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The Queen has described Gloucester as 'young and vigorous' during her visit to Gloucester... in 1955! Stunning Pathe newsreels from back in the day have been released from an archive and made publicly available on YouTube for the first time. It offers a unique glimpse into Gloucester's past, including the Queen's visit in 1955, in which thousands of people lined Eastgate Street as she visited the Guildhall. During the visit she also said that she 'wishes the city every success and good fortune in the years to come'. Watch the newsreel here: Another incredible blast from the past comes in the form of a newsreel from 1953 depicting the day in which the Gloucestershire Regiment 1st Battalion return home to Gloucester after the epic Imjin Battle, during the Korean War. Thousands of people line the city's streets and 2,000 people attend a service at Gloucester Cathedral. Then, Lt Col Carne is presented with the Freedom of the City by the mayor at a ceremony at the Guildhall. Now watch the newsreel: To see British Pathé's full online collection of 85,000 historic videos click here.

The Queen says Gloucester is 'young and vigorous' during city visit... in 1955!

Shortwood United 1 Bishop's Cleeve 0 A nervous performance from Shortwood United saw the Calor League Division One South and West play-off pushers edge to a single-goal victory against county rivals Bishop's Cleeve. Duncan Culley's 37th goal of the season proved enough for the Meadowbank men, who are left hanging on to the final play-off position with two games of the season remaining. As typical of a derby game, the first half was far from an easy game for either side to control. Wood enjoyed the lion's share of possession but struggled to find a way to break through the resolute Cleeve defence. Neither side was able to muster a single attempt on goal in the first quarter of an hour, before Jake Lee headed over for the visitors. Adam Price forced Jamie Moore into his first save shortly afterwards before former Cleeve man Sam Avery saw his header missed by the entire Cleeve back line before rebounding to safety off the far post. Wood got the goal that their dominance of possession probably deserved in the third minute of added time in the first half as Ash Thomas' ball found Culley in the box and he shot across Moore from an angle and the ball nestled into the net off the post. Buoyed by the goal, Shortwood were a much-improved side in the second half. Moore denied Price after good work from Nick Hancock had set the former Brismscombe and Thrupp man free. Culley was twice inches away from doubling his and Wood's tally and Avery's rampaging run down the left ended with a cross that was just too high for the advancing forwards. An offside flag denied Culley a second just after the hour mark, with the Meadowbank faithful left unhappy at what they thought was a bad call. Bishop's Cleeve still struggled to make any impression on the Wood defence and Wood continued to press forward. Avery again made a good run and shot across goal, Price forced Moore into another good save and Marc Richards drove narrowly wide, but the game ended without either side further troubling the scorers. The win left Shortwood in fifth place in the division and in the final play-off place ahead of today's trip to title-chasing Cirencester Town. Paulton Rovers, who claimed a last-gasp 3-2 victory at Evesham United on Saturday, are level on points with Wood but outside the play-off places due to having an inferior goal difference to the Meadowbank men. Shortwood United: T King, S Avery, M Bennett, A Thomas, J Coates, M Richards, N Hancock, J Parrott, R Langworthy (K Slack 62), A Price, D Culley. Subs not used: J Cant, A Sykes, A Hoskins. Bishop's Cleeve: J Moore, S Rawlings, A Palmer, R Paddock, M Williams, L Sheehan, B Robinson, J Turley, J Lee, S Turl, D Waters. Sub: L Binns.

Getting youngsters off the streets of Kingsway is working, the organisers of a youth project have said. The Reach Out! project is celebrating its first birthday and organisers from the Quedgeley Community Trust have released a report showing the successes of the first year. The project was set up in response to concerns about anti-social behaviour on the streets of Quedgeley and Kingsway. Youth worker Jess Price was appointed to go out on the streets once a week to meet youngsters. She has since left the job and a new youth worker is set to be appointed. But the trust says the figures speak for themselves. Some 45 youngsters have been engaged in activities after more than 100 hours of working with young people. Kevin Tudor, chairman of the Quedgeley Community Trust, said: "The Reach Out! Project was established in response to young people's concerns that youth activities in the area were inadequate and reports from the police and local secondary school that showed there were a number of young people in the Quedgeley and Kingsway area that they felt were at risk of becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour. "Our aim was to build relationships with young people aged 14 to 18 through our detached 'street based' youth work, find out their views, involve them in the community and provide positive activities. "Reach Out! has been a great success. Quedgeley Community Trust have been pleased with all it has achieved." Activities provided for the youngsters have included the 'pimp my ped' road safety and paint spraying event, barbecues, laser tag, trips to Pizza Hut, Frightmare at Over Farm and a drop in snooker tournament. Many young people now attend the youth club at the Q Club, in School Lane, as a result of meeting our youth workers on the streets. Seven young people involved in Reach Out! helped to set up the Quedgeley Youth Parish Council too. Some youngsters have been supported with emotional and practical issues such as low self-confidence, homelessness, and college and job applications. Community leaders came together at Capital Venue, in Waterwells, recently to listen to the progress that has been made. Among them was police and crime commissioner Martin Surl, who has part funded the project. Then also listened to Adam Balding, ex Gloucester Rugby captain and the city's organiser for next year' s Rugby World Cup events, talk about his career and how the community can get involved and benefit from next year's events. Mr Balding said: "Reach Out! is an excellent initiative and we hope that we can incorporate some of its projects alongside the World Cup events."

