, pleaded guilty to theft of meat (value: £81.67) from Marks and Spencer in Langley Green, and theft of alcohol (value: £75) from Waitrose in Horsham. He was given a community order with £50 compensation, an £85 victim services surcharge, and £50 costs.

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Last week’s results: https://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/news/crime/magistrates-court-results-december-31-to-january-4-1-8790098

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The inquest into the death of Karen Vowels, 62, was opened at Crawley Coroner’s Court on Tuesday.

The inquest heard how Sussex Police was called to her home in Ayshe Court Drive, Horsham, on January 29 last year after a window cleaner reported seeing a woman's body lying unresponsive through the glass.

Inside, there was blood in the kitchen, and in the living room there was blood-stained clothing and more blood that someone had attempted to clean up, the inquest heard.

There was also an empty bottle of wine on the living room floor.

Ms Vowels had an injury to the back of her head and was pronounced dead at the scene.

On January 31 last year, at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill, a post-mortem examination showed the cause of death was hypothermia, a hepatic abscess (commonly known as a liver abscess), head laceration and ethanol abuse.

Her death was originally recorded as natural causes, a mistake which had only recently been highlighted, which is why the inquest had been opened more than a year after Ms Vowel's death, the inquest heard.

Coroner Christopher Wilkinson adjourned the inquest to a date no sooner than May 7 this year.

Our photographers have been out and about and capturing West Sussex in pictures.

These stunning images have been captured by our photographers as they travel about the county. Make sure you send us your images too!

The 28-year-old defender, from Durrington, was part of the League Two County side to record a 2-0 fourth round replay win over Championship promotion-chasers Middlesbrough at Rodney Parade on Tuesday.

There was an added incentive for both teams going into that tie knowing Pep Guardiola's men were waiting in the next round.

And it was the former Worthing, Bognor and Eastbourne Borough defender Demetriou's Welsh side that came through to secure a dream fifth-round date with Man City.

But the Durrington-born defender has made it clear Newport will not be content with just rubbing shoulders with Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and co.

Demetriou has the belief the County can halt City's quadruple charge and secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

Michael Flynn's men have beaten higher-league opposition in Walsall, Leeds United and former Premier League champions Leicester City at Rodney Parade over the past two seasons in the competition.

They were also minutes away from toppling Tottenham Hotspur at home last term before bowing out in a Wembley replay.

Now Demetriou wants Newport to draw on those experiences and complete their biggest FA Cup upset of all.

He said: "We’ve got nothing to fear.

“We’re not expected to win so we can just go out, enjoy ourselves and see what happens.

“If we go out and give an account of ourselves and lose the game then everyone is going to be expecting that.

“As long as put a good performance in, who knows?

"They’re used to pristine pitches but they’ll come down to Rodney Parade and it’s like a rugby team has played on it.

“It could suit us as they may try to do things they’re not used to and we could adapt to that better than they can.

“We’ve got to go out and enjoy ourselves. We’ve done the club proud, everyone keeps telling us that, and it’s s free shot at trying to get through to the quarter-finals.

“You never know what can happen, strange things happen in football.

“As long as we ourselves proud, that is the most important thing.

“We’re playing against one of the best teams in the world."

Demetriou believes Newport getting a home draw is another advantage.

The Exiles have only lost two of 14 League Two home matches this season and their last FA Cup defeat at Rodney Parade came in 2016.

Tickets are expected to sell out quickly and Demetriou hopes the atmosphere can prove a telling factor.

He said: "The last couple of years we’ve beaten teams from leagues above us at home.

"There will be another sellout for the game against Manchester which is an extra help. The support is like having an extra player out there.

“The Middlesbrough players probably were expecting the atmosphere to be as good as it was. Hopefully it can be the same against Man City."

Although Newport's focus cannot switch to the Premier League champions just yet.

Flynn's troops, currently 14th in League Two, host Mansfield Town on Saturday before MK Dons visit on Tuesday leading into the FA Cup fifth-round clash.

Having those games is viewed as a positive by defender Demetriou.

Not only can County close the ten-point gap between themselves and the play-off places but the centre-back feels confidence can be built and starting places against Man City could be secured.

"We’ve got two massive league games to come first and then we can look forward to it," Demetriou said.

"As hard as it is we’ve got to put the Man City game to the back of our minds then come Tuesday night we can look forward to it.

“If we take our minds of these next two games we could damage ourselves and the league is our bread and butter.

“The FA Cup comes and goes. We have done well in that this year but we want to be fighting at the right end of the table.

“We want to go into the Man City game with momentum as well, we don’t want to be going into off the back off some bad league results.

