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WELL-OFF mobile phone customers can pay a fee to avoid their call being left on hold for potentially minutes on end.

T-Mobile and Orange users can jump to the front of the queue and have their enquiries handled first in return for a 50p charge.

Parent company EE has launched what it calls a 'priority answer service' which around 26 million customers can take advantage of.

Helpline callers will hear a recorded message asking if they want to pay the fast-track fee, which will appear on the next bill.

The service is on offer to all customers, regardless of whether they are on a monthly contract, pay-as-you go or SIM only deal.

EE said it had introduced the charge to help pay for investment in its stores and call centres.

But experts warned it would create customer service which discriminated against the less well-off.

Rob Kerr, mobiles expert at telecoms price comparison website uSwitch.com, said such a move could create a two-tier system.

"It's all very well slashing waiting times for those who pay the 50p premium - but EE's not made it clear if that means non-priority queuers will be left hanging on for longer than usual as a consequence," he said.

An EE spokesman said: "We're investing significantly in our retail stores, contact centres and account management websites.

"To contribute to this and other investments in service, we have introduced some small charges for certain customer services."

Orange and T-Mobile customers can pay to avoid having their calls left on hold

IF you are looking for bathroom inspiration go no further than Bathstore in Gloucester. From showers and toilets to taps and furniture the Bristol Road store has everything you need to create a dream bathroom. Manager Mike Morgan said: "Everyone who walks through our door wants something different. That's the best part of the job. "The latest style is always changing and new technology is always being developed. "We offer such a spectrum of products." Bathstore was founded 30 years ago in London and now has 172 shops nationwide. Thirteen years ago, a franchise was taken out in Cheltenham and three years ago staff decided to set up a store in Gloucester. Mike, who has been working for the store for 11 years, said: "We were looking at the business and thought that if we were going to be Gloucestershire's bath store we should consider being in Gloucester. "This unit became available and we jumped at the chance because it has its own parking. "For us our big selling point is that we have national back up which brings our prices down but we offer a personal service that you would expect from an independent retailer." Bathstore's sales team Jeff Hawkes, Gordon McQuoid and Phil Mannion use a computer aided design package to create bathrooms to fit the customer's space before they buy. "We sell as little or as much as a customer wants," said Mike. "If they just want to buy a tap we will sell them a tap and if they want the whole package we can work with them to design it and install it. "The design package is free of charge and there is no obligation to buy." Bathstore is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sundays. It is offering discounts on products throughout the store until Bank Holiday Monday.

Shop in the City: Find bathroom inspiration at Bathstore

Billy Twelvetrees will captain Gloucester Rugby in the 2014-15 season. The 24 year-old, in his third season at the club after joining from Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2012-13 season is now a key member of the England squad and has been handed the role ahead of an exciting season at Kingsholm by Director of Rugby David Humphreys and Head Coach Laurie Fisher. A first team regular during his time with the Cherry and Whites, Twelvetrees became the first player from Kingsholm since Phil Vickery in 2001 to represent the British and Irish Lions on the victorious tour of Australia in 2013 and has since cemented his place as a keystone in the England midfield under Stuart Lancaster. Domestically, Twelvetrees' leadership skills were displayed when he stepped in to take the captaincy during the absence of Tom Savage and it was his predecessor that Twelvetrees praised when he said: "It is an honour to take the role of club captain of this great club, I worked hard last season alongside Tom to provide leadership to the squad. "Last season, Tom led by example when he was in the team, and it is this example that I want to follow going forward into the new campaign. "I've had the honour to have represented two of England's greatest clubs in Leicester Tigers and the Cherry and Whites and to now have the privilege to captain Gloucester is something I dreamt of and I am thankful to the coaches for entrusting me with the role." Director of Rugby David Humphreys explained that the decision to appoint Twelvetrees was one he was pleased with, with plenty of candidates suitable to lead the Cherry and Whites. "In the short time that I have known and worked with Billy, he has led by example in everything he does, both on and off the pitch. "We're all delighted that he has accepted the captaincy and his leadership and international experience will be crucial as the players and management prepare for the start of the new season."

