The Bishop of Gloucester Michael Perham has been questioned by the Metropolitan Police over historic sex abuse allegations against a child in the 1980s. Although Mr Perham, 66, has not been arrested, it is understood he was invited by Scotland Yard to help detectives with their inquiries over an alleged indecent assault on a child between 1980 and 1981. The former bishop stepped down from his role as head of the Diocese in Gloucester this week, months ahead of his planned retirement in November. He is married to Dr Alison Grove, who is a palliative care consultant. They have four grown up daughters. At the time of the announcement, 'personal reasons' were cited as being behind his early retirement. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police, said: "We can confirm a 66-year-old man on Tuesday, August 5, attended a police building in Gloucestershire by appointment where he was interviewed under caution on suspicion of indecent assault on a child aged under 18 years; and indecent assault on a second female, aged over 18 years. "He was not arrested. "The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 1980 and 1981 and are being investigated by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command." Prior to the news of his questioning by London police, church officials said a special service to announce the formal retirement of Mr Perham in line with protocols was unlikely to now go ahead as planned. A spokesman for the Diocese in Gloucester said it was a 'police matter' and declined to comment. Mr Perham was born in 1947, grew up in Dorchester, and read Theology at Keble College, Oxford. He prepared for ordination at Cuddesdon College and was ordained deacon 1976 and priest in 1977 and has served in six full time posts in the Church of England. Mr Perham was Curate at St Mary's Addington in Croydon from 1976 to 1981, and also took on various other roles with the church in Poole, Norwich and Derby. He was appointed Bishop of Gloucester in 2004. Alongside these ministries, he has filled many roles in the Church of England nationally. On appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury, he was for a time made secretary of the church's doctrine commission, specialising in theology.He is pro-chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire and vice chair of the University Council. Mr Perham is also president or patron of a number of county organisations and charities, including GARAS, GEAR, Cheltenham YMCA, the Star College and Emmaus Gloucester. In June last year, Mr Perham gave his backing to gay marriage during a sit-down discussion with homosexual groups in the city. As a regular contributor to The Citizen, Mr Perham updated his view on the issue in May. In a comment piece, he said: "We need to listen very carefully to the beliefs and opinions that come out of a profound change of attitudes in our society to gender, sexuality and marriage. "We need to listen very carefully to the experience of gay and lesbian people, both those who are celibate and those who are in sexual relationships, including gay and lesbian clergy. "We need to listen, in some cases, to their pain, and we need also to listen to their sense of joy, love and blessing in a faithful partnership. "We need to listen very carefully to what the world and medicine and science can tell us about homosexuality." It is the latest incident to rock the Anglican church. Former Bishop of Gloucester The Right Reverend Peter Ball, who is thought to be the highest-ranking clergyman in the Church of England to be arrested over child abuse, faces allegations that he molested eight boys and young men aged between 12 and their early 20s. The abuse is alleged to have occurred during the 1970s and 1980s. He was charged in March and appeared in court for the first time in May at Taunton Magistrates. He was summoned to appear at Brighton Magistrates court last month, but was too ill to appear. Mr Ball was due to appear at an unnamed crown court on Friday, August 1.

RESIDENTS have been left stunned that their sleepy Forest of Dean village is at the centre of a murder probe.

Police have been scouring areas of Berry Hill, near Coleford, for evidence relating to the death of a 44-year-old man, named locally as Chris Cooling, on Sunday night.

Police have been granted a further 36 hours by magistrates to question a 36-year-old man from the village on suspicion of murder. Tributes to Mr Cooling have been paid by friends on social networking website Facebook. "RIP Chris Cooling; you are definitely going to be missed." Paul Smith added. "My thoughts go out to all of the Forest families and friends involved in the incident; it is a terrible tragedy."

Areas in Hillcrest Road and Aston Close were cordoned off while forensic officers search residents' back gardens, beneath cars, bins and drains to shed light on what has been described as a shocking incident.

