Speeding along an airstrip at 200mph would be a nerve wracking feat for anyone, but add a blindfold and the challenge becomes even more hair raising.

That is what new world record holder Mike Newman from Gloucester had to contend with as he cruised to a new land speed record in his Litchfield LM1000.

The blind daredevil has now amassed six Guinness records. The latest took place at Elvington Airfield in York, scene of Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond's near fatal dragster crash in 2006.

Mike, whose step-dad Michael is a driving instructor in Longlevens, hopes his latest effort will help in his bid to raise £3.5 million towards his Speed of Sight charity.

"This was an amazing experience one I will always cherish," he said.

"Without the support of my team and sponsors, it would not have been possible.

"The record attempt was a great way to bring attention to Speed of Sight's ambition to build 20 specially adapted dual controlled track and off road cars and a purpose built centre and track on a 33-acre site.

"This facility is hoped will be located in the New East Manchester area and has the primary aim of being able to provide a unique track and off road experience for people with disabilities along with their friends and families.

"It will also deliver additional programs, supporting collaborative projects between non-profit making organisations, social enterprises, and industry and academic bodies."

Mike was congratulated on his achievement Gina Campbell, daughter of the late great Donald Campbell, who broke several British speed records on land and sea in the 1950s and 60s.

The car in which Mike clocked an incredible 200.9mph was also built in Gloucestershire. The LM1000 Gt-R1, a Nissan GT R, was rebuilt by Ian Litchfield, specially for the blind land speed record attempt.

Step dad Michael Newman, who runs the Freeway School of Motoring, said: "The danger was always a worry for us, but we knew Mike has been working toward breaking the record for 11 years.

"All the safety precautions were taken, including roll cage, fire suits, ceramic brakes and a radio link so Mike made sure it was as safe as possible, but there is always that element of danger.

"We are just so proud that he has finally achieved his dream."

Next up for Mike is a water speed record later this year. He hopes to become the first blind person to pass 100 mph on water in Drew Langdon's Silverline formula one power boat on the sea's of Exmouth.

LESSONS have been learned from the systematic neglect suffered by children at the hands of their Gloucestershire parents, according to the authorities involved.

Despite awareness of the family for some 16 years and at least seven bodies having involvement with the family, the youngsters' plight continued for years.

The Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children's Board opted to carry out a serious case review into the neglect of the children, which looked particularly into actions between August 2010 and November 2012.

It focused on Abigail, Bobbie, Charlie and Daisy*, but raised awareness that other siblings were left to live in squalor and suffered from the same problems.

The report looked at the failings and offered recommendations for the future.

Chairman of the board, David McCallum, said: "Serious case reviews are not about allocating blame or holding people into account. They are about transparency and we do not want to reach a stage where they are a witch-hunt."

The findings include:

l Professionals in the agencies had difficulties keeping a clear focus on the needs of the children

l The child's experience should be at the heart of all plans

l Clarity is needed about sharing information on families when they are not identified as a child protection case

l Thought needs to be given on holding professionals meetings without the parents

l Plans should have made it clear that if the parents did not co-operate legal advice would be sought

l Assessments should consider and analyse historical information across agencies

l All professionals working with children or families need to be trained on manipulative parents and those who pretend they are complying

l Professionals need the confidence to challenge decisions by others

l Staff across all agencies must have a shared understanding of neglect.

Since the serious case review, the board has contacted professionals to see if they want to highlight any families where they are experiencing ongoing difficulties with neglect, where action has not been forthcoming. None have been passed on. It is also looking at training staff on handling of parents who are manipulative and show disguised compliance, like in this case.

A more robust escalation policy is in place and has been shared with professionals, which allows them to question the decision of those working in other public sectors.