“If we can go into it with a couple of good results the confidence will be flying then.

"We all need to perform well in the next two games to get the opportunity to play against Man City."

Demetriou's parents, best friend and Orchards Junior School teacher Owen Cave along with other family and friends are expected to make the trip up to see the tie.

The fifth-round clash will be broadcast live on BT Sport on Saturday week (5.30pm).

Have you read?

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Some of the common triggers of stress and depression in children and tips on how you can offer your support, have been revealed by wellbeing experts at charity CABA.

It comes after this paper discovered that the number of under 18 year olds referred to mental health services in West Sussex is at a five-year high, according to figures released by the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust after an FOI request. Read more here  CABA said most adults think of their childhood as the ‘happiest time of their life’ but said we forget ‘too quickly that being a child – even as young as 1 – can be stressful’. Here are six common triggers and tips on how to support a child who is experiencing stress:

Older people in West Sussex affected by abuse, whether personal, financial or through scams, have a new support network thanks to the expansion of Action on Elder Abuse.

The charity has been running a service in East Sussex for the past three years and is extending its recovery service across West Sussex.

A launch event was held at Southwick Community Centre in Southwick on Tuesday, where victims helped by the service and volunteers spoke about their experiences.

Carly Snead, head of elder abuse recovery services, said: “This service involves support for people over the age of 55 who have experienced abuse and are seeking support following their experience.

“It involves volunteers supporting older clients to work towards small achievable goals, which could include starting a new or old social activity, reintegrating them back into their community, helping them to regain their confidence and independence that has subsequently been lost due to the abuse experienced.

“We held an event at Southwick Community Centre and it was a really good turnout. It is such a big issue throughout the UK. We estimate there are about 2,000 people affected in East Sussex and 3,100 in West Sussex.”

Abuse takes many forms, including romance scams and children taking their parents’ money without consent.

Carly said: “We are not judgemental and you don’t have to have reported it to the police. You can talk about the abuse but if you would rather talk about something different, it’s fine.”

The charity launched with a pilot project in London in 2015 then branched out to East Sussex. It was set up to provide ongoing support for people, primarily after the abuse ended.

Carly said: “We have now been able to go into West Sussex and at the moment, it is very early stages. At Southwick, we gave out packs explaining what we do and spoke about the local picture. We will be expanding on that over the next six months.”

The service is free to clients and usually means 12 months of support, either by phone or face-to-face.

Carly said: “The client needs to have the capacity to understand what has happened to them and to consent to that support in moving forward. We help the client to start to live their lives and to protect them from abuse in the future.

“It goes at the client’s pace but we want to make sure they do not develop a dependence on the volunteer. We want to make sure they have something to focus on, so we aim to get them involved in social activities in the area.”

One client, for example, wanted to start doing Pilates, so the volunteer went with them to a class.

For some, the abuse comes on top of many other difficult experiences in their life but Carly said they can and do come through it.

“Some think that because they have reached a certain age, they are beyond help but they realise their life hasn’t ended, they just need a bit of help,” she added.

“With anybody who has been a victim of abuse, speaking out that first time is very difficult. For an elderly person, they come from a different generation who don’t talk about things.

“Some people affected by financial abuse have said they knew the abuse was going on but the fear of being alone is far greater than losing the money. Sometimes the people taking the money genuinely don’t think they are doing anything wrong, they thing they are just taking their inheritance.”

Action on Elder Abuse has two paid staff, the rest are volunteers, and more are needed in West Sussex as the charity expands.

Visit www.elderabuse.org.uk for more information or call the helpline on 08088088141.

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This evening, Crawley Council’s Cabinet will set the budget we’ll be sending to Full Council for members to agree later in the month.

I’ve often written about the unfair way the Government has cut the amount councils and the police get from Income Tax - where those who earn more pay more - and have demanded that we increase Council Tax instead - which hits pensioners and those on low incomes hardest.

Well, now they’ve come up with a new bright idea, the ‘Fair Funding Review.’ Under this review, Crawley looks set to have almost a million pounds taken from us, on top of the existing planned cuts to what we get, and have that money given to councils in wealthier areas.

Consequences of ‘fairness’

Apparently, that’s what ‘Fair’ means when it comes to this Government and our community will have to suffer the consequences of it.

Despite the cuts, Crawley Borough Council are set to spend the same on services next year as when we regained control of the council five years ago, we’re probably the only council in the country that can say that and it hasn’t been easy.

When Crawley residents trusted us with their council, we decided to try and find ways to avoid passing the Government’s cuts down onto residents and so far we’ve managed to succeed, finding new ways to raise revenue equal to what the Government are taking.