Jamie Elsmore, manager of Berry Hill Rugby Club and chairman of the Five Acres is Not for Sale (FANS) community group, said: "There are a lot of people with heavy hearts at the moment.

"This is a very tight-knit village and the news of the incident has sent a shockwave through the community.

"We have never had anything like this happen before, that is why we are in shock. It is difficult to take it all in and understand what has happened. I think it is times like this that it is important we stick together as a community.

"My heartfelt thoughts go out to those families affected by these most recent events."

It is understood that the post mortem in to the death of the 44-year-old is continuing and it is believed he will be formally identified later this week. He was rushed to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital where he later died of his injuries.

Chief Inspector Simon Porter said police were called to the incident at around 8.30pm on Sunday.

He said: "A post mortem will take place and we will meticulously try and piece together what happened. "In fact, we are appealing for any witnesses who were in the area of Hillcrest Road and Aston Close between 6pm and 10pm. "If they were out and about in the area, if they saw anything untoward, we would ask them to please come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call Gloucestershire Police on 101, quoting incident no 431 of 3/8/14, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or email 101@gloucestershire.police.uk.

THE latest victim of a notorious stretch of the A48 has been named locally as Clint Grindle

He was thrown from a white Ford Transit flatbed truck, which was travelling towards Lydney, after it veered off the road and hit a tree on Saturday morning. Tributes have been paid to the popular 33-year-old, from Blakeney, on social networking website Facebook. On a page set up in memory of Mr Grindle, Chrissy Nicholas said: "RIP mate. You were one in a million. Words cannot describe how people are feeling from this tragic news. Sleep tight sweetheart."

The Facebook page, in tribute to "a top bloke, lost but never forgotten", already has more than 600 'likes' since the fatal collision at 11.10am on Saturday.

Dozens of people have also paid their respects to Mr Grindle's mourning family.

James Bailey said: "RIP mate, gone but never forgotten. My thoughts go out to you and your family. Good night."

Elaine Bailey added: "Such sad news. Another one taken far too soon. Rest in peace."

David Aitken also posted: "Clint Grindle, his name says it … Going to be missed by so many. We all had a good drink for you bro."

Rachael Evans also stated that her dad, a former colleague, was gutted by the news. She said: "He thought the world of you Clint for always helping him out at work. "You always eased the struggle. He thought of you as a good mate and knew that you were an honest and caring lad willing to help anyone.

"You will be missed so much. Life is just cruel sometimes."

Investigations into the incident are continuing and the next of kin and coroner have been informed and it is understood an inquest into Mr Grindle's death will open this week.