Billy Twelvetrees will captain Gloucester this season

MORE than 90 per cent of tenants are supportive of plans to transfer the city council's housing stock to Gloucester City Homes. Tenants have recently been consulted on an important decision on the future of their homes. The city council is set to hit a government-imposed 'debt cap' of £62million by next March and will not have the money to invest in future housing repairs. But GCH, which manages the properties on behalf of the authority, proposes to buy the homes from it for £20million. In a report received by councillors at a special meeting on Thursday night, it was revealed that 93 per cent of tenants were generally supportive of the transfer, four per cent were not generally supportive and three per cent needed more information. Councillors agreed to proceed to the next stage of the process, a tenants ballot, in the Autumn. Ashley Green, chief Executive at GCH said: "The council has consulted formally with its tenants and we are delighted that they are supportive of GCH and all our excellent work over the past eight years to improve their homes and services. "With tenant support in the ballot, we can continue to maintain investment in tenants' homes, build new homes and in the long term create economic growth for the whole city." If the transfer does not go ahead, the council would need £300million to deliver investment to the housing stock over the next 30 years. The rent it receives would not be enough to cover the cost of repairs. If tenants support the plans, GCH will become a housing association which is free to borrow and has pledged to invest £120million in the first 10 years after the transfer and in the first four build 100 new homes. Councillor Colin Organ, cabinet member for housing, said: "I am happy that the tenants have given an indication to the consultation in a positive way and the council has approved moving forward to the ballot. "We would urge that all tenants vote on this very important issue as everybody wants to ensure that the condition of houses in the future is kept to a decent standard." Labour leader Kate Haigh added: "It is really important that tenants are given the chance to have their say about the future of their homes." Liberal Democrat group leader Jeremy Hilton said: "GCH will be able maintain the properties to a better standard than the council could. The recommendations were unanimously supported by the council." The ballot will take place later this year and tenants will have chance to vote by post, phone, online and text.

Richard Oliver's entertaining half-century could not prevent Gloucestershire taking control on day one at Worcestershire in the LV= County Championship. Invited to bat first, the home side were 112 for four at lunch with Alexei Kervezee (31*) and Ben Cox (1*) at the crease. A chaotic morning gave County followers plenty to digest, with confirmation that both captain Michael Klinger and stellar all-rounder Will Gidman would miss the game with respective neck and knee injuries. New Zealand all-rounder Mark Craig was drafted into the side for a shock debut, having been training at Bristol alongside fellow Kiwi Todd Astle. Gloucestershire will have to get used to life without the younger Gidman, whose departure at the end of the season was confirmed by an exasperated John Bracewell before play began. But Bracewell's mood improved slightly when stand-in skipper Alex Gidman won the toss and had the opportunity to bowl first on a wicket with more than a tinge of green. Craig Miles duly did the business with the new ball, claiming two for 26 in an opening six-over spell that reaffirmed how badly he has been missed for the bulk of this summer. Worcestershire captain Daryl Mitchell perished in the sixth over for a duck when he was pinned leg before by the teenager, who went on to remove Tom Fell (7) with one that kept low and was nicked behind to wicketkeeper Gareth Roderick. The fluent Oliver appeared to playing a different game, but he ought to have seen another partner depart when Alexei Kervezee was dropped by Ian Cockbain at point off Miles – having mustered only a single. Craig, who claimed eight wickets on his Test debut against the West Indies in June, was introduced as early as the 15th over in the hope of putting a lid on Oliver's scoring. But the opener crunched an incredible 12th boundary to reach 50 off just 46 deliveries – his third half-century in as many matches. It was Benny Howell who brought about his downfall for a run-a-ball 52 via Roderick's catch standing up, reducing the hosts to 81 for three. And just before the interval they were four down, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (7) succumbing to another Roderick catch to reward Liam Norwell.

CAMPAIGNERS in Brockworth have done all they can to fight a controversial development on greenbelt land. Now they must wait to find out if councillors will refuse an outline planning application for 1,500 homes on the outskirts of their village. Hunter Page's application for the Perrybrook development, on land by the A417, will come before Tewkesbury Borough Council's planning committee on Tuesday. It comes as future housing projections are still being decided as part of the Joint Core Strategy between Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Cheltenham councils. Members of Save Brockworth Green Belt are concerned about the loss of green land and potential traffic issues. Mike Hobden, who is also a Brockworth parish councillor, said: "We have been protesting against this application long and hard. "We are hoping the final decision will go to the inspectorate. "We think the developer is jumping the gun here because the Joint Core Strategy hasn't been completed yet. "Brockworth is being lumbered with Gloucester's housing. "There are enough brown field sites around to give a reasonable supply of housing for a number of years." The application seeks to determine the means of access at this stage and all other matters, including layout, appearance, scale and landscaping are reserved for future consideration. Hunter Page has however, provided an illustrative masterplan, which indicates the likely characteristics of the development. The Perrybrook development consists of 1,500 homes including 40 per cent affordable housing and up to 175 units of care accommodation. There are plans for a community hub with retail units, health facilities and employment units. Land has also been identified for a new primary school, allotments and areas of public open space. Tewkesbury Borough Council has received 590 letters of objection from members of the public and two letters of support for the application. Meanwhile, more than 1,200 people have signed a petition against the JCS development. It has also been opposed by Brockworth Parish Council, Hucclecote Parish Council and Tewkesbury MP Laurence Robertson.

