As the latest member of a gang described as the 'cancer of this city' begins his prison sentence, the fight against gang culture in Gloucester continues.

Ashley Nicholls-Perry was jailed for two years and nine months after he admitted cocaine dealing and being in possession of knife outside Capone's nightclub in Dursley in February this year.

The 22-year-old, of Ince Castle Way, Gloucester, told Gloucester Crown Court he had not been in contact with members of Other People's Money for two years and planned to get rid of his affiliation tattoos.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC said, "violence, guns and drugs equals OPM" and warned him to get away from the gang as they were "public enemy number one" in the city.

"This gang are like a cancer in this city," he said. "As long as you are associated with that gang you are going to keep going back to prison."

Nicholls-Perry was given two years and nine months in jail after he admitted cocaine dealing and threatened to stab police officers.

Police believe there are 10 gangs in the county, mostly based in the city. More than 100 people are members of the gangs or affiliated to them.

Officers first received reports about gangs causing problems in communities in 2011.

Delroy Ellis, of youth charity Increase the Peace, said: "If we don't tackle this now then in a few years we could have something bigger on our hands."

In November last year, OPM members Freeston Horsford, 29, of Tipton, Staffordshire, and Yohance Pierre, 25, of Lan Hill, London, were jailed for four years and nine months. Mica McLeary, 19, of Spa Roa, Gloucester, was sentenced to four years and six months and Ashley Walker, 27, of Sissons Road, Gloucester, to three years and six months.

Gang affiliate Lucresia Maguire, 19, of Oakhanger Lane, Kingsway, was jailed for two years and three months.

They all played various roles in the unlawful imprisonment and beating of Malachi Headman-Cook.

KEEN readers across the county grabbed the first glimpse of the classic David Copperfield.

The Gloucester Citizen has launched its Bedtime Reading campaign aimed at improving child literacy in Gloucestershire.

Every day, the Citizen is carrying the serialisation of a children's book which mums, dads, grans and granddads can collect to read with their young charges at home.

As well as this, we are encouraging coffee shops, offices and libraries to set up book swap bins where people can take in a children's story they have read and exchange it for another which has been donated.

The first book is a version of Charles Dickens' classic David Cooperfield, which has been specially adapted for children. Chapter Two is printed on the opposite page.

The story follows the trials and tribulations of young David as he endures misery in an unhappy home before escaping to happier times.

You can follow his journey as he meets a cast of wonderful characters including the cruel Mr Murdstone, formidable Aunt Betsey and Uriah Heap.

Mum-of-two Jane Dyer, from Abbeymead, said: "Making reading available to everyone is always a good idea. My children use the reading app on their iPads but now they have also turned to actual books. Teachers often say it does not matter what level children are reading at, as long as they are reading.

"My 14-year-old went through a period when she was not reading at all but she is now. My eight-year-old is always reading too and enjoys factual books.

"I didn't always get the chance to read to my children because of time but their grandparents did."

The next book we will feature is Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Montgomery.

Sschools across the county are taking advantage of the Citizen's campaign to encourage more children to read.

Huntley CofE Primary School is one of many in Gloucestershire enjoying the daily publication of a chapter of a childhood classic, which parents can collect to read to their young charges.

Huntley's literacy lead Ella Curtis said it had fitted in with the school's reading push, which has resulted in a dramatic upturn in test results.

"I don't think parents realise the difference it will make," she said.

"It's been brilliant. We've told some children we'll get the Citizen and see what stories there are."

We encouraging coffee shops, offices and libraries to set up book swap bins where people can take in a children's story they have read and exchange it for another which has been donated.

NOT every family has access to books at home.

That's why the Citizen has launched its Bedtime Reading campaign aimed at improving child literacy in Gloucestershire.

Every night from October 6, the Citizen has been carrying the serialisation of a children's book where people can collect the chapters to read together at home.

As well as this, we are encouraging coffee shops, offices and libraries to set up book swap bins where people can bring in a children's story they have read and exchange it for another which has been donated.

Councillor Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council said: "This is a great campaign.

"As well as being a vital life skill, reading can give a huge amount of pleasure to children and adults alike."

According to the National Literacy Trust, one in six people have a literacy level below that of an 11-year-old.

