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Excitement is building as film crews continue to prepare for filming of the Alice in Wonderland sequel in Gloucester.

From 10pm tonight (Saturday), until midnight on Monday the Southgate Moorings Car park at Gloucester Docks will be closed to the public, prompting speculation that scenes for Through the Looking Glass will start to be shot.

It's the follow-up to Tim Burton's adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic and star's Hollywood A-lister Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter.

They're filming Alice in Wonderland 2 in Gloucester! Hoping to bump into Jonny Depp :) http://t.co/YyRwSNzq86
— Ann Carter (@Annie_carter) August 16, 2014

Johnny Depp in Gloucester!?
— Cheif Keef (@DamarrDD) August 15, 2014

#Depp Know what? I guess he was in Titanic... I never watched it myself... I saw your extras are arriving in Gloucester! #Oooo #exciting! :)
— Teresa Wright (@Tree26) August 15, 2014

Johnny depp's in my home town today in Gloucester docks filming a movie . Fair play Gloucester is going up I the world ...
— Sam Lewis (@sammy46fullgas) August 15, 2014

Four tall ships are in situ at the Docks, on which some of the scenes will be shot.

Have you seen Johnny Depp in Gloucester? Let us know, email citizen.news@glosmedia.co.uk

Johnny Depp watch: Has star arrived in Gloucester for filming?

Lily Allen will headline the concert at this year's Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations.

The Smile singer, who lives in Cranham, will perform on the stage beneath Edinburgh Castle during the Concert in the Gardens.

She said: "I've always wanted to spend Hogmanay in Scotland so the fact that I get to do it this year, but performing on stage in front of a whole load of people up for the best time, makes it extra special. I can't wait."

The show will end a year which has seen the singer produce her second number one album while also performing at some of the country's biggest music festivals, including Glastonbury.

Organisers said Edinburgh's Hogmanay welcomed visitors from more than 60 countries last year, with audiences of around 130,000 people joining in the celebrations over three days.

Lily Allen to headline Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh

COUNTY stars Danielle Waterman and Natasha Hunt will start for England in their World Cup final against Canada tomorrow (5.45pm) in France. They will be joined by former Prince Henry's High School pupil Katherine Merchant on the wing and former University of Gloucestershire student and prop Sophie Hemming. Drybrook fly-half Ceri Large and and former Hartpury College student Alex Matthews have been named on the bench. University of Gloucestershire student Heather Fisher has not been named in the squad. Head coach Gary Street has made just two changes to the side that ruthlessly defeated Ireland 40-7 in the semi-final, recalling Drybrook scrum-half Hunt and Marlie Packer to the starting line-up. Fullback Waterman, a University of Gloucestershire student, will win her 60th cap in her third World Cup final appearance. England were beaten by New Zealand in 2002, 2006 and 2010 and the clash at Stade Jean Bouin tomorrow will be their fourth consecutive final on the world stage. Street said: "It was immensely tough to select this team. "We have 26 players fit and everyone is in a really good place freshness wise so it was a very tough call. "Natasha has had a fantastic tournament and is also fresh from the semi-final having only just come on in the second half. "She adds a real pace to our game which I think is going to be hugely important." England drew 13-13 with Canada in the group stages, an experience Street has said will be "useful". He continued: "Canada really brought their A game to that match and we didn't perform as we wanted to. "However, the errors that we made then we have learned from and we showed that in our performance against Ireland. "Rugby World Cup finals are obviously very special but we are genuinely just thinking about playing Canada as just another game. "We have to. In 2010 we felt a real weight of expectation going into the final and we have learned a lot from that experience." ENGLAND: D Waterman, K Merchant, E Scarratt, R Burford, K Wilson, K McLean, N Hunt, R Clark, V Fleetwood, S Hemming, T Taylor, J McGilchrist, M Packer, M Alphonsi, S Hunter REPLACEMENTS: E Croker, L Keates, R Essex, A Matthews, L T Mason, C Large, C Allen

FROM October this year, drivers will no longer be issued with a paper tax disc for their car windscreen when they pay their vehicle excise Duty.

But they are warned that if they do not pay their 'road tax' they will still face a fine.

Number plate recognition cameras will track each vehicle on the road and those driving a car which has not been taxed will be identified by the cameras, linked to a central computer, and fined.

One of the major changes in the rules is that the tax is not transferable when a used car is bought and sold, as was the case with the paper discs.

Those who buy a used car will have to tax their car from the moment they own it or risk being caught on the road with an untaxed car. The previous owner of the vehicle is also responsible for telling the DVLA of the change of ownership, or face a possible £1,000 fine.