Mr Grindle was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the van, a 66-year-old also from Blakeney, was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where his injuries were described as not life-threatening. It is the latest in a long line of fatalities on the A48 in recent months but the cause of the latest collision is not yet known. Conservative councillor James Bevan, who represents Lydney on Forest of Dean District Council, said: "There have been a lot of accidents involving people travelling in a westerly direction. "The dual-carriageway encourages people to drive over the brow of the hill, around other traffic but then they ran out of road and go straight into a bend. We all need educating, I am afraid.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE made it three wins from four games in the Royal London One Day Cup after overcoming Leicestershire in a weather-affected game at Nevil Road. After a delayed start, two more interruptions during the Foxes innings and some superb seam bowling gave the hosts a low total to chase to maintain their place at the top of Group A. David Payne starred, taking four wickets as Leicestershire were reduced to 31 for four and 121 for eight before posting a below-par 136 for eight. And despite a minor wobble in their chase when three wickets fell for just 13 runs, Gloucestershire marched to their victory target with captain Michael Klinger stroking an unbeaten half-century. After winning the toss and electing to field first, Gloucestershire started well with left-armer Payne the man to strike four telling early blows. Angus Robson had plundered two fours off Will Gidman's opening over before Irish wicketkeeper Niall O'Brien was caught at the wicket by Gareth Roderick from Payne's second ball. Robson – brother of England Test opener Sam – fell in Payne's next with the reliable gloves of Roderick completing the dismissal to leave the Foxes in early trouble at 20 for two. Better was to come for the Dorset-born seamer when Matthew Boyce (4) and Dan Redfern(6) both had their bails removed to leave Leicestershire 31 for four and finish with figures of four for 23. Rain halted the Gloucestershire charge and upon the resumption, Greg Smith and Shiv Thakor took the score to 61 before Thakor became Roderick's third victim, this time off Benny Howell's bowling. Needing a telling stand to make a game of it, Scott Styris and Smith combined to exactly 50 before New Zealand star Styris (29) picked out Ian Cockbain to give Craig Miles a wicket. Jack Taylor weighed in with two late-order wickets, bowling Tom Wells (3) and having Jigar Naik pouched by Cockbain for (1) as the Foxes made 136 from a revised 25 overs. With Duckworth/Lewis conspiring to give Gloucestershire a reduced target of 131 from their 25 overs, Klinger and Hamish Marshall started in positive mood. The pair added 44 for the first wicket in just 8.2 overs before Marshall was stumped by O'Brian off Naik for a breezy 22. Chris Dent made just seven before losing his bails to Dan Redfern and Will Tavare departed two balls later. Having hit his first ball for four Tavare spooned a catch to mid-wicket off his second to leave Gloucestershire 59 for three and in some trouble. But captain Klinger (55*) and star all-rounder Will Gidman (39*) steadied any nerves to see their side through to their target with 13 balls and seven wickets remaining.

THE first ever Horlick's-sipping world champion will be crowned when a Forest of Dean village pays homage to its roots with the popular malted drink.

A tumbledown shed in Ruardean is believed to be where James and William Horlick first developed what has become a global brand around 140 years ago.

And hundreds of people are hoped to compete in the event where they will be challenged to drink a mug of Horlick's the quickest – through a straw.

The challenge is set to take centre stage at Ruardean Carnival on Saturday.

Organiser Campbell McCutcheon said: "The competitors have basically got to drink it through a straw as quickly as possible and the first person effectively becomes the world champion.

"This is the very first time it is being held.

"Normally at the carnival we get about 2,500 people there and we are hoping a couple of hundred will have a go at the challenge.

"We were looking for something to do that represents the village and this is the obvious thing."

The Rev John Horlick was Ruardean's Congregationalist minister but it was his relatives James and William who shot to fame.

The entrepreneurial brothers, who were born in the village, reportedly first developed the technique of producing dried milk with malt in a shed near the Malt Shovel Inn in the 1860s.

"They then moved to America and began producing it commercially and now it is a worldwide brand," said Mr McCutcheon.

"Whoever does it the fastest will be the champion, so we want as many people as possible to come and try it."

Horlick's is sponsoring the event and will supply the drinks as well as present a plaque to the overall winner.

All contestants will be timed in the competition which is hoped will become an annual event.

Besides the world championships, the carnival will boast more than 40 stalls spread throughout a village field.

The event will also boast live music, tug of war and even an antique postcard display showing hundreds of views of then district in its bygone days.

A parade will be begin at 12.30pm before the carnival is officially declared open at 1.30pm.

Mr McCutcheon said: "There really will be a world champion created at the carnival so do not miss out on the chance for it to be you."

A £250 top prize is also up for grabs in the raffle.

FOREST GREEN ROVERS 4 ARSENAL XI 6

Forest Green wrapped up their pre-season campaign with an impressive showing against a hugely talented Arsenal Under-21 side.

Rovers were ahead three times on a highly entertaining evening at the New Lawn, James Norwood and substitute Rob Sinclair both bagging braces.

A late double from Isaac Hayden ultimately spared the blushes of the Premier League giants, but Ady Pennock and latest signing Danny Coles – watching the game from the stands – could take massive encouragement from most aspects of the performance ahead of Saturday's Vanarama Conference opener at Southport.