Contrast that with Conservative-run West Sussex, whose decision to cut from the start has simply forced them to make bigger and bigger cuts over the years. The sad reality is, as a forward-looking council, Crawley’s hard work means our community are now being asked to pay for the incompetence of others.

Still, we’re never without a plan. Our decision to knock down the Town Hall and replace it with a new building with far lower running costs, Grade-A commercial office space for rent, a combined heat and power plant selling low carbon energy across the town centre, and hundreds of new homes, with 40per cent affordable for local people means that - despite the Government’s best efforts - Crawley Labour will keep delivering.

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Last week’s column: https://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/news/delivering-for-crawley-1-8789817

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We can often see opinion pieces presented as fact, as well as claims/denials and impending warnings of doom presented as news.

Outlandish claims may not always be fake news, as on rare occasions they could turn out be true, as after all, a stopped clock is right twice a day.

We’ve always had a large amount of sensationalist headlines which catch people’s attention. Those of us who are old enough will remember the ‘Millennium Bug’ in the late 1990s and how ‘all computer systems would come crashing down’ when the new century came in.

We also remember the headlines of how ‘our economy will crash because we aren’t joining the Euro’ in the early 2000s. I believe history is repeating itself when it comes to Brexit, although the doom- mongers have now moved on to ‘No-Deal Brexit’.

Prophecies of doom

Last weekend saw ridiculous front page headlines about a no-deal Brexit, claiming the Royal Family are to be evacuated from Buckingham Palace and that a plague of rats would infest the nation.

Chances are, there will be some immediate complications in a no- deal Brexit scenario as there usually is when something changes, but most people rightly don’t believe the prophets of doom.

There is however a downside to a constant stream of fake news, in that we become too sceptical when something is actually truthful.

An example of this is the re-emergence of cases of German measles which had previously been eradicated in the UK.

In the late 1990s there were false claims spread that the MMR vaccination could potentially lead to autism in children. It didn’t matter how many rebuttals there were from medical experts, enough people believed the false claims to reduce the vaccination take up. Sadly, we are now seeing the consequences of this.

So who to believe about Brexit? My advice is the more sensationalist the claim, the more sceptical one should be.

I would prefer us to leave with a deal in place before April which is bound to be smoother, but the sky will not be falling in should we end up leaving the EU without a deal.

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Last week’s column: https://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/news/political-extremes-are-never-a-good-thing-1-8789841

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With February half term coming up, families across Sussex will be looking for ways to keep everyone entertained.

Here is a handy list of events and activities to take part in across the county, from museum trips to artist workshops there is sure to be something for you.

Alfriston: Drusilla’s Park - Spider-Man and Hello Kitty

February 20 - Weaving a web of excitement the Amazing Spider-Man spins into action at Drusillas Park for the first time this year. The crime-fighting crusader will be launching his web-slinging fun and Super Hero antics during meet and greet appearances throughout the day. February 21 - Visit Hello Kitty in her beautiful themed house and have a souvenir photo taken with the cutest girl herself. Meet and greet opportunities will operate at intervals throughout the day.

www.drusillas.co.uk

Amberley: Amberley Museum

February 20 to 24. During the February half term, enjoy a week of family STEM activities and take part in a family trail around the 36 acre site.

www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Arundel: WWT Arundel Wetland Centre - Sussex Puddle Jumping Championships

February 16 to 24. This half term take your friends and family and see who can make the biggest, craziest splash with the special ‘splashometer’ at the Puddle Jumping Championships. There will be daily winners so get practicing your perfect splash at the Practice Puddles. Check out the other splash-tastic fun at the Mud n’ Water Lab at the Wildlife Garden.

www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/arundel

Brighton: Royal Hippodrome Theatre - Disney’s Aladdin Jr.

February 20 to 23. Discover a ‘whole new world’ with The Royal Hippodrome Community Theatre Company in association with The Rattonian Youth Group as they bring you the magically updated version of the beloved Disney classic Aladdin. Performances each day at 3pm plus Friday at 11am and Saturday at 7pm. Adults £13, Children £10, Family £40, available from the box office 01323 802020.

www.royalhippodrome.com

Chichester: Chichester Festival Theatre - Telling Tales

February 16 at 10.30am. Grandchildren, pack up your grandparents and an assortment of unusual objects. Join in the fun and mischief in tale-telling out of school! This creative writing workshop is a chance for different generations within families to have some fun exploring their imagination and the art of creating stories together. For children aged five to ten (£5) and their grown ups (free).

www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/event/telling-tales

Chichester: Novium Museum

February 22, shows at midday, 1.30pm and 3pm. Join Professor Ignatius Rumsby at The Novium Museum this February half term as he presents his Grand Magic Lantern Show. Moving pictures before movies began - the show will consist of comic tales, childrens stories, moral tales and more. This event is free to attend, but booking in advance is essential.