To renew the tax motorists can go to the DVLA website at gov.uk/tax-disc or in person at participating post office branches.

Rod Harris, Secretary of the Gloucestershire Branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "I've just done a poll of members about this Some think that more people will be tempted to try and get away without renewing. If there's not a disc they might think they won't get caught.

"But there are a lot of cameras on roads now that recognise number plates and police cars have them on constantly and they can be told immediately which cars aren't taxed.

"I think there will be people to be tempted to try but they will be caught if they don't have the tax and insurance and that's a good thing.

"It also affects us. The first thing we have to do with a new associate is check they have tax and insurance. Wthout a disc there's no way of knowing without ringing up the phone line that will be set up."

More details on the new rules about taxing vehicles can be found at gov.uk/government/news/tax-changes

How to avoid a £1,000 fine - make sure you know the new rules on car tax

PEOPLE of all faiths and nationalities are coming together today at Barton and Tredworth's Cultural Fair.

The event, being held at St James park until 4pm today, features free tasters from a range of cuisines including Sri Lankan, Slokavian, Indian, Bangladeshi, African and Jamaican.

Families are also enjoying fairground rides, rock climbing and children's slides.

It is the second time that the event has been held on St James Park, after bringing together up to 600 people last year.

Pat Gifford, member of the organising committee for the event, said: "We take pride in our community and all the different cultures that live in Barton and Tredworth.

"Bringing together people from the area is the most important part of the event. The fair has been organised by the community for the community and its also about children building their confidence by trying out different things.

The cultural fair, which was nominated for a Believe in Gloucester award last year, has been funded by businesses in the area.

It was also attended by Mayor of Gloucester Debbie Llewellyn, Sheriff Lisa Noakes, former sheriff of Barton Said Hansdot and Barton and Tredworth city councillor Usman Bhaimia.

Mrs Llewellyn said: "It's really important that we have a community that supports all its different ethnic backgrounds. This is also a great opportunity to get to know each other's neighbours."

Loretta Sadler, who is offering Indian cuisine at the event, said: "This is all about bringing people together. In Barton we have a diverse group of residents."

Reverand Pelwatte Dhammanandathero, who is educating visitors on Sri Lanka and Buddhism, said: "To be able to promote our cultures and bring people together in harmony is a good idea. People have been interested to learn about Buddhism and this event is a good chance to get to know each other.

Sharon Bryan, who is serving up Jamaican cuisine at the event, said: "This is about showing people what our culture is and how we can help each other."

Gloucestershire Police sergeant Tim Wood, who also attended the event, said: "Years ago St James' Park was used in a negative way and was known for antisocial behaviour. This event is about using it in a more positive way.

Barton and Tredworth Cultural Fair 'bringing community together'

IT was one of the pivotal battles of the Korean War, and now the role Gloucestershire soldiers played in the Battle of Imjin River has been commemorated with a special talk at Kingsholm stadium.

Award-winning Seoul-based author Andrew Salmon delivered a special talk on the battle this week in front on Gloucestershire Regiment veterans who fought in the three day battle which has become a vital part of the heritage of Gloucester.

Andrew, who has published two books about the Korean War, held the talk which was jointly hosted by Gloucestershire and Republic of Korea Amity Limited (GROK) and Gloucester Rugby to highlight the connection with the club and the Glosters.

Among the 97 attendees were the Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester City, and the leaders of the City and County councils.

Ian Kirby, a director with GROK who also attended the event, said: "What we want is to create a tangible and lasting legacy for these Glosters. Veterans from the city are respected but not enough people know their story.

"Andrew held a fantastic talk which was very moving for the veterans. I've already seen many emails from people telling me how wonderful it was."

The battle in April 1951 left 141 British soldiers killed and over 1,000 wounded, missing or captured.

More than 27,000 men from the Chinese Army attacked lower positions on the Imjin River in an attempt to capture South Korean capital Seoul.

About 700 troops from 1st battalion Gloucester Regiment played a key role in defending Hill 235, known as 'Gloster Hill,' before they was eventually surrounded and captured by the Chinese.

Veteran Tony Eagles was 25 when he took part in the battle with the Glosters.

He was a Drummer with the regiment at the time, and helped to defend Hill 235 by rolling grenades with three second fuses down the hill.

As the Glosters fell back he also moved between defence positions and fired at the Chinese to make it seem like they had more troops.