D-Day looms for Brockworth greenbelt campaigners

"A LACUNA in the law" saw a defence solicitor requesting what should have been a higher sentence for his client at an appeal.

Gloucester Crown Court heard Mitchell Davis was caught driving speeds of 80mph in a 50mph zone in his Peugeot Partner van on the A40 Northern Bypass on April 14, this year.

The 24-year-old of Sandhurst Lane admitted the offence which took place on the dual carriageway near the Honda dealership and was given a fine and six penalty points by magistrates.

But because he had only passed his driving test in October 2013 and had been driving for less than two years it meant he would have to re-take his driving test.

Representing Davis, Matthew Harbinson, argued his client should have got the more serious penalty of a disqualification period.

The court heard that would have banned Davis from driving, but would not mean he would have to retake his test after the period.

Mr Harbinson told the court he was driving some 60 per cent faster than the speed limit.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC said: "You are effectively saying he should have been punished more severely?"

"Yes I am" Mr Harbinson replied.

But judge Tabor rejected the appeal against sentence.

He said: "Despite the interesting argument, there is no merit to this application. The magistrates performed their task correctly and the defendant is going to have to take a retest.

"But you have pointed out a lacuna in the law; if you are really bad you do not have to take another test, but if you are bad you do."

The section of the A40 where Davis was caught speeding was reduced to 50 mph and Cassie's crossing was built following the death of Cassie Wildman in December 1996.

Since the death of the 13-year-old Chosen Hill schoolgirl her mum Jan has become a tireless campaigner for road safety.

Solicitor asks for more severe penalty for his speeding Gloucester client to avoid legal lacuna

LAURIE Fisher led Gloucester as they threw the gates to Kingsholm open to supporters today. The Cherry and Whites were put through their paces with a captain's run ahead of Saturday's clash with Yorkshire Carnegie. New head coach Fisher, who only arrived in Gloucester last weekend, took charge of the session and speaking exclusively to club members at the event, he vowed to restore the Cherry and Whites' famed pack to their former glory. Gloucester struggled up front last season, with a shaky set-piece a major concern throughout but following a major recruitment drive, Fisher hopes to rectify the previous problems. He said: "I've only been here a week but I've certainly found the staff and players great to work with. I know they have strong ambition and they really have been worked hard so now we just need to get some detail around what we are doing. ""The key is balance to your game so we have to make sure we spend the appropriate amount of training time around our scrum, our maul, maul defence and breakdown. "If you look at the sides traditionally successful in this competition, Northampton Saints, Leicester and so on, they are tough up front. If you're not tough up front you're not going to compete so we have to make sure we do that. "If we get our training balance right, our game-plan right and our ambition right we will be in the hunt." No member of Gloucester's new-look coaching team have experience of life in the Premiership but director of rugby David Humphreys insists the club have the perfect blend to awaken a sleeping giant. He added: "Of course none of the coaching team have experience of coaching in the Premiership but if you look at Laurie Fisher, he has huge experience coaching at Munster, in Europe and the Pro12 and with the Brumbies. "John Muggleton has the same sort of experience added to international experience with Australia and Nick Walshe brings in real knowledge and knowledge of young players. "In a very wide context we want to be successful, we want to be one of the most successful clubs in England. "That is a reflection of what we do on the pitch but also, our support base, the facilities we have and what makes this club special – the identity we have. "Now we have to make sure we can be as prepared as we can be in a short space of time ahead of the Northampton game. "That's our focus in the short-term but the players, the management and the senior management are all hugely ambitious and believe we have a big future."