One year on, Kingsway youth project has turned lives around

Visitors to Cilldara Stud shouldn't go there expecting to find Fergal O'Brien with his feet up in front of the television watching replays of his horses winning races. He is enjoying the best season of his career with 44 winners – the latest with Me And Ben at Cheltenham on Thursday – as well as saddling Alvarado to finish fourth in the Grand National. But rather than bask in past glories, O'Brien prefers to put his efforts into bringing more success to his Fossebridge HQ, which he rents from top jockey Timmy Murphy. "I think it's different when you're in it," he said. "I don't look back that much and I think, 'Great, we've had 44 winners', and pat myself on the back. "You're always worried about where the next winner is coming from, and you're always trying to go forward all the time. "I always enjoy the winners at the time and we try to make the most of it and go out and one thing or another, but day to day you're always worried about where the next one is coming from. "I watched Alvarado's race at Aintree couple of times the day after but I wouldn't have seen it since, and I haven't watched Alvarado and The Govaness' wins at Cheltenham in November since. "I'm more likely to watch the ones that have run badly than watch a winner again. "A winner is done and you enjoy it at the time, whereas with a horse that's run badly you're looking for reasons why and how they might do better next time." O'Brien started today having won nearly £350,000 in prize-money – more than double last year's haul. As he approaches the end of his third season as a trainer next Saturday, O'Brien said learning how to get the best out of the facilities at Cilldara Stud had helped lay the foundations for his success. "I think we've learned a bit more about our gallop and how important our grass gallop is to us," he said. "When we can't use our grass gallop we struggle to get a handle on them. The grass gallop is really good here. "I'm very lucky that I've got patient owners and the horses are starting to come right now and it's paying dividends." Looking ahead, he said: "We've just got to keep on trying to have winners, that's the long and the short of it. "The ones that have done well, we've got to try and keep them winning, and the ones that haven't won, we should try and get them to win. There's a race for everything."

Forward-thinking trainer Fergal O’Brien is now targeting next winner

THE popularity of package holidays to Europe has contributed to a surge in skin cancer rates. Figures released by Cancer Research UK show the incidence of the most serious type of the disease is now five times higher than it was more than 40 years ago. More than 13,000 develop malignant melanoma each year, compared with around 1,800 in the mid-1970s. The charity says the rising popularity of foreign holidays from the late 1960s and sunbed use has fuelled the increase. Malignant melanoma is now the fifth most common cancer, with more than 2,000 dying from it each year. Those with the highest risk of the disease include people with pale skin, lots of moles or freckles, a history of sunburn or a family history of the disease. Experts say people should cover up, use factor 15 sunscreen or stay in the shade. Nick Ormiston-Smith, head of statistics at Cancer Research UK, said: "Since the mid-1970s, malignant melanoma incidence rates in the UK have increased more rapidly than for any of today's 10 most common cancers. "Holidays in hot climates have become more affordable and sunbeds are more widely available since the 1970s. "But we know over exposure to UV rays from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer. "This means, in many cases, the disease can be prevented, and is why it's essential to get into good sun safety habits, whether at home or abroad." However, eight in 10 people survive the disease, among the highest rate for any cancer. Caroline Cerny, senior health campaigns manager at CRUK, said: "Everyone loves getting out and about and enjoying the summer sun. It's essential to take care not to burn - sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged and, over time, this can lead to skin cancer." "When the sun is strong, pop on a T-shirt, spend some time in the shade and use a sunscreen with at least SPF15 and good UVA protection."Click on this link for more information on skin cancer

Foreign holidays have contributed to biggest surge in skin cancer since the 1970s

BRAVE teenager Ethan Harris is hoping to leave classmates feeling all shook up when he ditches his school uniform and dons an Elvis outfit for the day. Ethan, 15, will dress up as his hero on Friday to raise money for the Frenchay After Burns club, a charity that has supported him since he suffered third degree burns to his hands when he was a toddler. But it's not the first time that Ethan has dressed up as the King of Pop. Ethan suffered taunts about his hands throughout his time at Forest View Primary School and when he was seven he decided it was time to stand up for himself. He enjoyed a day in the limelight at school dressed as Elvis and now, eight years later, he is preparing to do it again – this time at Dene Magna School in Mitcheldean. "I have always loved Elvis because he was quirky and different," said Ethan, who lives in Drybrook with his mum Lisa, dad Tim and brothers Gideon, 14, and John-Leslie, 17. "I want to show people that it is ok to be different and that I am not going to hide from it. "At the same time it will raise money and awareness for a great charity." The courageous youngster spent five weeks in Frenchay Hospital, near Bristol, when he was just two years old after he put his hands into a bath of boiling water. Doctors said he would not have survived if the water was deeper or if he fell in. He still bears the scars. "I have had so much support from the FAB club and I wanted to give something back" said Ethan, who is going to study catering at Gloucestershire College in September. "I am quite outgoing and like to be unusual but I am very nervous about how people will react on Friday. "Hopefully there will be no negativity and everyone will be supportive." Ethan is also organising a cake sale at the school on Friday. His mum Lisa said: "I am extremely proud of him. "When he was younger he did have problems with bullies and became very withdrawn. "The charity has given him so much support and now he has so much confidence. "He is now able to use his experiences to support others with in the club with burns." To sponsor Ethan go to www.justgiving.com/ethan-ba-harris