He was eventually captured when he was met by three Chinese soldiers with a machine gun. Mr Eagles then spent the rest of the war as a prisoner of war. He was interrogated and was sent to a prison camp until he was released on his birthday on August 13 1953.

Mr Eagles, who joined the regiment aged 17 in 1945, said: "The talk was very interesting and really brought some memories back. The speaker was brilliant and at one stage I was in tears because some of my mates didn't come back.

"Looking back, I'm not so much proud of what I did but I'm proud of what we all did. The regiment really proved itself because it had not been a part of bigger jobs like this before."

Mr Eagles, 86, was deemed unfit to serve with the Glosters again when he returned to England due to the beatings he suffered when he was captured. He decided then that it was the right time to end his military career.

He said: "I was absolutely proud to be a part of the regiment because my grandfather and two uncles were in the Glosters. But I said I joined as a Gloster and I'm going to leave a Gloster."

Special talk remembers Gloucestershire's role in key Korean War battle

Human life on Earth is set to be wiped out by a huge asteroid- but not until March 16 2880.

Asteroid 1950 DA has a one-in-300 chance of hitting our planet on the appointed day, making it the most likely asteroid to collide with Earth.

Researchers at the University of Tennessee say the asteroid has a diameter of one kilometre and is rotating so fast, once every 2 hours and six minutes, that it "defies gravity". It is currently travelling at nine miles a second relative to the Earth.

Were it to make contact with the globe it would hit at 38,000 miles per hour, and create the same impact of around 44,800 megatonnes of TNT. This would cause an enormous explosion, tsunamis, change the climate of the planet and destroy human life.

The researchers say they are confident that there is enough time to avert the disaster and save the human race.

Life on earth could be wiped out by giant asteroid, but not until 2880

Dogs could be used to detect breast cancer in a new clinical trial after UK scientists found the animals to be highly accurate at detecting the disease.

Medical Detection Dogs in Buckinghamshire are testing to see if dogs can detect breast cancer from samples of breath after the animals working for the charity showed 93 per cent accuracy at detecting prostate cancer by sniffing urine samples.

The charity said the way doctors diagnose cancers would be 'revolutionised' if the test was proven.

Six dogs will be trained to sniff for breat cancer in a new trial, which has already begun.

The best four will be taken forward to the proper trial, where they will be put to the test with breath samples from 1,500 women.

Dogs to sniff women's breath for breast cancer in new trial

CINDERFORD 5 BRIDGEND 25 A NEW-LOOK Cinderford were sunk by Bridgend Ravens on home soil in the first of their pre-season friendlies. Despite leading 5-3 at a half-time after a score for new boy Rhys Luckwell, the Ravens scored four tries in the second half to ensure the spoils went back to South Wales. With five new faces in the starting 15, Cinderford had the brightest of starts and got five points on the board in the first minute. Centre Jack Adams whipped the ball wide to set Luckwell up in the corner, but the touchline conversion from captain and fly-half Mike Wilcox sailed wide. From then, the Principality Premiership outfit enjoyed the lion's share of possession, setting up camp in Cinderford's half. But Bridgend's driving efforts at the line were held up by a solid Cinderford defence. James Dixon kicked a penalty cleanly in the 17th minute as Cinderford were caught off their feet at the ruck but otherwise the defence stood tall against a physically larger side. Two clear-cut chances then went begging for the Dockham Road men. A blistering run from Sam Baker found Wilcox, whose grubber was pounced on by number eight Dan Fry. But his pass to Baker was dropped and though Hawley grabbed the loose ball and nipped over the line, play was brought back for a knock on. Lance Randall steamrollered in to the Bridgend 22 after strong runs from Baker and Winchle but the ball was again dropped. With the score poised at 5-3 at the break, the Brewery Field men came out the stronger side and scored two tries in as many minutes. Bulldozing runs from Dai Barry and Ryan Evans powered past Cinderford's defence and they were left stationary as Matthew Phillips crashed over in the corner in the 48th minute. Then Cinderford once again allowed Bridgend too much space in the 22, giving Steve Williams the opportunity to cross the whitewash. Dixon missed the first conversion and Owen Howe missed the second to give Bridgend a 13-5 advantage as the game approached the final quarter. And their lead was extended as Adam Williams chased his own grubber and grounded the bouncing ball over the whitewash in the 63rd minute, despite Wilcox's desperate attempts to get a hand to it first. Howe converted and Bridgend were 20-5 clear. As the clock ticked down, Cinderford tried to close the deficit. Darting runs from Wilcox and Adams set Baker up to go over in the corner, but the wing was bullied out to touch. As new signing Dan Fry went off after a blow to the face with just four minutes remaining, Bridgend scored their fourth try of the game with Adam Williams grounding the ball for a second time. The conversion sailed wide but Bridgend triumphed 25-5. Cinderford will play Llandovery next weekend at the Beavis Memorial Ground (3pm) and then travel to Launceston on August 30 for the final pre-season fixture, before the National One season starts at Esher on September 6. CINDERFORD: S Hawley, S Baker, J Adams, R Winchle, H Bird, M Wilcox (c), A Frame, C Bundy, F Sinclair, J Caulfield, L Randall, M Lane, G Mills, R Luckwell, D Fry REPLACEMENTS: O Whiting, S Hanks, T Law, G Davies, A Goras, M Reynolds, J Graham, A Moffat, M Brown, R Birkin, S Kerry, S Wikles, E Booley BRIDGEND: O Howe, M Powell, R Evans, A Williams, R Jones, J Dixon, C Williams, M Auger, A James (c), C Lewis, K Evans, B Jones, Z O'Driscoll, A O'Driscoll, D Barry REPLACEMENTS: A Fenton, T Morgan, D Treday, M Phillips, S Treharne, S Williams, R Gerrat, S Hicks, G George, G Carpenter, B Carey, A Evans, I Merriman, H Wilks, H Williams, D Brookes