Rovers lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with academy youngster Aden Baldwin at right-back and summer signing Kurtis Guthrie on the right of midfield.

And it was they who mustered the first shot on target, Luke Oliver's cross-field pass locating Norwood for a volley that was saved at the near post by Matt Masey.

Two minutes later it was 1-0, Norwood meeting Marcus Kelly's inswinging corner with a firm downward header that left Masey helpless.

Arsenal did not threaten until the 14th minute, Isaac Hayden working his way into the middle of the penalty area and teeing up Ainsley Maitland-Niles for a wayward effort.

The leveller came six minutes later, as Chuba Okpom left Oliver trailing in his wake and crossed low for Maitland-Niles to tuck home from close range.

Central midfielder Isaac Hayden was among the most impressive of the young Gunners, and he let fly with a 25-yard shot that whistled wide of Sam Russell's goal via a deflection.

It appeared the tide had permanently turned in the visitors' favour, only for Forest Green to re-take the lead on 38 minutes when Guthrie's cross from the right was dummied by Luke Rodgers and found Norwood for a clinical finish.

Rodgers could even have made it 3-1 before the break with a header that forced another save from Masey, and there was still time for Hayden to send another dipping shot over at the other end.

The hosts began the second half in similarly confident fashion, Kelly's audacious 20-yard chip with his weaker right foot dropping just wide.

Rodgers tried to catch out Arsenal goalkeeper Masey from even further out and was not a million miles away, another sign that Rovers fancied claiming a sizeable scalp.

Yet it was all-square again in the 59th minute, a sumptuous flowing move culminating in Gedion Zelalem's lofted pass and Jon Toral's tidy finish.

The usual raft of pre-season substitutions were made by both sides, and new Rovers recruit Sinclair made it 3-2 with his first touch of the night when he rammed home from the edge of the area.

Back came Arsenal with another special strike, fellow sub Daniel Crowley unleashing a rocket from 20 yards that gave replacement keeper Paul White no chance at all.

Hayden put the Londoners ahead for the first time on the night when a neat turn and finish, and then pounced on a defensive mix-up to make it 5-3.

Semi Ajayi's thumping header made it six, but it was fitting that Rovers had the final word when Sinclair converted Elliott Frear's cross in stoppage time.

Forest Green: S. Russell (P. White 46); A. Baldwin (L. Wright 66), L. Oliver (D. Bennett 46), E. Oshodi, C. Stokes (S. Bevan 62); K. Guthrie, A. Bangura (A. Bangura 46), M. Kelly (E. Frear 79), J. Norwood (R. Sinclair 62); D. Wright (L. Hughes 62), L. Rodgers; Subs not used: D. Pipe, S. Wedgbury, J. Jennings, C. Kamdjo, J. Parkin,

Arsenal XI: M. Masey (D. Iliev 60); G. Kamara, S. Ajayi, S. O'Connor, B. Ormonde-Ottewill; J. Toral, K. Olsson, I. Hayden, A. Maitland-Niles (D. Crowley 55); C. Okpom, G. Zelalem; Subs not used: J. Tebb, T. Moore, A. Lipman, C. Willock.

Referee: R. Martin (Somerset)

Attendance: 1,748

Star man: Kurtis Guthrie

Don't miss a copy of tomorrow's Citizen to get your Homebuyer supplement - our guide to the best properties on the market. Plus we have our summer of sport offers with money off leisure facilities across Gloucestershire.

IT is the nation's favourite cookery programme: The Great British Bake Off is back.

With a new series beginning today, the programme is bound to spark some baking creativity, proving that it can be something for everyone, in spite of age or ability.

Baking is a great way of spending time with your children providing valuable time together.

The Vanilla Pod is a bakery based in Cheltenham offering a range of services from selling wedding cakes to hen parties.