The King is back: Burns victim Ethan Harris to dress up as Elvis again to raise money for charity

MAKE the most of the sunshine across Gloucestershire this morning as it will not last. The county is set to bask in sunshine until 3pm when the weather is set to make a turn for the worst. Light showers have been forecast this afternoon before heavy rain are expected later this evening. The wet weather is expected to continue into tomorrow but the Met Office says there will be sunny spells. Wednesday will also be cloudy with more light rain but there will make a slight improvement come Thursday and Friday.

Easter Monday Forecast: The sunshine will soon make way three days of wet weather

Fresh calls have been made for an upgrade of a notorious blackspot following a three car pile-up. Three people were taken to hospital following an Easter weekend smash on the A417, near the Air Balloon Roundabout. The stretch of road near the roundabout, towards Nettleton Bottom road was closed in both directions by emergency services on Sunday night following the smash. The crash had led to renewed calls for something to be done about the bottleneck, which claimed the lives of four people this winter. A spokesman for Gloucestershire police said three people were taken to hospital by South West Ambulance Service, but the drivers and passengers were not thought to have been seriously injured. A grey BMW three series, a white Nissan Qashqai, and a blue Vauxhall Astra were involved in the three car pile-up at around 5.20pm. Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed one woman had to be cut out of her vehicle. Businesses, political parties and various organisations have come together to try to find a solution to the long-term congestion problems at the roundabout. There have been more than 30 fatalities on the road since 2000 and around 4,000 people have added their names to the Fill the A417 Missing Link in Gloucestershire campaign. It calls for a new £255 million dual carriageway bypass the A417 Loop, between Cowley roundabout and Brockworth. The proposal has now been submitted to the government as part of a strategic economic plan for Gloucestershire, which supporters hope will gain financial backing in Spring 2015. Councillor Paul Hodgkinson (LD, Churn Valley), said: "Obviously the past six months have been pretty awful for that stretch of road. "Last November we had the deaths of three people in one weekend and since then a serious of accidents culminated in Sunday night's crash. "It is extremely sad not only for those involved, but also their families. "It reinforces the urgent need to get something sorted as soon as possible. "Although the circumstances of this latest crash are not known, the A417 has some challenging conditions, particularly in bad weather and because of the layout of the road. "It means you get traffic hurtling down, at what can be high speeds, with no crash barrier, and sadly that means there will be accidents and they can be serious." When the Echo launched the campaign for the A417 Loop at the beginning of this year, councillor Mark Hawthorne, leader of the county council, said it was time for Gloucestershire to speak with one voice in calling for the £255 million scheme.

Fresh calls for an upgrade of the A417 Air Balloon Roundabout after three car smash

GLOUCESTERSHIRE wrapped up the Glamorgan innings in the first session on day two of their LV= County Championship Division Two clash in Cardiff. Resuming on 47 for six after a rain-curtailed first day, Glamorgan were dismissed for 145 with Graham Wagg undefeated on 54. It could have been even better for Gloucestershire but for a last-wicket partnership of 73 between Wagg and Michael Hogan. Hogan eventually fell to Taylor for 23. Gloucestershire shared the wickets around with Will Gidman and David Payne picking up three apiece and Matt Taylor and James Fuller two each. Payne began the day on a hat-trick after taking two wickets with his final two deliveries yesterday but he was denied three in a row by Wagg.

POLICE say young people run the risk of prosecution if they are seen brandishing toy guns in public places. The warning comes after a 25-year-old man was arrested in Podsmead after residents claimed he was holding a handgun. Police later recovered a weapon described as a 'cap gun' following an incident at Cole Avenue at around 2.30pm on Sunday. Sergeant Rodger Wyber said: "If we get a call about any kind of suspected firearm you can expect it to be looked upon very seriously. "Just because a big four-by-four with firearms officers is not rocking up, it does not mean those tactics have not been considered. "If it is being brandished in a threatening manner, one could be held accountable for an offence." Investigations into the incident on Easter Sunday are ongoing, and police are asking for witnesses to come forward. If you have any information, call the police at 101.