FOREST GREEN ROVERS 2 ALFRETON TOWN 0 Forest Green maintained their 100 percent start to the Vanarama Conference season with another workmanlike display. Lee Hughes and Clovis Kamdjo both notched their second goals of the embryonic campaign to see off a spirited but limited Alfreton outfit at the New Lawn. A decent chance fell to Rovers' Jon Parkin as early as the second minute, the burly striker meeting Elliott Frear's cross with a glancing header that missed the far post. Clovis Kamdjo came agonisingly close to applying the finishing touch to Hughes' clever flick five minutes later, but it was Alfreton who managed the game's first shot on target when Jake Sheridan jinked his way into the penalty area and forced Sam Russell to save at the near post. The opening goal stemmed from a rapid counter attack, David Pipe's cross-shot parried by Jon Stewart into the path of Hughes for a typical poacher's finish. Rovers saw plenty of the ball at the start of the second half and threatened again via a Frear free-kick that arrowed over the crossbar. But Alfreton ought to have levelled on 58 minutes when Bradley Wood's cross located Joe Ironside in space six yards out, only for the lone striker to head wide. They were fortunate not to pay for their profligacy four minutes later, Forest Green defender Danny Coles meeting Rob Sinclair's inswinging corner with his forehead and seeing his effort cannon back off the bar. Back came the visitors, Sheridan getting the better of Pipe and feeding skipper Duane Courtney for a horribly shanked effort from 20 yards. Rovers looked like they needed the buffer of a second goal, and it duly arrived in the 70th minute when Kamdjo soared to convert another Sinclair corner in emphatic fashion. See Monday's Pink Un for Peter Orchard's match overview, match reaction and pictures. Forest Green: Russell; Pipe, Oliver, Coles, Stokes (Kelly 88); Sinclair (Norwood 81), Kamdjo, Wedgbury, Frear; Parkin (Rodgers 81), Hughes; Subs not used: Bangura, Guthrie.