Laurie Fisher vows to restore a formidable pack at supporters event

NEW landlord Sue Bull is working around the clock to make sure The Cross Keys remains an important part of Gloucester's folklore and music scene.

The former manager of the city's Ebony and Ivory stripping agency took over the historic pub six weeks ago and has been gearing up for their official re-opening on August 30.

The Cross Keys, off Southgate Street, is set in a 400 year old building which formerly housed a brewery, cottages and an antiques store.

Since becoming a pub in the 19th century The Cross Keys has become a mainstay for Gloucester's music scene.

In recent years it has hosted many promising musical talents from the county. It has also hosted nationally-renowned acts such as Little Matador, a side project of Snow Patrol guitarist Nathan Connolly, and Ed Sheeran is also rumoured to have played there early in his career.

Even when there is no live music to enjoy, the pub boasts an eclectic musical soundtrack thanks to a jukebox with over 36,000 songs.

The pub also holds open mic nights every Wednesday and regularly holds discos and smaller gigs.

For Sue, the decision to take over the pub was a no-brainer.

She said: "As soon as I had a look around I thought 'I'm buying it.' I just love the character of the pub and the regulars have been so supportive.

"What we want is to keep the character of the pub the same and keep its reputation for music going. We have all generations of musicians performing here every Wednesday and we want the older talent to encourage them to keep playing."

Music is at the heart of Sue's plans to renovate The Cross Keys.

She plans to re-brand the smaller section of the pub and name it 'The Duck Bar' in homage to its low cieling and beams, and a new oak bar has been installed in 'The Dandelion' section of the building, which is also due to be re-named.

Sue also hopes to extend The Cross Keys' musical output to Sundays, with chilled out acoustic nights to bring weekends to a close.

But while Sue has her own fresh ideas to take the pub forward, she wants The Cross to remain every inch the traditional pub that regulars have grown to love.

She said: "Many youngsters who come to The Cross Keys have never been to a place like this which has character before. They love it because it makes them feel at home.

"It's the kind of pub where people can come on their own and get talking to people. One day we had a guy in his 20s who came on his own and he got chatting with a guy in his 60s. They bonded over a mutual love of bikes."

Sue said the pub also regularly attracts famous faces such as former Gloucester Rugby player Andy Wood and the conductor at Gloucester Cathedral.

"It's just a lovely place to be," she said. "Some of the feedback we've had from the regulars has been so lovely it's made me cry at times.

"We listen to the locals and we have done what they've asked. We want to give them the pub that they want so they have a reason to carry on coming here and spending money."

It's not just locals and celebrities which use the pub either, with many tourists visiting The Cross Keys as it is part of Gloucester's History Tour.

Like many pubs in Gloucester, The Cross Keys also boats its share of supernatural visitors.

Ghosts have been spotted by several members of staff and Sue has CCTV footage of paranormal activity caught in the pub's garden last month.

At 2am on July 16 orbs of light were filmed floating around the back yard of the pub, which has given Sue the idea of trying to get The Cross Keys back on Gloucester's ghost walk circuit.

"I know The New Inn have ghost tours," she said. "But they haven't got orbs of light in their garden caught on camera."

New city centre landlord determined to keep The Cross Keys a part of Gloucester folklore

STROUD's Dominic Dale fired in three centuries to edge out Gloucester's Michael Wasley 5-4 and book a place in the last 32 of the Shanghai Masters next month. Wasley raced into a 3-0 lead in the best-of-nine-frame encounter, helped by breaks of 70 and 42, but Dale gave himself hope by taking the fourth frame. He then came out a different player after the mid-session interval. A break of 123 made it 3-2, then Dale fired in a 111 to level the match at 3-3, only for Wasley to respond well and take the seventh frame for a 4-3 advantage. Dale found his potting form once again with a 120 to force a decider and a 44 break was enough for the Stroud-based man to deny Wasley revenge for his World Championship defeat at the Crucible last April. There was also good news for Cheltenham-based Jack Lisowski as he booked a place in Shanghai with a 5-3 win over Welshman Matthew Stevens. Stevens opened up a 2-0 lead, but Lisowski levelled the match with 58 and 96 – only for the two-time World Championship runner-up to edge in front again. Lisowski won the sixth frame on the colours to make it 3-3, then went ahead for the first time with a break of 45, and won a scrappy eighth frame to seal victory. Dale and Lisowski join Gloucester's Robert Milkins in the final stages in Shanghai starting on September 8 – but before that all four county players head for Furth, Germany, for the second European Tour event of the season, the Paul Hunter Classic, starting on Wednesday.