'Brandishing toy guns in a threatening manner' is a crime, police warn

BLACKSMITHING is traditionally the job of men as it is hard work and involves extreme heat and dangerous tools. But Clare Robertson, aka Miss Fire, has broken that mould having practised the ancient craft for more than 10 years. Miss Fire, 31, from Drybrook, is the resident blacksmith at Clearwell Caves in the Forest of Dean. "Looking back at traditional blacksmiths the image that comes to mind is a muscley man with a beard," said Miss Fire, who studied a metalwork and jewellery degree at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design. "But it is now considered an art form and it is a much more level playing field. "Blacksmithing is not just about force and strength. It needs imagination and creativity as well. "There is a healthy handful of females working in the trade now." Miss Fire has created work for a wide variety of clients and collaborated with an exciting array of talented artists. Her inspiration is most often found in the beauty of the natural world with many of a her pieces including flowers and wildlife. "I have always loved metal," said Miss Fire, who found her passion while studying art and design at the former Gloscat. "I always wanted to make things and use my hands." Miss Fire worked for a metalwork firm before starting her own business in 2008. "It was difficult that others took credit for my blood, sweat and tears," she said. "The breakthrough came when I was commissioned to create a centre piece for an exhibit at Hampton Court Flower Show. "It was so well received and that's when I thought I should be doing this on my own. "So I handed in my notice and found a barn back in Gloucestershire that I could work from." Miss Fire moved to Clearwell Caves a few years later and can now be seen creating her pieces by tourists at the attraction. "I love working there because it is dark and mysterious," she said. "Tourists are able to watch me at work and I answer questions and tell them about what I am doing." Miss Fire will be showcasing some of her work at the Showborough House Sculpture Garden in Tewkesbury in May and is the artist in residence at Nature in Art in Twigworth from June 1 to June 6. For more information about her work visit her website at www.missfire.co.uk Have you got an interested job which could feature in the paper let us know at citizen.news@glosmedia.co.uk

Female blacksmith Miss Fire breaks the gender barrier

FREDDIE Burns hopes he has done enough to hold onto a Gloucester starting spot to finish the season on a high. The out-of-favour fly-half will quit Kingsholm in the summer to join Leicester Tigers in one of rugby's worst kept secrets. But he is determined to end his time with the Cherry and Whites on a positive note. He impressed on a rare start at Twickenham, as Gloucester were downed 38-30 by London Wasps on Saturday. And with 998 Cherry and White points under his belt, the 23-year- old is desperate to take the positives out of a tumultuous season on both a personal and collective level. Burns said: "It was a lot better for me. I felt I was in a good place before the game and wanted to start, after Martyn (Thomas) pulled out I was keen to get out there and play the style I wanted. "There were still a few mistakes but I haven't played much in the last couple of months and hopefully I can keep building on that and finish with two big performances. "It helped being at Twickenham with a bit of a neutral crowd, it was nice not to get too much stick but the travelling support were great and it was a good atmosphere. "There's plenty I want to put right, hopefully I've done enough to hold onto the jersey but it's out of my hands." Gloucester enjoyed plenty of opportunities in London, with Burns back to his attacking best. He was a constant threat and pounced for a late interception try, having hesitated when another opportunity arose earlier in the game. But the hard work was constantly punctuated by mistakes, with Nigel Davies' men missing 24 tackles and conceding 21 turnovers. Burns was as culpable as anyone, with his missed tackle leading to Elliot Daly's first-half try, and the enforced chopping and changing in the back-line could not have helped. And Burns admits the nature of the defeat makes it all the more bitter to swallow. He said: "The hard thing is there are so many positives in there and for a few negatives to stop us winning the game is disappointing. "Those negatives keep coming back to bite us in the backside. "I will put my hand up for their third try, off the lineout, I misread the play, their 12 went straight through and they picked us off to score. "We did so much hard work to get back into the game for silly errors to let them keep us at arms length and time ran out. "That was very much the Gloucester season in one game but we've got to stay positive and move onto the next game to finish the season on a high." The prospect of finishing seventh in the league to qualify for a Rugby Champions Cup play-off looks increasingly unlikely with Wasps now seven points adrift. Gloucester take on London Irish and Worcester Warriors in their final two matches, but a win for Wasps in their next outing against Newcastle will seal both clubs' fate. He added: "It's out of our hands, we just have to make sure we turn up and get two wins and see where the other results go. It's disappointing seventh spot is probably out of reach but we've got to finish on a high. "We have a big game against London Irish at home next, we have been poor at Kingsholm this year, we want to step up and get a result then it's a derby against Worcester, where they could have everything to play for and we've got to finish on a high."