Lee Hughes, Clovis Kamdjo seal third straight Forest Green win

Gloucester ran in 10 tries as they ramped up their pre-season preparations with a commanding 62-19 victory over Yorkshire Carnegie. In their first friendly of the summer and in a new era at Kingsholm the Cherry and Whites turned on the style. Summer recruits Henry Purdy, Steve McColl and James Hook all grabbed a brace while Aleki Lutui, Greig Laidlaw, Dan Thomas and Rob Cook also touched down. But they left Laurie Fisher with plenty to work on ahead of next Saturday's clash with Munster after leaking three tries against the Championship outfit. Fisher selected a starting XV containing six new faces and they were made to work hard in the first-half before the floodgates opened. Utilising a new-look rush defence Gloucester began the encounter with plenty of venom but were soon found wanting out wide. Ryan Burrows charged down the left but fortunately for the hosts McColl was on hand to tackle his former teammate into touch. With ball in hand the Cherry and Whites were dangerous and following a sustained period of pressure Dan Robson sent Billy Burns through a hole only for the fly-half to lose possession with the try-line at his mercy. But moments later Gloucester took the lead with Lutui showing quick hands to feed Burns, who sent Purdy over the whitewash. Burns struck the right-hand upright with his conversion attempt but he was on target after Purdy grabbed his second. The forwards made the hard yards with a driving lineout and after Robson broke off the back of the maul, Mark Atkinson powered on. The centre was tackled short but Purdy displayed razor-sharp awareness to scoop up the ball and dive over. The visitors hit back mid-way through the half as the Gloucester scrum, a major problem through last season reared it's head again. They were driven off their own ball and Burrows rampaged into the twenty-two, Carnegie were eventually awarded a penalty and after kicking to touch and launching a driving lineout, Graham crashed through Purdy to score. The visitors drew level when Chris Jones touched down following a Dave Doherty break, with Leonard converting. But Gloucester went into the break leading after Lutui burrowed over at the back of an imposing rolling maul. Burns added the extras to hand Gloucester a 19-12 half-time lead with a new-look xv taking to the field in the second half. It took Gloucester just 25 seconds get the scoreboard ticking again with Thomas making the half-break and releasing McColl in the corner. Laidlaw was narrowly off target with the conversion but he was able to make amends within a matter of minutes after Hook crossed. Gloucester continued to dominate and after flexing their muscle up front Laidlaw sniped into the corner. To their credit the visitors continued to battle and Christian Georgiou danced over , after a defensive lapse from Billy Meakes, converting his own try. But Gloucester responded in emphatic style with Hook pulling the strings with aplomb. The Wales fly-half released Atkinson with a sumptuous flat pass and collected the centre's offload from the floor before firing a long ball to McColl. The Cherry and Whites ran riot in the ensuing minutes with Hook ghosting through for a second of his own and Laidlaw converting. Hook continued to dazzle, with a real understanding with Atkinson, who performed some outrageous offloads, causing chaos. Dan Thomas was the next to add his name to the score-sheet, the recipient of another powerful rolling maul, and Cook rubbed salt into Carnegie's wounds at the death. Gloucester Rugby Tries Henry Purdy (7, 18) Aleki Lutui (37), Steve McColl (41, 65), James Hook (46, 68), Greig Laidlaw (54), Dan Thomas (72), Rob Cook (80) Conversions Robson (18), Burns (37), Laidlaw (46, 68, 72, 80) Penalties Yorkshire Carnegie Tries Joe Graham (25), Chris Jones (32), Christian Georgiou (58) Conversions Harry Leonard (32), Glyn Hughes (58)

Gloucester cruise to 62-19 victory over Yorkshire Carnegie

Brockworth Rugby Club held a special friendly game today in honour of a former player and coach who lost a two year battle with cancer in February.

The charity rugby game was in memory of Andy 'ace' Kelly, who spent 30 years at the club as a player and then as a youth team coach.

Andy and his friend David Alden set up and ran the Brockworth Youth Rugby club for youngsters 18 years ago, and the players that they both coached all those years ago reunited to face the club's current first team.

Many members of the Andy Kelly Youth XV had not played rugby in almost two decades. They were beaten 59-38 by the current first team.

Andy was 57 when he died. He left his wife Brenda, five children and nine grandchildren. His sons Wayne and Dominic played for the reunited youth team today.

Dominic, nicknamed 'Doc,' said: "The club meant loads to him and he gave years to help build the club. He was still playing before he was diagnosed- he just couldn't hang up his boots.

"He was the life and soul of the party and always had a smile on his face."

"It was a hard game because I haven't played for 10 years, but it was all for a good cause."

Players, fans and club members described Andy as being a 'larger than life character' who was well-known in Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Organisers of the event hoped to raise £2,500 for Cancer Research and St James City Farm. The chairman of Brockworth RFC also pledged to donate £5 for every point scored in the game.

Fans wore gorilla t-shirts in homage to Andy, who was also nicknamed 'the silverback."

David said: "Andy was a big character and the life and soul of the party. He was also a great influence on the boys and taught them to enjoy the game.

"He was also a formidable player. One he got the ball you could never take it off him. We miss him- he's the sort of character that you can't replace."

Nicky Kelly, another of Andy's sons, said: "He meant a lot to people- his funeral at Gloucester Cathedral was the biggest I've ever seen. There must have been close to 1,000 people there.

"We only wanted to do one game like this, so we didn't drag it out. But people were falling over themselves to play here today."

Charity rugby game remembers Brockworth club legend

Contemporary sculptures are beginning to fill up Gloucester Cathedral ahead of an eagerly awaited exhibition next month.

The free Crucible2 exhibition will feature 100 works of art by 61 sculptors, many of them internationally acclaimed artists.

It will open officially on September 1 after two years of planning.