www.thenovium.org/article/27386/Magic-Lantern-Show

East Grinstead: Standen House - Half term trails

February 16 to 24 from 11am to 4pm. Keep the kids occupied this half term with winter trails, strolls through crispy fields and warm up with a hot drink in Barn Café. Join for a fun trail over half term inspired by our Fairytales, fantasies and nightmares - the illustrated world of Arthur Rackham exhibition. There’s even a prize at the end! £2 per child with prize, normal admission applies.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen-house-and-garden

Haslemere: Haslemere Museum

February 19: Celebrating Stamps family drop-in event from 10.30am to 1pm where children can discover more about postage stamps and create their own.

February 20: Early Birds session from 9am enabling families with children who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition, to enjoy the museum free from the hustle and bustle of the general public

February 21: Museum Explorers aged five to 11 meet from 10.30am to 12pm with the opportunity to create silhouettes using their own shadows.

For more details visit www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk

Hastings: Blue Reef Aquarium

February 19 from 10am to 3pm. Blue Reef Aquarium is calling all dragon slayers to help defend its fishy residents. The Rock a Nore Road tourist attraction is hosting a fun-filled Dragon Day, with a special appearance from huge animatronic dragon Flame. Guests will be invited to ‘Tame Flame’, a four meter smoke breathing dragon who will be active throughout the day for 15 minute timeslots, then available for photo opportunities in between. Standard admission prices apply.

www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/hastings

Hastings: Hastings’ Creative Spring

February 18 to 22. Hastings’ Creative Spring is a great chance to learn about creative media for teenagers between 14 and 18. Hastings’ Creative Spring is all about digital skills, new opportunities in the fast-growing creative industries, and having fun. Workshops take place in Rock House on Cambridge Road and Hastings Library on Claremont in the America Ground, Hastings town centre. There will be a small charge of £3 for each half-day session, £5 for a full-day session or £8 for a two-day session to be paid in advance. You can book multiple sessions but numbers are limited - details from 01424 234000 or email spring@creativeslam.co.uk, or book on www.creativeslam.co.uk .

Read more: Hastings Creative Spring’s workshops for youngsters this half-term

Herstmonceux: Observatory Science Centre

February 19 from 10.30am to 1pm. Children’s Workshop: ‘Fun with Chemistry’ six to eight years.February 20 from 10.30am to 1pm. Children’s Workshop: ‘Discover Chemistry’ nine to 11 years. February 21 from 2pm to 7.30pm. Children’s Workshop: ‘Explore the Moon Twilight’ nine to 11 years. Booking is essential for all workshops and additional prices apply

www.the-observatory.org

Horsham: Pump track opening

February 10 from 11am to 2pm. Residents are invited to join the Highwood Village Community open day featuring the official opening of the pump track, the first in Horsham District, on Sunday, February 10. Many activities will be on offer including a chance for visitors to ride the track. At 11.30am and 1pm there will be a demonstration on the track and with a selection of 30 bikes, residents can try out the ramps, half pipes and drops on the new track for themselves.

www.highwoodvillage.com

Read more: Date announced for official opening of Horsham pump track

Fishbourne: Fishbourne Roman Palace - Family fun days

February 18 to 22 from 10am to 4pm. Drop into Fishbourne Roman Palace this half-term and find out what it was like to live in Roman times! Find out what the Romans did for us, from pottery-making to dressing up, creating mosaics to spinning and weaving – it’s all about getting hands-on. Admission prices apply.

www.sussexpast.co.uk/properties-to-discover/fishbourne-roman-palace

Lewes: Anne of Cleves House - Lords and ladies

February 19 from 1pm to 4pm. Drop in to the house for sewing, spinning and dressing up as the Tudor well-to-do. All ages welcome. Admission prices apply.

www.sussexpast.co.uk/event/lords-and-ladies

Lewes: Lewes Castle - Knights and dragons

February 21 from 10.30am to midday or 2pm to 3.30pm. Half-term workshop for four to eight-year-olds: stories about castle knights, armour to try on and lots of things to make, including a dragon mask. Cost is £5, adults are free but must stay with their child. Booking is advised as these sessions are always popular. Call 01273 486290 for more details or buy your ticket from the castle shop.

www.sussexpast.co.uk/event/knights-dragons

Littlehampton: Littlehampton Museum - Artist workshops

February 19 from 10am to 11.30am. Make a Monster! Artist Aaron Blecha leads this free fun drawing workshop. Chat about his work while he shows you how to create characters and bring them to life. Go home with your very own unique alien! Suitable for ages eight to 12.