Gloucester Rugby: Freddie Burns hopes to end season on a high

Stroud/Dursley Under-17s 16 Cinderford Under-17s 13 STROUD/DURSLEY Under-17s triumph in County Plate final in what was their last game played as a joint side. A successful penalty conversion from fly-half Ollie Greensweig in the second half proved the difference between the sides. Stroud/Dursley had played Cinderford on three separate occasions in the season, having secured a win each and a draw so this was always likely to be a tight affair. Cinderford started the stronger, holding field possession for much of the first half. Some strong defence from the Stroud/Dursley pack ensured that the line was not breached with some great spoiling play from Alex Watson and Jack Taylor, but when second row Joe Newnes was yellow carded following persistent infringements by the team, Cinderford managed to score in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful. Stroud/Dursley came straight back, though, and while still down a man the ball was spread out, following good forward play, Joe Ashenford fed Greensweig who went over for the score. Cinderford scored another try before the best move of the match from Stroud/Dursley. Will Flight threw in at a lineout and Tom Pitts secured the ball five metres out from the line. Scrum-half Ashenford made the ball available to the backs, who called a pre-planned move which saw centres Rhys Willament and captain Aaron Raath execute a fantastic scissors for Raath to dot down. Greensweig missed the extras, meaning the score was 10-10 at half-time. The second half started strongly for Stroud/Dursley as an excellent kick-off was gathered by Leigh Lord, and as the ball was moved into the Cinderford 22, Greensweig was hit with a high tackle. He got up to slot the resulting penalty. Cinderford, though, were not deterred and won a penalty themselves following some indiscipline at the breakdown. With the score level again at 13-13, Stroud/Dursley continued to play their rugby. More strong breaks by Willament and Raath as well as some great forward play from the whole pack meant the ball rarely left the Cinderford half. Cinderford came up offside in their own 22, leaving Greensweig with a simple kick to regain the lead. With time running out Stroud/Dursley continued to press and not allowing Cinderford any time or possession. A great run from replacement Will Sealey as well as strong play from Harry Collins and Jacob Seal could also have resulted in scoring opportunities. The final whistle signalled celebrations on the pitch. The Stroud/Dursley team is a mixed one with players from Stroud RFC and Dursley RFC. It is unusual but was organised by the clubs four seasons ago as neither had enough players at this age group This was their final game playing togther before they move to senior or colts rugby. Stroud/Dursley: Will Sealey, Alex Watson, Rhys Willament, Lewis Lamb, Leigh Lord, Tom Pitts, Jack Taylor, Jow Newnes, James Cook, George Voss, Harry Collins, Tom Williams, Ollie Greensweig, Aaron Raath (capt) Will Flight, Jacob Seal, Joe Ashenford