In response to this worrying figure, the Citizen has teamed up with Usborne Publishing to run three Young Reader novels over the coming weeks.

These books are aimed at seven-year-olds and the first one is a version of Charles Dickens' classic David Copperfield which has been specially adapted for children.

Usborne has also given Citizen readers an exclusive voucher code where you can receive 50 per cent off Young Reader books purchased online between now and Christmas Day.

Gloucestershire County Council has shown its support for the campaign and is encouraging parents to visit their local library.

Councillor Andrew Gravells, cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: "To help develop literacy from an early age, we run fun events for children in Gloucestershire libraries all year round.

"From hands on Hallowe'en activities and story times to baby bounce and rhyme sessions and the Bookstart Bear Club which takes children from birth to pre-school.

"In 2010, Gloucestershire became one of the first counties to issue every new born baby with a library card, giving every parent a library joining pack when they register the birth of their child.

"We have had another wonderful summer of reading in local libraries as thousands of Gloucestershire children took part in the Summer Reading Challenge.

"Last year 62 per cent completed the challenge, one of the highest rates in the country, showing Gloucestershire children are super readers."

Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, said: "Reading for enjoyment is vital to improving children's literacy levels and supporting them to reach their full potential. Plus, sharing stories as a family is a perfect way of spending quality time together, so this is a great local campaign to help get Gloucester kids hooked on the joy of reading."

The Gloucester Citizen has launched a campaign aimed at improving child literacy in Gloucestershire.

We are encouraging families to read together in a bid to inspire more young people to be fired up about literature.

Every night from October 6 we will be carrying the serialisation of a children's book where people can collect the chapters each night to read together at home.

We have teamed up with Usborne Publishing to run the three Young Reader novels over the coming weeks. These books are aimed at seven-year-olds and the first one is a version of Charles Dickens' classic David Copperfield which has been specially adapted for children.

As well as this we are encouraging schools, coffee shops, offices and libraries to set up book swap bins where people can bring in a children's story they have read and exchange it for another which has been donated.

Usborne has also given our readers an exclusive voucher code where you can receive 50 per cent off Young Reader books purchased online between now and December 25.

Jenny Tyler, publishing director at Usborne Publishing said: "We are backing this campaign because it embodies the philosophy of Usborne Publishing from its very beginning.

"We wholeheartedly believe that it is vital for every child's future that they acquire a rich and varied vocabulary to help them learn to read and learn, and that they develop a love for reading in order to explore all that the world, past, present and future, has to offer throughout their lives."

According to the National Literacy Trust, one is six people have a literacy level below that of an 11-year-old.

Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, said: "Reading for enjoyment is vital to improving children's literacy levels and supporting them to reach their full potential.

"Plus, sharing stories as a family is a perfect way of spending quality time together, so this is a great local campaign to help get Gloucester kids hooked on the joy of reading."

Citizen editor Jenny Eastwood said: "This is a worrying figure and so we decided to try to do our bit to help here in Gloucestershire.

"Not everyone has access to literature at home and we wanted to do something about this by offering the free children's chapters daily in the paper. These specially adapted versions of classic novels are a great read and perfect for a child to read alone or with a parent.

"But the campaign doesn't stop there as we want everyone to do their bit by signing up to start a book swap bin. We are starting this with children's books but, of course, there is nothing to stop adults getting in on the act and starting their own book share station for grown ups."

Meet the clean living generation in Gloucestershire which is shunning drink and drugs.

A new survey has revealed that thousands of teenagers across the county are shaking off a stereotype of being more interested in binge drinking culture than living a healthy and active lifestyle.

Of the 23,000 students surveyed, who attend schools to further education colleges, around 80 per cent have not drunk alcohol and many prefer taking part in sporty after school clubs.

Vanessa Worrall, project manager at the Redwell Centre in Matson, said: "We have seen a great drop in the number of young people drinking and taking drugs.

"There is a lot more awareness about what is healthy and what isn't; this is being promoted not only in schools, but also magazines."

The Gloucestershire Online Pupil Survey 2014 revealed that many of them are active and proud of their achievements, with more and more not drinking alcohol, smoking or having tried drugs.

The findings will be used to help schools, Gloucestershire County Council and health professionals identify where support is needed.