February 21 from 2pm to 3.30pm. Create a Comic! Are you a budding illustrator or comic maker? In this free workshop for older kids, Aaron will talk about his creations and guide you through the process of creating your own comic. Suitable for ages ten to 12. Places on these workshops must be booked in advance. Call 01903 738100 or email museum@littlehampton-tc.gov.uk to reserve your spot.

www.littlehamptonmuseum.co.uk

Pagham: RSPB Pagham Harbour - Half term events

February 19 from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Birds & Crafts! Learn how to use binoculars and telescopes before discovering more about the birds that winter on our reserve. Afterwards create works of art inspired by what you’ve seen.

February 21 from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Mini-beasts & Crafts! Calling all bug detectives – join us hunting and learning about the bugs that live in our reserve, before creating your own mini-beasts to take home. Booking essential for these events, £3 per child or £2 for members.

www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/pagham-harbour-local-nature-reserve

Petworth: Petworth House and Park - Gulliver’s Lost Luggage

February 16 to 24 from 10am to 4pm. Inspired by a painting of a scene from ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, go on an adventure in the Pleasure Ground spotting Gulliver’s lost luggage. Admission prices apply, trail cost £1.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house-and-park

Singleton: Weald and Downland Museum - Half term activities

February 18 to 22 from 11am to 3pm. Wrap up warm and head to the museum for five days of creative half term family activities. From make and take activities to creative crafts – activities vary daily, so there is always something new to see and to try! Most activities are included in the admission price (free for annual members) but some activities ask for donations.

www.wealddown.co.uk

Worthing: Lyndhurst Infant School - Half term holiday club

February 19 to 20. Come and join Forest Jack and Imagine Make Play for two days of creative fun from whittling to weaving and loads more. You can join for just one or both days, exploring forest school activities and traditional crafts. Suitable for ages five to eight, book before Monday, February 4, by paying into the school. One day is £23, two days £40.

Wisborough Green: Fishers Adventure Farm Park - Once Upon a Fairytale

February 16 to 24. Explore the fantasy world of Fishers Farm at the ‘Once Upon a Fairytale’ week during February half term! Go on an epic adventure and find all the missing items in the fabulous fairytale trail… a treat will be waiting for you at the end! Meet magical characters in the enchanting storytelling sessions or be amazed by real magic during the daily magic shows in the Barn Theatre. Meet a mystical unicorn in the Animal Encounters Barn! Admission prices apply.

www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk

South Harting: Uppark House and Garden - Half term trail

February 16 to 24 from 10am to 4pm. With spring nearly upon us, it’s time to discover what the plants, animals and people at Uppark do in spring sunshine, snow and showers. Spot, listen and draw on this trail as you explore the grounds this half-term. Admission prices apply, trail cost £1.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark-house-and-garden

This week I am writing my column ahead of World Cancer Day, which takes place on Monday February 4.

Organisations such as Cancer Research UK, from more than 160 countries, join together to take action against this disease.

In Parliament I have continued to pursue the concerns of Crawley residents, including those who have been affected directly by cancer. In recent weeks I told the Health and Social Care Secretary of the importance of working alongside our country’s leading cancer charities, and before Christmas I led a House of Commons debate on how we can improve cancer care.

Surrey and Sussex is one of five Cancer Alliance areas highlighted by the Teenage Cancer Trust where five-year cancer survival of 13-24 year olds improved significantly from 2001-05 to 2007-11.

The same report also stated that the largest reduction in mortality between 2001 and 2015 has been in leukaemia, one of the most common forms of blood cancer.

While any patient would want to be diagnosed as soon as possible, one in six blood cancer patients have to visit their doctor three or more times before diagnosis.

Through earlier diagnosis and improved support for our GPs, we can see some blood cancers detected earlier leading to more lives being saved. With earlier diagnosis, we can see such progress continue, as well as improved survival rates across more types of cancer.

Plans to increase survival rates

The NHS Long-Term Plan, published at the start of the year, includes a flagship ambition to improve cancer survival rates across the board, recognising the need for quicker diagnoses as well as more personalised treatments.

It also sets out that all children with cancer are to be offered whole genome sequencing; where the DNA sequence of a child’s cancer can be read and used to find the most effective treatment.

The Long-Term Plan also includes the aim of dramatically increasing the proportion of cancers diagnosed at an early stage, from around half now to three quarters of cancer patients by 2028.

In ten years’ time, these reforms could see 55,000 more people survive cancer each year.

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Last week’s column: https://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/news/protecting-christians-from-persecution-1-8789819

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