Longlevens Under-13s 29 Kinsale Under-13s 19 LONGLEVENS entertained Irish touring side Kinsale knowing victory would see them unbeaten for a whole calendar year. The under-13s welcomed six members of the under-12s into the team for this fixture. Longlevens started brightly and set up camp inside the Kinsale 22. The visitors' defence was excellent. First, Nathaniel Dunn appeared to open the scoring with a strong run, only to be adjudged to have knocked on in the act of grounding the ball. From a scrum, scrum-half Bradley Wilkins darted down the blindside and seemed certain to score, but Kinsale managed to get their hands under the ball and stop the grounding. From the resulting five-metre scrum, Nathan Berrecloth picked up and was stopped just short. Quick ball saw an overlap, but again Kinsale managed to stop wing Marshall Walkert ouching down. After 10 minutes of all out attack, Longlevens were finally rewarded for their hard work. From a scrum, Wilkins fed fly-half Ciarnan Sysum, his break was halted, excellent clearing work from Robert Moffatt saw quick ball presented and when Dunn drew the defender, his timed pass to Joe Gill saw the centre open the scoring. Kinsale were then awarded a scrum and Longlevens appeared to switch off as the number eight picked up and ran 40 metres to score the easiest of tries. The conversion put the visitors into the lead. Again Kinsale's defence was strong as the Longlevens forwards threw everything at them. Matthew Baldwin and Jack Dance in the back row were putting in a shift and there were strong carries from Filip Manojlovic and Sam Hawkins. Props Ethan Hunt and Henry Garner were also keen to get their hands on the ball and when Longlevens were awarded a penalty inside their own half, Rowan Mullis's quick tap and go saw him outpace the cover to give Longlevens the lead again. Gill added the conversion to make the half-time score 12-7. Harry Atkinson and George Barton combined early in the second half and it was Atkinson who was on hand to score after good work from Henry York and Jake Fox. Kinsale had their chances but it was Longlevens turn to show excellent defence with Walker, Sysum and Hawkins all putting in great tackles. On their next attack Longlevens were awarded a penalty. The ball was passed to Jacob Dunn who Kinsale appeared to wrap up in the tackle. But he showed great power and determination to crash over for his first try of the season. Gill converted. From the restart, Garner gathered and rumbled forward. Quick ball to Mullis saw him again show his pace to go over for his second. Kinsale never gave up and were rewarded with two late tries.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE players will help support the next generation of county cricketers following the launch of a new mentoring programme. Two age group ambassadors have been allocated to each county junior squad to offer encouragement and advice during the 2014 season. In total, 20 players are taking part, including former New Zealand international Hamish Marshall (inset) who will work with the Under-11 boys and ex-captain Alex Gidman who has been assigned to the girls Under-13 team. Over the course of the season the players will send regular email and video messages to their squads. They will also attend matches when their own fixtures allow. The county junior boys summer squads have just been announced and Gloucestershire Cricket Board head of performance Tim Hancock said the players would jump at the chance to pick up some tips from their heroes. He said: "This will give the players in our county age groups a real boost. As aspiring cricketers it will be great for them to have someone to look up to who has made it to the top of the game. "To receive a message from one of the pros congratulating them on their performance will hopefully act as a reward for their hard work and provide an extra source of motivation." Junior county players will also be able to watch their ambassadors in action as they have all been given free membership to GCCC for 2014. The Gloucestershire Cricket Board runs 12 county squads including boys' teams at every age group from Under-10 to Under-17. There are also girls Under-13, 15, 17 teams and a senior women's squad. Junior players from 38 Gloucestershire affiliated clubs have been selected for this year's summer boys' county age groups. The women's and girl's squads will be announced later this month. Thornbury (nine) supplied more players than any other to this year's county programme. Cirencester have seven players in the squads including three from the same family – twins Kit and Louis Staley are both in the Under-11s while big brother Ludo is in the Under-12s. Frocester also have seven players while Cheltenham, Downend and Winterbourne all have six. Cheltenham and Cotswolds clubs were responsible for 40 players, Stroud and South Gloucestershire produced 34, Bristol 24 and Gloucester and the Forest of Dean seven. Hancock said: "It is great to see that clubs from right across the county and from all levels of the pyramid are producing good young players. This can only strengthen the pool of talent we have to pick from going forward." Last year Gloucestershire's Under-17 boys won their ECB one-day competition and the senior women were promoted from their T20 division. The Under-17 girls finished top of their county championship and three other age groups were runners-up in their respective competitions. Hancock added: "The reports from our county coaches are that our youngsters have worked really well during the winter and we hope to build on the success we had last season." In addition to the county programme there are also teams for each of the Gloucestershire's four districts from Under-11 to Under-15 level. To view the 2014 boys' county and district squads in full visit http://www.gloucestershire cricketboard.com /news/boys-performance- squads-announced-0 Age Group Ambassadors Boys Under 10 – Hamish Marshall and Chris Dent Under 11 – Dan Housego and Matt Taylor Under 12 – Cameron Herring and Graeme McCarter Under 13 – Liam Norwell and Gareth Roderick Under 14 – Benny Howell and Tom Smith Under 15 – Ian Cockbain and Craig Miles Under 16 – Ian Saxelby Under 17 – Will Gidman Girls Under 13 – Alex Gidman and Tom Shrewsbury Under 15 – Jack Taylor and Will Tavaré Under 17 – David Payne Senior Women – James Fuller

Young Sport: Gloucestershire cricketers help the next generation

ABOUT 60 youngsters took part in an outdoor tennis coaching programme for five to 16-year-olds. The event, spread over three days in Montpellier Park, Cheltenham, was organised by Cheltenham Borough Council as part of their Easter Sports programme. Sports development officer Tom Sparks said: "The idea is to try to get youngsters to play sports they might not normally do. "We provided the rackets for them and they just went out and hit the ball with the emphasis being on fun." The youngsters were spilt into three age groups – five to seven, eight to 11 and 12-16 with 20 youngsters taking part each day." The Easter Sports programme ran for two weeks to coincide with the school holidays and up to 500 youngsters took part in total. Other sports that youngsters could get involved in included water polo, archery, fencing and strett cricket. The borough council also runs a summer sports event programme which covers six weeks to coincide with the school holidays.