Sculptures begin to fill up Gloucester Cathedral ahead of free exhibition

Slimbridge 1 Thatcham Town 1 There is no doubt that Thatcham will be the happier side at this result, which leaves the Swans facing a tricky FA Cup extra preliminary round trip to Berkshire on Tuesday night, for a replay that kicks off at 7.45pm. The scoreline, however, doesn't tell the true story, and Slimbridge battled back into a game playing with 10 men for the second half, following the dismissal of Keeper Dave Evans, in an incident that ultimately led to the visitors taking the lead. With Jamie Martin taking over between the sticks, the home side were rewarded for their endeavours when Jamie Hammond tied things up with just over ten minutes to go. As a result, the Swans' home game on Tuesday when Brislington were due to visit will be rearranged. The first half was almost devoid of incident as both sides cancelled each other out, and chances were at a premium - Jack Twyman brought a good block from Thatcham Keeper Chris Rackley on 25 minutes, and Paul Fahy went close a minute later. On the half hour, Sean Lawson tangled with Gareth Brown as the two were retreating following a goal kick, and the incident saw Lawson receive a harsh yellow card from Referee Daniel Lamport, for what was no more than a tangle of legs. Just before the break, Jamie Martin's flick on set up Fahy nicely, but his shot was deflected for a corner, leaving the sides level at the break. Two minutes into the second half, the defining incident of the game occurred - Rich Thwaite miscued a back pass to Dave Evans, and Alex Oakman beat the Swans Keeper to the ball, nudging the ball past him before being clipped by Evans and going down. Although the free-kick was correctly placed outside the box, the inevitable red card followed for the Slimbridge stopper, with Jamie Martin taking over in goal. Barry Elmore's initial free-kick was blocked by the Slimbridge wall, but then the referee awarded another free-kick for handball as a follow up shot came in. This time, Elmore's shot took a deflection on the way on to put the visitors ahead. Chances continued to be scarce - Thatcham Skipper Paul Taplin blasted high and wide after Sam Turl was caught in possession, while Martin was called into action on 63 minutes, making a save following a break from Josh Stockwell. Eventually the game turned on a four minute period in the last 15 minutes - Oakman made a dangerous run resulting in a shot which Martin did superbly to push behind on 75 minutes, and Slimbridge were rewarded for their efforts on 79 minutes, when Jamie Hammond, chasing down a misplaced defensive header, lobbed Rackley to level things up, and ultimately secure the draw for the home side. Following Tuesday's replay, Slimbridge make the trip to Melksham Town next Saturday (3pm) to visit another of the Western Premier League's pacesetters. SLIMBRIDGE: Evans, Turl (Mace 61), Ryan Thwaite, Rich Thwaite, Tunnicliff, Ward, Turner (Parrott 70), Twyman, Lawson, Martin, Fahy (Hammond 61). STAR MAN: Jamie Martin

FA Cup extra preliminary round: Slimbridge 1 Thatcham Town 1

Forest Green defender James Jennings could miss the entire 2014/15 season after damaging his knee in an innocuous training-ground collision. A summer acquisition from Mansfield Town, left-back Jennings will undergo surgery on Monday on his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) following the accidental clash with Kurtis Guthrie. Rovers boss Ady Pennock is resigned to being without the 26-year-old for a lengthy period, the only blot on his side's flying start to the Vanarama Conference campaign. Pennock said: "It's an absolute kick in the teeth to lose James because it was just a nothing, knee-on-knee challenge. "He just rubbed his knee and carried on training, and he even had a fitness test before the Southport game because we thought it might be just bruised. "I feel so sorry for him. He has got to have reconstruction on his ACL and cartilage, so all we can do is wish him a speedy recovery. "It's a big blow to the football club and, more importantly, to him because he is a smashing lad who I like a lot." Forest Green made it three wins from their opening three fixtures against Alfreton Town, as goals from Lee Hughes and Clovis Kamdjo lifted them to second place in the embryonic table. Pleased with another workmanlike performance, Pennock warned potential promotion rivals that his side will only get better as they gel over the coming weeks and months. Pennock said: "I don't think the people watching realised how windy it was, so to pick up another three points and a clean sheet was very pleasing. "I know we can play better. We've got some new signings and everyone is getting used to one another. "There is a long way to go and there is a lot of building to be done, on and off the pitch. We've only just started." Pennock also explained why he and his coaching staff have switched from the left to right-hand dugout at the New Lawn this term. He said: "I want to be in the linesman's ear and it's something I've done before when I was manager of Welling. "Obviously it's not about having a go at anyone, but I think it gives us a little bit of an advantage because I'll be closer to those little decisions than I would be on the other side. "That extra percentage could make all the difference, so why not? Other teams do it to us."