BANNED driver, Ashley Batchelor, took police on a 10 mile car chase barely dropping below speeds of 70mph and being on the wrong side of the road around blind bends.

The 28-year-old was jailed for 18 months on Friday after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and causing damage to the police car in the process.

Gloucester Crown Court heard Batchelor of Kidnams Walk in Whitminster failed to pull over in his Subaru car when an unmarked put on its sirens after an officer became suspicious of what the occupants were up to.

Prosecutor Janine Wood said the chase along country roads went from Tewkesbury Road in Bredon to Corsend Road in Hartpury at around 11.15pm on July 9, this year and only ended when Batchelor lost control of the car.

She said throughout the chase he was speeding, crossing white lines, driving on the wrong side of the road around blind bends and rarely dropped below 70mph.

Damage to the police car, belonging to the central motorway police group, was also caused when police tried to close the gap between them and Batchelor's vehicle.

She said on arrest Batchelor, who was disqualified from driving in May 2011, refused to be interviewed, but gave a statement saying he was under duress from other people in the vehicle to not pull over.

Defending Greg Gordon said his admission of guilty meant he accepted he was not under duress.

He said: "He says he was acting under pressure from other's in the vehicle, but of course the decision was his.

"He knows what is coming, but there was clear and good visibility and there was, miraculously, no one else on the roads."

Judge Jamie Tabor QC said he was a young man with quite an appalling record.

He told him: "You are a complete mess and you a danger on the roads and to other road users.

"You do not care and have no intention of caring.

"All I can do is protect the public from your driving for as long as I can."

He jailed Batchelor for 18 months, gave him a two year driving ban and ordered him to pay a £100 victim surcharge.

Banned driver jailed after speedy Bredon to Hartpury police chase

BILLY Twelvetrees admits it is a dream come true to be named Gloucester's new captain. The 24-year-old led the Cherry and Whites for the majority of last season following a chest injury to Tom Savage. And new director of rugby David Humphreys and head coach Laurie Fisher have now given the England star the job on a full-time basis as the club aim to rebuild after a hugely disappointing season. Twelvetrees said: "It's a huge honour to be captain and I was extremely excited when David asked me the other week. "To have the privilege to captain Gloucester is something I dreamt of and I am thankful to the coaches for entrusting me with the role. "I worked hard last season alongside Tom to provide leadership to the squad. Tom led by example when he was in the team, and it is this example that I want to follow going forward into the new campaign." Twelvetrees admits last season's ninth-place Premiership finish was disappointing but he remains optimistic ahead of a "huge" season on both domestic and international front. While the Cherry and Whites will be aiming for the top half of the table, England are building towards a World Cup on home soil. But Twelvetrees insists restoring Kingsholm as a fortress is his priority. He said: "We've all worked really hard and have a massive year ahead. Things will take time but we're really enthusiastic, we're fully aware of how we were last year and are looking forward to the challenges ahead. "It's a massive year for England with the World Cup at home and also with Gloucester as one of the venues, which is good for the local game. "The three southern hemisphere teams are always the three toughest to beat, we've got them in the autumn, as well as Samoa, so it would be good to get four out of four going into the Six Nations to build the confidence ahead of the World Cup. "But my focus is at Gloucester, playing well here for the boys and making this place a fortress again." Humphreys has hailed the British and Irish Lions centre as a perfect role model for the club but insists the likes of Savage, James Hudson, Greig Laidlaw and Matt Kvesic will all still have a major input in leadership. He added: ""In the short time that I have known and worked with Billy, he has lead by example in everything he does, both on and off the pitch. "Billy's leadership and international experience will be crucial as the players and management prepare for the start of the new season. "One of the things you have to be aware of from a captaincy point of view and if you are going to be successful, the captain needs to lead from the front but you need to have leaders throughout the team. "If you look at the players here now one of the biggest strengths of this club moving forward is the number of leaders we have coming through, who will continue to develop. "We're all delighted Billy's accepted the role and I'm sure he will do a fantastic job this season."