GLOUCESTER Schools' two district squads spent eight days in Jersey over the Easter holiday, taking part in the 40th district football festival. Gloucester A opened their programme with a well-deserved win over Plymouth. The Gloucester midfield was well on top during the first period without ever really threatening the Plymouth goal, but 10 minutes after the break Cameron Blacker netted with a great strike and almost added a second, only for the keeper to produce a fine save following a good run and cross from Josh Bird. With Ben Gibson, Ethan Davis and Ehren Wintle looking assured at the back, the Devon forwards were given little chance to shine as Gloucester picked up the points from their opening encounter. Gloucester's second outing against Hackney saw the Londoners dominate the first period and only a fine save from Elliot Whitfield prevented them from taking the lead. Even though Larter put Hackney ahead five minutes after the interval it was the Gloucester team that had much the better of the second period. Joe Jeremiah struck the angle of post and bar before Walter Lovell headed home Aidan Limbird's corner for the leveller. Bird then saw his effort well saved before Lovell netted a carbon copy of his first to put Gloucester ahead and Jeremiah was inches away from adding a third as the boys finished strongly. Day three saw Brougham give Essex association Thurrock an early lead, but after Ellis Robson and Lovell had both gone close, Jeremiah drove in a free-kick equaliser. After the break another Jeremiah free-kick came back off the upright and Blacker saw his effort cleared off the line, while at the other end great defending from Davis, Wintle and Gibson and an excellent save from Whitfield preserved a point for the Gloucester side. Five first half goals saw Gloucester ease to a 5-1 win over St Paul's, Spencer Martin converting Limbird's corner for the opener and Jeremiah firing in the second. Robson and Jeremiah teed up Limbird for the third before Robson played in Blacker for number four. A great team goal created by a combination of Davis, Jeremiah, Robson and Blacker was finished by Limbird to complete the scoring. Needing a victory over Newbury to top their group, Gloucester were given the perfect start when Gibson drove home his first of the season before Jeremiah netted his third of the week soon afterwards. With Whiffin reducing the deficit just before the break, Gloucester put in a great rearguard action to hold on to their one-goal advantage. The first place play-off against a fast and skilful South Birmingham side proved a disappointment, with the team simply running out of energy following their sterling performances throughout the week, the Midlanders netting six times without reply after the break to run out deserved winners. Gloucester's B squad was making its first-ever visit to the Channel Islands and it took the players a while to find their feet. St Albans B inflicted the team's first defeat in their opening game and despite a fine equaliser from Nathan Kay in their second outing against Orpington B, a late header from Springett saw them go down 2-1. A much-improved display in game three saw the Gloucester side record their first victory of the week as they saw off St Paul's 3-0. Harry Elliott's first-half volley was added to by strikes from Bradley Bevan and Tyler Maden to cap a convincing performance. South Birmingham recorded a 6-0 win in the B squad's fourth encounter of the week, but a really good display against Barking and Dagenham saw many positives despite two late goals giving the Londoners a somewhat flattering 3-0 win. A brace of headers, one in each half, from Elliott spurred the Gloucester team to an excellent last-day success against Plymouth, with Valder-Sansom saving a late penalty to seal the victory. Gloucester A: Elliot Whitfield (Beech Green); Ben Gibson (Elmbridge), Ethan Davis (Hardwicke), Ehren Wintle (Hardwicke); Josh Bird (St Mary's), Ellis Robson (King's), Joe Jeremiah (Huntley), Spencer Martin (Upton), Cameron Blacker (Longlevens), Aidan Limbird (St Mary's), Walter Lovell (Croft). Gloucester B: Declan Valder-Sansom (Meadowside); Ryan Murcott (Heron), Ashton Holder (Grange), Harry Howells (Hardwicke), Josh Gallifent (Upton), Harry Elliott (Highnam), Nathan Kay (Beech Green), Haydn Balkwill (Highnam), Tyler Maden (Beech Green), Bradley Bevan (Heron), Bradley Halford (Beech Green).

Vulnerable adults living in Gloucester face an uncertain future due to a shake-up of the way homeless services are funded. Funding cuts due to hit this summer will result in some temporary accommodation closing from July. Irving Lodge in Weston Road, provides accommodation to vulnerable adults and is managed by the Home Group social inclusion charity. It relies on funding from Gloucestershire County Council to provide some of its services. Residents there will now move to other services or those who are capable of living independently will be found their own place to live before it closes in three months. Dianne Rooney, Home Group head of client services, said: "The council has informed us they will be reducing funding for the service. Although Irving Lodge can accommodate up to 19 people it is only around 50 per cent occupied at the moment. We are able to move some clients to other properties in the service and we will help others who are ready to live independently to do so. "Home Group is a not for profit housing provider and as a charity we rely on external funding to run our services. We'll work with the council and our clients to make sure everyone is settled before then." Lynn Horsley, who runs Dorchester House in Denmark Road, has seen a huge rise in demand for emergency accommodation. "I had Irving Lodge call me up asking for ten rooms that I haven't got," she said. "I'm getting calls from P3 and Cheltenham Borough Council asking for spaces. It will only get worse. People sat behind a desk making these decisions on reduced funding don't realise how bad it is. "There are not enough beds for vulnerable people as it is. If they don't get the support they need, they will turn to crime and that will bring more problems to Gloucester." Changes to the county council's supporting people services, will see efficiency savings and funding redistributed to homeless services in Gloucestershire where it is needed most. Councillor Kathy Williams, cabinet member for adult services, said: "We've looked at accommodation-based services for homeless people in Gloucestershire to see how we can better support vulnerable people with more specialist and complex needs. "This approach focuses on helping the most vulnerable return to living more independent lives when they are ready, and we've worked with providers who have identified what they need to do to meet these needs. "In this case, the provider has identified that Irving Lodge is no longer needed and it is now working with remaining residents to find them appropriate alternative accommodation. "This may be at one of the provider's other properties in the county, to another provider's properties, or the user could be referred to another more appropriate service such as community-based support."