Forest Green defender James Jennings could miss whole season

Summer looks to be coming to an end with the recent plunge in temperatures continuing in Gloucester today.

Sunday should be dominated by clouds as temperatures reach highs of 18C, according to the Met Office.

Bright sunshine should appear later this evening in an otherwise overcast day. Wind speeds should reach 17mph.

Monday has a similar outlook but heavy rain and a further drop in temperatures by two degrees is expected on Tuesday.

Check the latest weather here.

Gloucester weather: Summer is over with drop in temperatures continuing today

YOUNG cancer fighter Rhys Masters is looking healthier than ever and raising money for a specialist ward for teenagers in Gloucester.

The brave Barnwood schoolboy, who is awaiting his GCSE results, has already raised around £20,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust since he was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2012.

But recently the 16-year-old, who is now in remission, has been drumming up cash specifically for the Emily Kent Ward at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

He was inspired after visiting Birmingham for his biopsy and seeing the fantastic Teenage Cancer Trust facility there.

His dad Richard said: "We are so proud of everything he has done to raise money so far.

"He has been through so much and yet he is determined to make things easier and more comfortable for other teenage patients in Gloucester.

"It makes such a difference for the teenagers if they have a place where they can escape and enjoy themselves.

"We have been so overwhelmed by the level of support from people who have donated."

A room in the ward will be transformed into an area where teenagers can relax, with a TV, Playstation, comfy sofas and a sound system.

Rhys, who starts a HGV mechanics apprenticeship this month, has handed over £1,200 towards the project, which is due to start in October.

Rhys's family first noticed something wrong when Rhys complained of a pain in his leg.

Mum Dawn said his diagnosis in October 2012 was a "total shock to the system" and the "most awful, painful feeling".

But Rhys refused to sit back and feel miserable and began organising events to raise funds for other young people fighting the disease.

He started by having his hair shaved off in front of his Chosen Hill School classmates and raised £590.

Money was also raised through a kickathon at Gloucester Martial Arts centre where he is a member and an annual fundraising Forget Me Not Ball.

Many businesses have also donated including CF Robert in Cheltenham, which handed over a cheque for £700 on Thursday.

Cancer fighter Rhys Masters from Barnwood on the road to recovery and raising money for others

MIRACLE baby Joseph Wellington is close to celebrating his first birthday after surviving against the odds when he was born weighing less than a bag of sugar.

Brave parents Luke and Roxy went through weeks of not knowing if their firstborn was going to pull through when he was born just 25 weeks and two days into pregnancy in September last year.

When he arrived in Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital on September 23 Joseph weighed just 1lb 11oz. He was immediately rushed to intensive care and spent three weeks being ventilated. He was given a 50 per cent chance of survival.

After over a month of uncertainty the new family was transferred to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on November 5 and spent a further seven weeks there before returning to their home in Linden.

Roxy said: "It was tough going because it wasn't the norm. We had our hit and miss days. But Joseph didn't have it as tough as some babies.

"We accepted what will be will be and took everyday as it came. We had to face the fact that the statistics were against us, but we were thankful for every day we spent with him. That's what kept us going."

Since being taken home, Joseph has grown to 15 pounds and three ounces. He has been taken to hospital again for a blood infection and has had one or two colds, but as he approaches his first birthday he is a healthy baby.

Despite the ordeal Roxy and Luke have not ruled out making more additions to their young family.

Roxy said: "Of course I was anxious as I didn't know what was going to happen. it was a rollercoaster of emotions. Sometimes it was one step forward and two steps back. But we had to stay strong for Joseph.

"The staff at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital were amazing and for the last three weeks there I was able to stay with Joseph so i could establish breast feeding.

"We were strongly supported by our friends and family and at the Trinity Baptist Church which was a good support network.

"Hes a cheeky chappy and says 'dada' a lot."