*Children's names changed for legal reasons

1998 Authorities become aware of the family

2007 A decision over whether the children would be placed on the Child Protection Register was deferred after the family made improvements

2009 A midwife described awful conditions in the home. She referred the family to Children's Social Care. The parents agreed to improve the state of the home

March 2010 A safeguarding nurse wrote to the CSC stating the children were "showing signs of distress as a result of the neglect they were experience". The letter called for a meeting. No response was received

June 2010 The school of an older sibling sent a "strongly worded" letter about their worries. The CSC carried out an assessment and took no further action

August 2010 A decision is made that the 'child protection' threshold is not reached. Instead an assessment, requiring cooperation from the parents, was carried out by a family support worker

October 2010 An assessment concluded the risk to the children was reduced due to the warmth and love the mother showed

January 2011 A dentist highlighted tooth decay in an older sibling as "one of the worst cases he had ever seen". Abigail* is hospitalised with an infection. She has not had immunisations

February 2011 A health visitor flagged up concerns about Abigail's weight. The concerns are shared with the CSC. A new plan started to ensure the house was cleaned. It did not include measures to improve Abigail's weight, diet or development

February to March 2011 Daisy's school wrote to the family support worker six times concerned about neglect and the mum's hostility

May 2011 The parents stated they did not want the CSC involved. The CSC closed the case

June 2011-Late 2012 Concerns are raised on numerous occasions by a children's centre, psychotherapist and health visitor

Late 2012 Abigail was admitted to hospital with severe nappy rash and never returned home. The matter became a child protection case and the children were taken from the family 

*Children's names changed for legal reasons

THE "manipulative and hostile" nature of the mother allowed the true extent of the children's suffering to be masked to authorities.

When baby Abigail* suffered severe nappy rash her mum squeezed out the prescribed cream to fool professionals into thinking it had been used.

She regularly put her children to bed when officials were visiting.

The mother, currently serving a two- year, nine-month jail term after admitting neglecting her children between 2007 and 2012, was said to have become aggressive and swore at professionals when they challenged her.

The father of some of her children was jailed for two years after admitting the same offences.

Both refused to take part in the serious case review from their prison cells, but other family members have done and revealed other siblings in the home were also neglected.

The report reveals: "The mother loved being pregnant and having new babies because she got attention. After each baby was a few months old, the mother lost interest and started to plan her next child."

The review highlighted how the mother prioritised her needs above those of her children and often pretended she was co-operating with the agencies when she was not.

She refused for information to be shared among different agencies, making it difficult for anyone to gain a true understanding of what was happening in the Gloucestershire home.

The family "exhausted" authorities and professionals trying to help.

Children's Social Service attempted to work with the parents and support them, rather than taking the children from their care.

The report states: "The mother's fierce stating of her rights, and the lack of parental permission for all agencies to work fully with each other, led to a failure to see the children in this case, both literally and metaphorically.

"The powerful personality displayed by the mother appeared to give her the opportunity to divide professional opinion.

"Professionals who had known the family over the years felt confused and overwhelmed by the complexity of the needs of the parents and children in this family."

Teacher eventually became frustrated with authorities and the lack of action following complaints about the plight of the children.

On several occasions Daisy, Bobbie and Charlie's schools wrote to Children's Social Care but received no response or were told it was not a child protection issue.

At one point Bobbie and Charlie's attendance at a children's centre fell to below 15 per cent.

The report said teachers felt their concerns were not taken seriously.

It states: "The school were clear about the needs of the older children and showed a good understanding of the children's difficult circumstances. Letters were sent from the schools cataloguing concerns. Few received a response.

"School records show that they did not feel that front line staff in the CSC took their concerns seriously."

A health visitor saw a dead mouse under the cot and fleas on the furniture. A midwife described "chaos, clutter, dog faeces and a smoky atmosphere at home" and a three-year-old was yet to walk.

But it was only Abigail going to hospital with severe nappy rash that saw the children taken into care.

During the course of neglect many in the health departments complained about the family and the appalling state the children seemed to be living in.

A dentist highlighted tooth decay in one of the children, saying it was "due to neglect" and "one of the worst cases he had ever seen".

The parents regularly missed appointments with doctors and at hospitals, which led to referrals to other agencies, but the children continued to suffer.

All health bodies involved in the review said lessons have been learnt since the review.

Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust, the Clinical Commissioning Group and Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust all said lessons had been learnt and they would try to increase their understanding of neglect.

*Children's names changed for legal reasons

MALNOURISHED and head lice-infested children left to live in filth and squalor should have been helped earlier, authorities have admitted.

The kids were left to live among animal faeces and mouldy food for years – despite social workers, teachers, doctors and other professionals knowing of their plight.