Barnwood Park Arts College, Denmark Road High School for Girls, in Gloucester, and Stroud High School for Girls, were among the organisations to have taken part.

The survey also showed that students see bullying far less as a problem and do not feel the need to harm themselves and many pupils felt bullying was being dealt with well at school, with physical and cyber bullying both decreasing.

Three quarters of youngsters said they do four or more hours of physical activity a week and 87 per cent said they were eating healthily at home.

Pupil Hannah Foster, 15, from Barnwood Park Arts College, said: "I feel safe both at home and in school, in terms of knowing that no pupils carry knives. I have never been bullied but I know that teachers deal with it quietly so that no other pupils find out and we can approach any teacher who we feel comfortable to tell."

Ellis Woodley, head girl at Barnwood Park Arts College, said: "We do quite a lot of exercise at school. In our PE lessons, we play netball and softball and there are plenty of clubs after school." Out of school I enjoy running as this helps with my concentration."

For the first time, the survey asked pupils from year-8 to year-12 whether they had ever self-harmed.

The survey showed that these figures were in line with a recent national research study, with 4.5 per cent saying they had self-harmed on a weekly or daily basis.

Olivia Hughes, 15, a pupil at Barnwood Park Arts College, said: "I think it is good that the survey asked pupils questions about self-harming because it means they are looking at different issues. Sometime pupils can be under so much stress, that they feel they need to self-harm."

A Gloucestershire police spokesman said: "We continue to take anti-social behaviour seriously, whether amongst the young, elderly or any age group.

"This takes many forms, including; tackling cyber bullying to giving talks to primary and secondary pupils, by our PCSOs, about what to do if you are a victim of anti-social behaviour.

"Also new anti-social behaviour legislation, which is due to start soon, will help us continue to fight this type of social problem."

The headline figures:

Most pupils in the county felt safe – 93 per cent at home; 85 per cent at school

Between 2006 and 2014 there was an increase in the number of pupils who felt their school had dealt with bullying quite or extremely well

87 per cent of pupils said the food provided at home enabled them to eat healthily usually or most of the time

79 per cent of secondary pupils in the county reported either having never drunk alcohol or they had only tried alcohol once or twice

Rain and clouds are expected in Gloucestershire today as the county prepares to be hit by a 'monster storm' over the weekend.

Thursday will be mostly overcast with a few sunny intervals in the morning and light showers during the afternoon. Heavy rain is also expected from 9m this evening.

Mist has also been spotted on Gloucestershire's roads this morning.

It comes as Britain braces itself for the arrival of Hurricane Gonzalo, which is expected to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms in the next five days.

The Met Office also predicts up to 16mm of rain could call over parts of the south west due to the storm which is moving across the Atlantic.  

Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has made an 'unreserved apology' for suggesting some disabled people are not worth the minimum wage.

Prime Minister David Cameron urged Lord Freud to apologise or risk being sacked after suggesting that people with mental disabilities should be paid as little as £2 per hour.

In a written statement, Lord Freud said: ""To be clear, all disabled people should be paid at least the minimum wage, without exception, and I accept it is offensive to suggest anything else.

"I care passionately about disabled people. I am proud to have played a full part in a government that is fully committed to helping disabled people overcome the many barriers they face in finding employment. I am profoundly sorry for any offence I have caused to any disabled people."

The row started after Labour leader Ed Milliband revealed that Freud made these comments at a meeting at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham last month. 

The daughter of TV presenter Judy Finnigan, who said this week that footballer rapist Ched Evans "not violent" to his victim is being viciously trolled on Twitter.

Chloe Madeley was told by a twitter user that her mother had given her 'blessing' for her to be raped herself.

Her father Richard Madeley said he's noted "every sick troll" and police are investigating the tweets.

Judy faces calls to be sacked from her new role at Loose Women after claiming on the show that former Sheffield United footballer Evans hotel room rape of a 19-year-old girl in 2012 'did not cause bodily harm.'

Chloe, 27, wrote on the Daily Mail website: "I was horrified, and disgusted. I was livid that someone could attack me and my family in such a way.

"Insulting, threatening, violent – the words horrified me. When I told my mother, the TV presenter Judy Finnigan, she was even more upset and unsettled. As I read out the rape threat tweets, her face fell. I may be 27, but I'm still her little girl, and she was appalled at the vicious brutality of total strangers toward me.