It's a huge honour to be named captain of Gloucester, says Billy Twelvetrees

LAURIE Fisher led Gloucester as they threw the gates to Kingsholm open to supporters today. The Cherry and Whites were put through their paces with a captain's run ahead of today's clash with Yorkshire Carnegie. New head coach Fisher, who only arrived in Gloucester last weekend, took charge of the session and speaking exclusively to club members at the event, he vowed to restore the Cherry and Whites' famed pack to their former glory. Gloucester struggled up front last season, with a shaky set-piece a major concern throughout, but following a major recruitment drive Fisher hopes to rectify the previous problems. He said: "I've only been here a week but I've certainly found the staff and players great to work with. "I know they have strong ambition and they really have been worked hard so now we just need to get some detail around what we are doing. "The key is balance to your game so we have to make sure we spend the appropriate amount of training time around our scrum, our maul, maul defence and breakdown. "If you look at the sides traditionally successful in this competition, Northampton Saints, Leicester and so on, they are tough up front. If you're not tough up front you're not going to compete so we have to make sure we do that. "If we get our training balance right, our game-plan right and our ambition right we will be in the hunt." No member of Gloucester's new-look coaching team have experience of life in the Premiership but director of rugby David Humphreys insists the club have the perfect blend to awaken a sleeping giant. He added: "Of course none of the coaching team have experience of coaching in the Premiership but if you look at Laurie Fisher, he has huge experience coaching at Munster, in Europe and the Pro12 and with the Brumbies. "John Muggleton has the same sort of experience added to international experience with Australia and Nick Walshe brings in real knowledge and knowledge of young players. "In a very wide context we want to be successful, we want to be one of the most successful clubs in England. "That is a reflection of what we do on the pitch but also, our support base, the facilities we have and what makes this club special – the identity we have. "Now we have to make sure we can be as prepared as we can be in a short space of time ahead of the Northampton game. "That's our focus in the short term but the players, the management and the senior management are all hugely ambitious and believe we have a big future."

New Gloucester head coach Laurie Fisher takes centre stage at Kingsholm

Shoplifters turned to the dark side when they stole a two foot Darth Vader model from a popular shop in Longsmith Street.

It is not known if those responsible for making off with the iconic Star Wars figure were film fans, or opportunist thieves looking to make an easy profit.

The incident has left shop manager of Fab and Faded Dudley Taylor fuming.

He has been forced to install CCTV cameras in the shop, as it is the second incident of its kind in just a few months.

Last year a three foot tall Buddha statue was also lifted from outside the vintage shop.

Amazingly, the Sith lord was pinched from under the noses of staff - and in broad daylight just two days after it went on display.

Dudley is amazed no one saw the rare £40 model being hurried away, just a few hundred feet from the Bearland police station.

He is now calling for anyone who is offered a Darth Vader model for sale at a car boot or back street pub, to contact police.

"It was by our till so I don't think it was a case of anyone causing a diversion, it was more of an opportunist theft," he said.

"The model is owned by one of our buyers so it is very disappointing for them, and me.

"Someone must have seen something, but these people have got such nerve they would have walked down the street as cool as anything.

"It is quite a rare piece and will be popular with collectors.

"You can't get insurance for that sort of thing as you need proof of purchase and they are often picked up from private sales.

"It's a big old thing and it won't be easy to sell discretely around here anyway.

"Star Wars is a big seller as it has such a cult following."

Like the Buddha that went missing before it, Darth Vader was seen as a focal point for shoppers and a way to encourage people in for a browse.

A spokesman from Gloucestershire Police said: "Police are investigating the suspected burglary of a two foot Darth Vader model from a shop in Longsmith Street between 3 -5 pm on Tuesday, August 12.

"Anyone with information about this incident is asked to phone police on 101 quoting Incident 323 of August 12."

Shoplifters turn to the dark side and pinch two foot Darth Vader from Gloucester shop

VETERANS of one of the most brutal campaigns in World War Two took part in a commemoration at Gloucester War Memorial earlier today.

The service, held by the Gloucester branch of the Burma Star Association, marked Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

Over 100 people were in attendance including the families of veterans who couldn't be there, and there were four of the eight veterans of the Burma campaign who are still part of the BSA.

The service was also held to remember the three veterans that the branch has lost since Christmas, including former secretary, Fred Goode BEM.

Branch chairman Norman Auld said: "The day went exceptionally well and we're grateful to everyone who came. It was a fitting service to those we lost."

Gloucester Mayor Debbie Llewellyn and Richard Graham MP attended the event, supported by the Royal Naval Association and the Royal British Legion.