Yesterday Gloucestershire County Council, which runs the Children's Social Care, apologised for the neglect the children suffered at their now imprisoned parents' hands. The family cannot be named for legal reasons.

A serious case review by the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Board revealed the family were known to authorities for more than 16 years. But it was only in late 2012 that the children were taken off the parents, who were jailed in June this year, following one of the worst cases of neglect seen in the county.

Kathy O'Mahony, operations director of the council's safeguarding and care, said: "Quite clearly what these children experience was unacceptable and we are sorry.

"What the children experienced was unacceptable and went on for far too long.

"We did take protective action. We did intervene and have taken the children off the parents and they are thriving. But it should have happened earlier."

The review into the treatment of Abigail, Bobbie, Charlie and Daisy* between August 2010 and November 2012 shows the extent the children were let down – not only by their parents but by those who saw their problems. But it also reveals other brothers and sisters were subjected to the similar neglect before the father of some of the children who was jailed joined the family unit.

The parents' manipulation and lies to authorities was said to have hampered action being taken to remove the children earlier. Several referrals were made to CSC by other professionals concerned about the children's state in the two years leading up to them being taken away.

But the youngsters were always classified as 'children in need' and their neglect was not deemed to reach the child protection threshold leaving confusion among authorities over what information could be shared between them.

Teachers reporting the problems were said to have become frustrated at the lack of action and response to their growing concerns.

No disciplinary action has been taken against any staff as a result of the review.

Mrs O'Mahony said: "We did try to improve their life, but we did not hear the concerns that other agencies raised well enough.

"We did take the children into care and we are pleased they are doing well, but we accept that it took some time for us to get there.

"Neglect is a really difficult area. It is chronic and it goes on all the time. It is difficult to know when to say enough is enough. Social workers are very committed and some of the time they are damned if they do and damned if they don't.

"This case has helped us to understand the impact of negligence. We did not say early enough that this was a child protection issue.

"We have become much more alert and recognised when parents are trying to disguise what is going on and we would escalate that much more quickly now.

"I am not saying we should not have taken the concerns more seriously but at different points of time, the situation did not look the same."

David McCallum, chairman of the safeguarding board, added: "The true extent of the harm was not recognised.

"We cannot say how many referrals were made, but there were many, many times that contacts were made about concerns about the children. The issue is how these reports were regarded.

"The suffering and harm that these children experience should have been recognised earlier and could have been addressed more urgently. Their lives could have been improved earlier. Things should have been done better."

Training is now under way so professionals in all areas are more aware of neglect and the understanding of its impact.

Here are just some of the problems the children faced, all of which at least one authority was aware of:

• Tooth decay
• Severe and persistent head lice
• Poor growth and weight gain
• Delayed development
• Anaemia
• Missed health appointments
• Failure to immunise
• Failure to use prescribed medication
• Severe nappy rash
• Poor hygiene and dirty clothes
• Poor attendance at nursery and school
• Non-compliance with advice from health professionals

* Children's names changed for legal reasons

The day is off to a chilly start in Gloucester with temperatures lingering around 10C.

Things are looking better after midday with temperatures peaking at 17C.

A scattering of showers may be seen in some places across Gloucestershire but it should be a predominately dry day for many.

Due to a largely clear sky it may feel colder than usual tonight. 

HOLLYWOOD film crews may have left Gloucester but a little piece of Wonderland has been left in the city.

A rare first edition of Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass, which dates back to 1872, has been handed in to the Oxfam charity shop in Northgate Street.

It comes as film crews shot scenes for the Alice in Wonderland sequel, starring Johnny Depp, at the Docks on Monday.

Staff at the shop said they had no idea who donated the item and have put the book on sale for £100. Manager Jacquie Hammond said: "It came with a box of other books, a lot of them were very old.

"When I opened it and realised what it was it sent shivers down my spine.

"I just couldn't believe it. I was totally shocked." The Macmillan burgundy bound copy is slightly worn but in good condition.

Jacquie took the book to Oxfam's bookshop in Cheltenham where staff valuated it at around £100.

It will now be placed in a secure cabinet in the Gloucester store.

"The timing could not be more appropriate with the filming going on at the Docks," said Jacquie.

"Even without the filming it wouldn't take long to sell so I think it will be snapped up quickly.