Irving Lodge set to close under shake-up of Gloucester's homeless services

LUTON TOWN 4 FOREST GREEN ROVERS 1 Skrill Premier champions Luton Town eventually had too much for Forest Green at a packed and pumped Kenilworth Road. The teams traded penalties during an even first half, Andre Gray cancelling out a Yan Klukowski strike that virtually silenced a crowd of 10,044. But Cameron McGeehan's goal, another for Gray and a fourth for Mark Cullen made it an afternoon to treasure for the Hatters as Ady Pennock's patched-up outfit ran out of steam. Pennock named an extremely attacking line-up, with Klukowski recalled to midfield and Jason Walker – back from a successful loan spell at Southport – handed his first Rovers start against one of his former clubs. Youth team striker Dan Martin was on the bench, one of only four substitutes named after Dale Bennett, Marcus Kelly and Bradley Jordan all failed to recover from weekend injuries. The visitors showed a touch of class by forming a guard of honour for John Still's side as they took to the pitch, but that was where the niceties ought to have ended. Instead Luke Oliver needlessly conceded a corner in the fourth minute, from which Eddie Oshodi's clearing header dropped for Andre Gray to fire narrowly wide. Walker was partnered up front by Luke Rodgers, and he had Forest Green's first clear sight of goal when he curled one wide in the 11th minute. Three minutes later Rodgers was on the end of a whipped Anthony Barry corner and saw his header dip narrowly too late to trouble Hatters goalkeeper Mark Tyler. James Norwood connected well with a 20-yard drive that had to be carefully watched and clutched by Tyler, while a brilliant block by Oshodi at the other end denied Jake Howells after he had been picked out by Matt Robinson's raking pass. A bristling atmosphere was punctured in the 33rd minute when Luton defender Steve McNulty was penalised for handball and Klukowski converted his 14th goal of the season from the spot. Only a goal for Walker would further dampen the home supporters' mood, and he threatened to oblige with a shot from the edge of the area that flew over. Instead the party was reignited in first-half stoppage time, Gray ramming home a spot-kick of his own after he had cleverly nicked the ball past Sam Russell and the furious keeper was penalised for a trip. Rovers were bright at the start of the second period, skipper Barry bringing a low save from Tyler with a skidding free-kick. But they fell behind on 55 minutes when Russell could only parry McGeehan's swerving strike and the on-loan Norwich City midfielder reacted quickest to bundle home the rebound. Four minutes later it was 3-1, Cullen swinging over a fine cross from the left for a soaring Gray to net his second of the afternoon. Youngster Martin was summoned from the bench in place of Walker, who headed straight down the tunnel to a tirade of abuse from the terraces. Luton were now intent on turning on the style, Howells embarking on a mazy run on the left before letting fly with an angled drive that whistled over. Rodgers was then cautioned for handling Jared Hodgkiss' cross into the net – a cheeky attempt to open his scoring account for the club. The icing was applied to Luton's cake in stoppage time when Cullen jinked his way into the area and produced an arrow-like finish into the bottom corner. Luton Town: M. Tyler; R. Henry, S. McNulty (A. Lacey 48), F. Franks, S. Griffiths; McGeehan, P. Ruddock Mpanzu, M. Robinson; M. Cullen, A. Gray (A. Wall 61), J. Howells (J. Shaw 73); Subs not used: A. Parry, E. Justham. Forest Green: S. Russell; P. Green, L. Oliver, E. Oshodi, J. Hodgkiss; M. Taylor, Y. Klukowski, A. Barry, J. Norwood; L. Rodgers (D. Wright 85), J. Walker (D. Martin 67); Subs not used: L. Hughes, P. White. Referee: D. Treleaven (Sussex) Attendance: 10,044 Star man: Jared Hodgkiss

Forest Green: Champions Luton Town too strong for Rovers

Scouts and guides from across the county will be taking to the stage in Cheltenham for The Gloucester Gang Show. Youngsters will be performing at The Bacon Theatre in Dean Close School from Tuesday through to Friday. The variety show will see the Gloucester District youngsters sing, dance and act throughout the performance. Producer Lisa Oliveri said: "The Gloucester Gang Show has been going strong for over half a century now, and continue to bring fantastic performances to you year on year. "The show aims to give young people an experience of all aspects of performance, from song and dance to comedy and tragedy. "This process has proven to be exceptional at helping young people to develop their confidence, self-belief, inter-personal relationships, social skills, commitment and sense of community, not to mention their performance skills. "Programmes like this are of great benefit to young people, and of course also to the many adults they still have riding along on the Crest of a Wave." Money from the show will help pay for a new roof needed for the Gloucester District Scout Headquarters, where the gang rehearse. Lisa, who started out in the show's cast in 1996, added: "Seeing what the youngsters, and well, also the adults get out of the show, is so rewarding and overwhelming." Tickets cost between £6.50 and £8.50 and are available from the Box Office on 01452 304024.

PICTURES: Scouts and Guides prepare for The Gloucester Gang Show

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PICTURES: Scouts and Guides prepare for The Gloucester Gang Show