Mr Graham said: ""The annual VJ Day Service that the Burma Star Association reminds us the war did not stop for some did not stop when Germany surrendered in 1944, but with Japan's surrender a year later.

Of our 8 surviving Burma veterans 4 were there today and I know that Norman, Fred, James and Ron will all have thought about their young friends who didn't come back from some of the worse fighting of the 20th century.

For my wife and I VJ Day is also about her uncle, who died last year. He was awarded an MC and a DSO for his work behind the lines in Burma, and put forward for a VC."

Gloucester veterans of WW2 Burmese Campaign mark Victory in Japan Day

COMMUTERS at Gloucester train station were put at risk of large fines when car parking tickets were printed out at the wrong times.

Tickets were printed out incorrectly as the clock on the printing machines was running seven minutes slow.

It meant motorists in the car park faced fines of £80, even if they had paid correctly for the time they were leaving their cars.

The problem was noticed by commuter Lorna Hardwick, who lives in Eldersfield near Tewkesbury, when she went to collect an advance ticket on Tuesday.

She said: "Fortunately I only needed to park for 10 minutes while I collected my ticket, but if I stayed any longer I could have faced a charge of £80.

"There are a lot of threatening notices about penalty charges at the station now and people could have been liable to face these unfair fines.

"There's even signs up that say cars could be clamped if the £80 is not paid. It just means that there's no incentive to use the station anymore and I think people will eventually just give up.

"It's also quite threatening for older people who think they may have to pay the fine and not know why.

"I think it was a rip-off."

The contract to handle car parking charges at Gloucester Train Station was recently awarded to APCOA, which manages car parks in 15 countries.

Gloucester station's car park has 244 spaces and daily charges range from £8.20 on weekdays and £5.50 on weekends.

Around 200 extra parking spaces will soon be available for motorists visiting Gloucester city centre at the Barbican Site off Ladybellegate, which has been unused for years.

A spokesman from APCOA Parking UK said: "Following a routine inspection of the parking equipment on Tuesday August 12 and then again on Friday morning, the ticket machine clock at Gloucester Station was found to be running approximately seven minutes slow.

"This matter had been reported to the site office by one of the engineers on Tuesday evening, and the clock was subsequently reset shortly after to display the correct time.

"During this period, no parking charge notices (PCNs) were issued, and customers were given a grace period on their tickets so that their parking experience wasn't impeded."

Wrong time on Gloucester Train Station parking meters put commuters at risk of fines

DRAMA – where a person consistently overreacts to or greatly exaggerates the importance of benign events. Typically it is used by people who are chronically bored or by those who seek continual attention. These engagers of drama will usually attempt to drag others into their dramatic state with claims of experienced negative events that are highly implausible. Symptoms include constantly telling others about your problems, making claims without sufficient detail about supposedly serious events and displaying a pattern of irrational behaviour and reactions to everyday problems. How do I know so much about drama? Well I am a recovering drama queen. Perhaps you can relate. Maybe you have had an unfortunate run of catastrophes. Maybe you are the person everyone calls with their problems. Or maybe you unknowingly turn small issues into major disasters. The truth is that if drama follows you everywhere, you probably are the drama. There are people out there who have used drama to learn and grow, while others crave it and allow it to take over their life. Drama feels amazing. It is entertaining and exciting while being a safe place to hide, because drama is familiar. For many years I have been one of those girls who always had something happening to her, yet no one could quite work out what the problem was. Another crisis? Surely I was far too smart to always let these issues besiege my life. It has now become abundantly obvious that the reason I always found myself in dramatic friendships and relationships was because I was attracted to drama like a backpacker to a GoPro. People let drama into their lives because they are afraid. They are afraid of moving into the next chapter of life with confidence so instead allow their self-esteem to be boosted by overcoming dramatic situations. Chaos becomes the status quo from chasing guys with girlfriends or jumping into bed with a friend's ex to latching on to one toxic friendship after another complete with nasty suspicions, unfounded accusations and dramatic reconciliations. Sure everyone has a little drama in their life, but you know you are a drama queen when can't walk into your gym, your favourite pub or the grounds of a local football team without feeling uncomfortable. Whether it is family drama, boy drama, or social media drama, you always have the choice of not getting involved. Drama is an external force that can easily sweep you away to a dark and negative place. Don't let it.

Hayley's Comment: If drama follows you everywhere, maybe you are the drama

BARMAID Martina Garabova was just millimetres away from losing her eye when a punter launched an attack on her with a pint glass in The Registry.