"We are so grateful that somebody has given something of such value to charity."

Film crews packed up in the early hours of yesterday morning leaving only the tall ships in the Docks.

The top names for our four-legged friends have been revealed.

Molly is said to be the most popular name for both dogs and cats, according to a new survey of Britain's over 50s.

While some of the more unusual names include a Guinea pig called Chaka Khan, Sausage the rat and ASBO the parrot.

The top 10 names for furry felines are:

• 1)Molly
• 2)Oscar
• 3)Tigger
• 4)Daisy
• 5)Lucy
• 6)Rosie
• 7)Tilly
• 8)Charlie
• 9)Smudge
• 10)Poppy

While the top names for man's best friends are:

• 1)Molly
• 2)Poppy
• 3)Max
• 4)Charlie
• 5)Alfie
• 6)Jack
• 7)Toby
• 8)Millie
• 9)Lucy
• 10)Sam

The survey by Saga Pet Insurance also highlights the most unlucky pet names for cats and dogs, ranked on the frequency of vet visits and claims.

The most unlucky names for cats are:

• 1)Felix
• 2)Archie
• 3)Bailey
• 4)Amber
• 5)Holly

While dog owners should be aware of the unlucky names:

• 1)Megan
• 2)Monty
• 3)Tess
• 4)Henry
• 5)Misty

According to the survey 38 per cent of pet owners chose their name because it suited the pet, while 17 per cent just liked the sound of it. Around six per cent chose the name for sentimental reasons, while three per cent picked the name in reference to a celebrity.

Roger Ramsden, chief executive, Saga Services, said: "The huge variety of names revealed in the poll goes to show just how much Britain's over 50s view their pets as one of the family.

"Just as we take our time over naming a child, it also seems we mull over a pet's name to get it right and make sure it suits them.

"That care hints at how much pets mean to the over 50s, many of whom see their cat or dog as a loyal companion.

"That's why it's important to make sure your pet is properly covered, should he or she ever become unwell." 

Gloucestershire Warriors 32

Swindon St George 28

IN a remarkable game the Warriors came back from 28-0 down at half-time to snatch an incredible West of England Grand Final win.

Swindon St George put in a superb first-half display to score six unanswered tries. But they converted just two and that kept them just about in the Warriors sights.

Liam Rowe slipped through to open the scoring for the visitors after 11 minutes and they soon added a second as Bruce Vuetanatotoka crossed on the last tackle.

The Warriors looked as if the occasion had got to them and their discipline was awful as they handed the initiative to their opponents who took full advantage.

After giving away three straight penalties, the Warriors conceded their third try as Carl Baker drove over in the corner. Killian Spain had only converted one of the scores but Swindon's goal-kicking woes were in marked contrast to their try-scoring skills.

Their fourth score arrived soon after Baker had crossed. With their supporters roaring them on, George Cowley finished a good move to touch down.

The Warriors were barely able to get out of their own half such was the abject nature of their play but towards half-time, they came close as Tom Askew was held up short.

A 22-6 deficit would have been a good score for the Warriors but Rowe raced over from a 20-metre restart for a try converted by Spain and at 28-0 things looked bleak for the home side.

However, with the slope in their favour in the second half, the Warriors got the first of the five converted tries they needed seven minutes into the half, Kirk Lewis going over from close range with Ash Lewis adding the goal. Swindon's composure began to crack and Reece Kinnett was sent to the sin-bin for foul play.

Dale Cook stretched out an arm to touch down seven minutes later and when Ben Brinkworth drove over to score, there were just 10 points between the sides.

Cook went over for his second try with 14 minutes to go and on their next set Taniela Ratu saw a gap and went over from 20 metres out – arguably the first break the Warriors had made all game. Lewis missed the conversion but the scores were now level. The penalty count, heavily against the Warriors in the first period, was rapidly levelling up as they dominated possession and Swindon's discipline wavered. Lewis stroked over an easy goal from one award to give the home side the lead with 10 minutes to go.

Swindon almost snatched the lead back but Dan Brown's effort was ruled out for a foul and Lewis edged the Warriors four points ahead with another penalty to clinch a special victory.