"How can it be right for someone to issue a rape threat to a young woman, and think it acceptable?"

Secondary school pupils could save 5,000 lives a year through compulsory CPR lesson in schools, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The BHF said 22,000 people a year who suffer a heart attack at home die every year because shocked relatives are unable to treat them.

An app for Android and iPhone has now been launched by the foundation which explains how to carry out hands-only CPR.

It comes after the BHF released an instructional video on CPR starring hardman actor and former footballer Vinnie Jones.  

"I'M hungrier than ever for winners now."

Those are the words of Birdlip ironman Jason Maguire, who, on the eve of the Cheltenham Festival, was robbed of a chance to compete by a life-threatening fall at Stratford on March 10.

Tomorrow's meeting is the first chance the jockey has had to return to the amphitheatre in the shadows of Cleeve Hill, with several mounts in the pipeline.

Half a year recuperating from a fractured sternum and bleeding on his liver, injuries which left him in a coma, has given him a new outlook on life.

"You go along in your own bubble when you're riding, but when you're out you realise the support you have had from trainers and you want to repay them with winners," he said.

"Back from injury you want to get as many as you can. It's all about getting yourself noticed again."

And Maguire has done just that, lifting home Rebecca Curtis' Doing Fine on Sunday after Carole's Destrier had taken what looked like an unassailable lead.

"That was definitely the toughest ride I've had since I have come back," he said.

"He made a mistake down the back and was hanging fire up the straight. Once I got to the last I thought I was always going to pick up the leader."

Maguire's renewed energies come thanks to help from the rehabilitation centre Oaksey House, run by the Injured Jockeys Fund. Cycling 20 miles four to five times a week together with fitness on the equiciser got him ready for his return. "Whatever you do in the gym it's not the same as race riding," said Maguire, who made a winning restart on September 19 with a little help from Kim Bailey.

"The staff at Oaksey House were great. I would have been lost without them."

Since coming back, Maguire, who had to sit and watch AP McCoy build a formidable partnership with Bailey over the summer, has been in red-hot form.

He's regained those rides and is in demand from the likes of long-time supporter Donald McCain, Ben Pauling and lots of other trainers.

"I'm flat out busy to be honest," he said.

"Chris Broad is getting me plenty of rides and we have hit the ground running. Winners give you that confidence."

So attention turns to Cheltenham, the racing heaven where dreams are made.

"It's the place where everyone starts the season off and it's nice to give horses experience in the novice races," he said.

"It's the start of real National Hunt racing."

A driver accused of taking part in a high speed race before he crashed into a wall and killed a Forest of Dean teenager, told police officers he could not remember much of that night.

Paul Reddan and Matthew Creed are alleged to have been racing on the A4136 near Longhope before the crash on May 31, last year in which trainee hairdresser, Leanne Davies, died.

The pair both denies causing the death of the 19-year-old from Worrall Hill, Lydbrook by dangerous driving.

Gloucester Crown Court heard yesterday Reddan, 20, suffered serious injuries to his legs and pelvic area after his silver Corsa, in which Leanne was a passenger, smashed into a wall near the war memorial.

The jury heard he was first interviewed by police after spending three weeks in hospital recovering from his injuries.

During the interview he said he did not recall telling a police officer at the scene he was driving at 70mph.

He told officers: "I can't remember speaking to Leanne or arranging to see her or anything, but I do remember picking her up.

"I can't remember hardly anything of the journey. I can't remember anything apart from being breathalysed because it was so painful.

"I can remember coming up to the corner and then I accelerated to get up the hill.

"The back end of the car slipped. I corrected it but there was a car coming the other way.

"At that point I packed and knew I had to do something."

The court heard Reddan of Stafford Close in Broadwell had passed his test in January 2012 and had got the 1.8 litre car less than three months before the smash.

During police interview, Creed, who was driving a black Clio, told officers that he was visiting a friend that night and the first time he noticed the Corsa it was overtaking him.

The 19-year-old said: "I was going around 60mph. I can't remember the exact speed. I definitely was not speeding I know that.

"I don't know how fast he was going. He wasn't going like voom – it was a slow overtake – I thought nothing of it."