In September Luke and Roxy will run Oxford's half marathon to raise money for John Radcliffe Hospital's Newborn Intensive Care unit and the Support for the Sick Newborn and their parents charity. To donate visit mycharitypage.com/lukeroxy

Miracle baby Joseph fighting fit at his Gloucester home after weighing less than a bag of sugar when born

North Ferriby United 2 Gloucester City 2 CONTROVERSY reigned as Gloucester City were denied victory by a contentious and bizarre North Ferriby United second-half equaliser. Former Cheltenham Town striker Tom Denton headed home after Nathan Jarman crossed a ball which had seemingly gone out of play by a clear distance. However, the goal was awarded to the complete bemusement of the Villagers' striker and disbelieving City players and management who were left fuming at the final whistle. Jarman had opened the scoring with a fortuitous finish but a storming Mark Preece header and a quality goal from Adam Mann had put the Tigers ahead before the controversial equaliser. Adam Bolder was dismissed late on for the Villagers but City couldn't find a winner during the five minutes of injury time. It was almost a dream start for Tim Harris's side with only a breathtaking save from Adam Nicklin tipping Sam Avery's bullet header over the crossbar. North Ferriby began to control the contest as Dan Clayton caused Mike Green some issues at the near post, before Denton headed the ball onto the crossbar. The first goal came shortly after with Jarman's powerful effort deflected heavily by Williams away from the Tigers keeper for an unlucky opener for the East Yorkshire club. Harris' men replied in under a minute through the head of Preece, after a trademark ball into the area by captain Billy Jones, which nestled nicely into the Ferriby net. It was soon two for the Tigers as Marc Richards played a sublime through ball into the path of Mann who saw his first attempt saved but tucked home the rebound for the lead. The City striker almost got another with his effort from 20 yards shaving the outside of the post. Just before the break Matt Wilson should have done better for the East Yorkshire side as he knocked a free header over the woodwork. Entering the second half the game became noticeably more tempestuous as a strong tackle by the Tigers captain Jones caused a melee that saw himself, Williams and Preece all booked. Then came Ferriby's bizarre equaliser, as the ball, clearly over the line, was crossed into Denton who took the chance well even though the reactions of the players on both sides indicated that the goal would not stand. Referee David Richardson then awarded the goal after consultation with his linesman much to the amazement of the City players. The Tigers looked for a winner with Adam Connolly half-volleying wide and Tom Webb seeing a shot blocked en route to goal by Nathan Peat. There was more controversy heading into injury time as Bolder was red carded for a studs up tackle on Connolly, but City couldn't capitalise as the contest petered out into a draw. NORTH FERRIBY UNITED: A Nicklin, D Lisles, N Peat, L King, M Wilson, G Anderson, D. Emerton, J D'Laryea (A Bolder 52), T Denton, N Jarman, D Clayton (R Fry 52). Substitutes not used: M Gray, A Pecora, J Wilde. GLOUCESTER CITY: M Green, S Avery, B Jones, M Preece, M . Williams, A Connolly, M Richards, C Jones (C Griffin 78), M Groves, A Mann, M Green (T Webb 84). Substitutes not used: S Hamilton, C Griffin, E Chamberlain, T Webb, S Wilson. ATTENDANCE: 284.

Gloucester City denied victory by controversial equaliser at North Ferriby United

Relationships at home, work and in the bedroom have come under the microscope in a major new report.

Counselling service Relate's 'The Way We Are Now' survey saw 5,000 people participate in the research and the results provide an insight into people's friendships and relationships.

The results mostly present a positive image of the nation's relationships, Relate said, including that four in five people report a good relationship with their partner and only 10 per cent claimed they argue with their partner more often than not, most or all of the time. However, more than one in 10 people reported that they had rarely or never felt loved in their day to day lives and certain external pressures, such as money worries, can have a negative impact on relationships.

Some of the findings include:

1 in 10 people don't have a single close friend (9%)

Nearly 1 in 5 people never or rarely felt loved in the two weeks before the survey (18%)

1 in 5 people say they are not satisfied with their sex lives (22%)

3 in 10 people their bosses believe the most productive employees put work before family (30%)

Over 8 out of 10 people have good relationships with their partners (85%)

Ellaine Cameron, Centre Manager of Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon believes these findings may encourage people to seek help from their local Relate Centre during difficult times.

She said: "The survey's results indicate that no relationships are immune to tough patches or challenges that may or may not be within our control. However, Relate can offer a supportive and impartial environment to help individuals, couples or families talk through difficulties, when they arise, in order to reduce the possibility of issues spiraling and seeming 'unsolvable'."

Relate said the survey presents a modern view of relationships in the 21^st Century and indicates that while family separation continues to shape modern family life the quality of family relationships matters more than the size, shape or structure of the family unit. Other interesting findings include that 58 per cent of people believed a good sex life was very or fairly important, only 33 per cent of people thought a relationship could survive an affair and over a third (35 per cent) of people who were fairly or very dissatisfied with their sex life said they still had a very good relationship with their partner.

Nation's relationships and sex lives under the spotlight in major new survey