Gloucestershire Warriors: Taniela Ratu; Matt Evans, Dale Cook, Ollie Cooper, Kieran Cox; Kirk Lewis, Ash Lewis (Capt); Arron Almond, Tom Askew, Ben Brinkworth; Matt Price, Richard James; Paul Hewitt. Iinterchange: Chris Benjamin, Jake Thompson, Alex Mahoney, Jerome Moore, Lance Hills, Dean Banks, Lee Brinkworth.

THE family of a suspected murder victim in the Forest of Dean were not aware a fund had been launched to pay for his funeral.

Chris Cooling, 44, was found injured at his home in Berry Hill, near Coleford, but he later died at hospital on August 3.

His mourning family, who are grateful to Mr Cooling's friends for launching an appeal, say the funds raised could be spent on a fitting memorial instead.

Gloucestershire police family liaison officer Jon Newton said: "The family is extremely grateful to Chris' friends for setting up a fund to support his funeral and for their support at this difficult time.

"However, they were completely unaware of this fund and have not made any request for financial support.

"They wish to stress that financing the funeral and associated costs is not an issue.

"Friends who do generously raise funds may wish to consider a memorial or similar mark of respect for him."

Friends Sara Weaving, from Coleford, and Richard Peglar set up a gofundme.com web page and hoped to raise £15,000 so Mr Cooling's family could give him a "good send-off."

A note on the site says donations will now be handed to Mr Cooling's 19-year-old son Josh to "help him now and in his future".

Following Mr Cooling's death, his family released this short statement: "We would like to thank our family and friends for their support at this tragic time.

"As a family we are still trying to come to terms with the loss of Christopher.

"He was a much-loved son, father and brother and will be sadly missed by us all.

"We would ask for people to respect our privacy and allow us to grieve for him at this difficult time."

Mr Cooling, pictured, once served in the Army with the Glosters.

Former regiment comrade Roy Owen has written a poem in tribute to him.

It reads: "Not kings nor queens nor Royal Marines but 28th Old Bragg, with brass in front and brass behind never feared a foe of any kind, shoulder arms the Glorious Glosters, a fellow soldier and friend.

"RIP Chris, I salute you."

Eddie Belson, 36, of Aston Close, Berry Hill, has been charged with Mr Cooling's murder and will appear at Bristol Crown Court for a case management hearing on November 21.

A campaign has also been launched to raise money to support of Mr Belson's family during his absence.

Friend Nik Elsmore said: "We are not in a position to judge what happened. We are purely here to make sure his children remain as unaffected as possible."

A GANG of thieves who stole £150,000 of metal from Gloucestershire pylons were ordered to pay back just £1 each.

The seven men from South Wales were said to have gained £25,000 from the scrap metal they stole, but none had any assets.

Gloucester Crown Court heard they would each pay a nominal fee of £1 under the Proceeds of Crime Act as opposed to the £3,571.42 they were said to have each gained from their crime.

They were given 28 days to pay back the money, but more could be gained in the future, if any of the gang come into windfalls.

The gang, who were together jailed for 14 years in December, targeted 7km of cabling belonging to Western Power Distribution in Fromebridge near Whitminster in September 2010.

The thieves left the remaining overhead line hanging dangerously when they took 42 tonnes of cooper cabling from six towers.

Some 10,000 homes could have been affected by the stolen lines when the theft took place between September 16 and 17, 2010 had a back-up line not been in place.

During the hearing in December prosecutor Susan Cavender said the theft was one of 12 that took place between Stone and Lydney from August 2010 and January 2011.

But five of the men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal on the basis they just took part in one of the thefts.

Liam Murphy, 24, of Penarth, South Glamorgan who also admitted to possession of an offensive weapon, was jailed for 21 months; as was Paul Condick, 30, of Llandow Road in Cardiff and Nathan James, 35, of Heol Trelai, Ely, Cardiff.

Martyn Richards, 27, of Heol Poyston, Ely, Cardiff, who refused to come to the proceeds of crime hearing on Wednesday, and Stephen Phillips, 52, of Addicott Close in Cardiff, were given 30 months prison.

Scrap metal dealing brothers Vijay Chohan, 24, and Umur Chohan, 26, both of Grand Avenue in Cardiff both denied the offence, but were found guilty at trial and jailed for 24 months.