Martina, 26, relies on the job to help look after her two young children, but is now fearful about stepping back behind the bar.

A woman allegedly responsible for the attack has been bailed by police over the suspected offence while they investigate, but she has already been served with a city wide ban as part of the Gloucester CitySafe scheme.

The random incident remains a blur, and Martina, from Slovakia, has been forced to cancel a modelling commitment in London that has cost her £500 due to the state of her face.

Doctors have said she will be scarred for life, but also say she was lucky not to have suffered more serious injury.

Martina was hit with the only glass on the bar.

For her and her manager the incident has highlighted the importance of the use of Polycarbonate glasses in bars and clubs at peak times.

"I knew this woman was watching me, but I did not know why," said Martina.

She said she was in shock after the attack and there was a lot of blood.

Security guards quickly intervened while Martina was taken to hospital for treatment. There she had six stitches to repair the wound.

A two inch scar now runs along the inside of her nose and eye socket.

"I am now very self conscious and have been feeling down," she added. "I am scarred for life.

"But I know I could have been blinded. I need to work as I have rent to pay. Before I was happy as I am with the children and at home all week, and then enjoyed going to work with good music and good people. Now I am very nervous about going to work." A 26-year-old woman from Gloucester was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been released on police bail until September 12 pending further inquiries.

PC Keith Griffin, who works with CitySafe, said: "Due to the extremely serious nature of the incident, a straight red card was issued to the woman involved.

"She was given a list of over 60 businesses and said she hadn't realised quite how many venues she'd be excluded from."

Neil Joyner, manager at The Registry, said: "None of my staff should expect to have to put up with this sort of behaviour either whilst working or just on a night out. This is why all bars should use Polycarbonate glassware."

A spokesman for Gloucestershire police said: "We have been monitoring glassing incidents and where two incidents have occurred at a venue the licensing team will work with the premises and if necessary seek to put a condition on their licence.

"As we have seen in the past these incidents often leave people with terrible injuries and have frequently devastated lives."

'I could have been blinded by attack'- Gloucester barmaid

A sharp drop in temperatures will begin this weekend as cold air from Scandinavia is dragged in by the tail end of Hurricane Bertha.

Temperatures should reach 19C on Saturday and Sunday, but the Met Office are predicting a dry, cloudy and occasionally sunny weekend.

Wind speeds should reach 15mph throughout Saturday afternoon, with brighter spells of sunshine predicted later in the evening.

Sunday should bring similar temperatures with longer sunny spells.

But the weather is expected to take a turn for the worse at the beginning of next week, with rain on Monday and temperatures dropping to 15C on Tuesday.

Check the latest weather here.

Gloucester Weather: Temperature drop begins this weekend

A tree surgeon has been fined for cutting down a protected specimen without permission.

Cheltenham Borough Council gave permission to prune a privately-owned hornbeam tree in Hillfield in the St Mark's area of Cheltenham.

But Sean Bartley, of Sandhurst Lane, in Gloucester, has been fined £764 for cutting it down to a 10-foot stump.

Mr Bartley pleaded guilty to the charge when he faced Cheltenham magistrates last month.

He said he decided to cut the tree down to the stump after he noticed a split in the main trunk. But he kept no record of the split and did not take photographs of it to provide evidence. Nor did Mr Bartley tell the borough council of the actions that he took.

Tree experts from the council have said that the mature hornbeam is unlikely to survive being cut back to a 10-foot high stump.

Chris Chavasse, the council's senior trees officer said: "While we are clearly disappointed that a fine tree has been destroyed, we are satisfied that this contractor has had to pay for the consequence of his actions.

"I hope that this could be seen as a warning to all tree surgeons and landscape operatives that this council takes unsanctioned work to protected trees very seriously and is willing to prosecute guilty parties where appropriate."

Councillor Chris Coleman, cabinet member for clean and green environment at the borough council, added: "We have a strong commitment to protect Cheltenham's environment and so I am pleased with the outcome of this case."

Mr Bartley was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press today.

Applications must be made to the planning department of local councils before any work can be undertaken on any tree subject to a tree preservation order (TPO) whether they are on public land or private. Anyone can apply to a local planning department to make a TPO, although normally only trees over 3.5 metres in height.

Gloucester tree surgeon fined for chopping down hornbeam he was only meant to prune