Pia Cato (pictured) who runs the bakery said: "The Great British Bake off has definitely helped the business; I think it encourages people to have a go at baking and gives people the inspiration to try it."

On her own blog, vanillapod.blogspot.co.uk, Pia repeats the recipes by The Great British Bake Off contestants, helping to spread the passion further.

Encouraging children to bake is also a spin-off of The Great British Bake Off, something which many parents are keen to follow up.

Pia, who has herself been baking from a young age, said: "I think encouraging children to bake is so important and setting up children's cookery classes is something I am looking to do in the future."

Lindsey Azsett from The Lavender Bakehouse and Coffee Shop in Stroud has also seen the positive impact the programme has had on the world of baking.

"The Great British Bake Off seems to get everyone fired up about baking, encouraging people to become more involved," she said.

Lindsey also believes it's important to encourage children to bake.

"I think children should know where their food comes from and baking is a way to find this understanding," she said.

Here are three recipes to do with your children:

Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes

Ingredients

200g butter

200g plain chocolate

200g light, soft brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

250g self-raising flour

Smarties, sweets and sprinkles, to decorate

For the icing

200g plain chocolate

100ml double cream

50g icing sugar

Method

1. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and line a 12-hole muffin tin with cases. Melt the butter, chocolate, sugar and 100ml hot water in a large saucepan, stirring occasionally, then set aside to cool a little.

2. Stir the eggs and vanilla into the chocolate mixture. Put the flour into a large mixing bowl, then stir in the chocolate mixture until smooth. Spoon into cases, then set aside for five minutes before baking for 20-22 mins. Leave to cool.

3. For the icing, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Turn off the heat, stir in the double cream and sift in the icing sugar. Top each cake and decorate.

Gingerbread Men

Ingredients

350g/12oz plain flour, plus extra for rolling out

1tsp bicarbonate of soda

2tsp ground ginger

1tsp ground cinnamon

125g/4½oz butter

175g/6oz light soft brown sugar

1 free range egg

4tbsp golden syrup

To decorate

writing icing

cake decorations

Method

1. Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon and pour into the bowl of a food processor. Add the butter and blend until the mix looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar.

2. Lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together, add to the food processor and pulse until the mixture clumps together. Tip the dough out, knead briefly until smooth, wrap in clingfilm and leave to chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.

4. Roll the dough out to a 0.5cm/¼in thickness on a lightly-floured surface. Using cutters, cut out the gingerbread men shapes and place on the baking tray, leaving a gap between them.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Leave on the tray for 10 minutes and then move to a wire rack to finish cooling. When cooled decorate with the writing icing and cake decorations.

Recipe from www.bbc.co.uk/food

Jammy Heart Drops

Ingredients

• 250g pack unsalted butter, softened

• 140g golden caster sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 300g plain flour

• jar seedless raspberry jam

• 2 tbsp custard powder

• 85g icing sugar

Method

1. Beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla for a few secs, then use a wooden spoon to stir in the flour with ¼ tsp salt. Roll the dough into 36 small balls (the easiest way to get this right is to divide the dough into quarters – each quarter then makes 9 balls).

2. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line two baking sheets with baking parchment. Squish 2 balls of dough together on the paper, keeping the 'round' edges of the balls at the top, but pinching together at the base where they meet, so they make a rough heart shape. Flatten with the palm of your hand to a biscuit, then press in heart-shaped 'dent' for the jam – thumbs and fingers are perfect for this. Repeat with remaining dough balls leaving a little space between each finished heart shape for spreading.

3. Spoon the jam into a food bag (or disposable piping bag), snip off the end and pipe roughly 2-3 tsp jam into the thumb-heart dips you have made in each biscuit. Bake for 8-12 mins until pale golden and crisp. Cool on the trays.

4. Mix the custard powder and icing sugar, then dribble in enough water to make a runny icing. Drizzle all over the cooled biscuits, allow to set for at least 10 mins, then serve or store in a biscuit tin.