Creed said he started to slow down and indicated to turn right when he saw the Corsa lose control.

"I could see if he had done anything erratic. I just thought he was doing a normal turn. I saw that his back end started to go left and then snaked and he hit the wall. When I say snake I don't mean swerving – I mean like a back end sway," he said.

Following the crash Creed of Glenoak in Brierley said he helped get Reddan out of his car.

Asked if he was racing or did anything to contribute to Leanne's death, Creed replied 'no'.

David Holland, a now retired senior collision investigator for Gloucestershire Police, viewed CCTV footage from nearby Richard Read Commercials Ltd depot, which showed Reddan's Corsa and Creed's Clio that night.

The court heard that due to a system error when the cameras were installed police were unable to get a version of it copied, but it had been viewed by three people.

Mr Holland said his analyses of the footage indicated they could have been travelling at 72mph that night, but this was subject to a 10 per cent margin either way.

The jury was also told that after the crash Reddan's rear tyres were underinflated, the speedometer was stuck on 62mph and vehicle investigators could find no sign that the brakes had been used at the point of impact.

Reddan and Creed, who were not believed to be known to each other, both deny causing the former pupil of Lakers School's death by dangerous driving.

Creed also denies intending to pervert the course of justice by attempting to get Reddan to give a false account of that evening's events.

The trial continues.

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch has said codebreaker Alan Turing's royal pardon came "too late."

The Sherlock star plays Turing in upcoming film The Imitation Game, which tells the story of how the mathematician and logician cracked the Enigma code during World War Two.

Turing tragically committed suicide after being convicted of 'engaging in homosexual relations,' and was pardoned by the Queen last year after a lengthy campaign.

But Cumberbatch told Out magazine that the pardon came far too late.

He said: "'It's an insult for anybody of authority or standing to sign off on him with their approval and say, 'Oh, he's forgiven.'

"The only person who should be (doing the) forgiving is Turing, and he can't because we killed him. And it makes me really angry. It makes me very angry."

The 38-year-old actor also hinted that he experimented with his sexuality while boarding at an all-boys private school in West Sussex.

He said: "'While there was experimentation, it had never occurred to me as "Oh, this is that.
"It was just boys and their penises, the same way with girls and vaginas and boobs. It wasn't out of desire."

YOU have to say it was a hell of a grind from the lads to get the bonus-point against Saracens and that's exactly what you have to do at places like that.

If you can't win it is vital that you pick something up.

In the build up to the match everyone outside of the club feared a backlash from Saracens following their defeat to Bath.

There was a real worry that they would be clinically ruthless but Gloucester to their credit stuck at it and continued their improvement.

If you can match Saracens physically then you have a chance of competing.

They are very physical, very good at pressurising teams and do the simple things incredibly well.

For the boys to match that just shows that they can now compete with the top teams.

You consider where they have come from in terms of that match against Northampton where they couldn't match the physicality and were blown away to now and it is amazing.

They have come on leaps and bounds and you just can't get away from that.

We continue to see them take steps in the right direction.

They always said it would take time, people can accept that and now we are really seeing the improvements.

Last week we missed out on a winning bonus-point and this week we managed to battle back to nick one and they all count.

Yes it is not great to lose but at the end of the season all of these extra points picked up here and there can make all the difference at the end of the season.

We had some great times in Europe

WE now enter Europe, albeit under a new guise, and it remains a very special time.

I have mixed memories from matches in Europe. People always mention those matches against Munster and beating them at Kingsholm was brilliant. Then there was that special night against Toulouse in 2012.

But they are always special weekends. You go to new, often hostile, environments to play teams you haven't come across in the past

Gloucester begin their Challenge Cup campaign against Brive and have picked a strong team which demonstrates how they will go after this competition.

When you look at the group, realistically Gloucester should top it. They can make a real statement of intent.

It is a great competition these days, it is a very good quality especially when you get to the latter stages and have teams from the top tier also dropping down.

They definitely have the ability to at least secure a home quarter-final and if you win that you are looking at two knockout matches.

They are one of the favourites to win the Challenge Cup and again that just reflects the progress they have made.

I always thought it would be nice and relaxing when I retired...

I'VE just completed what's probably my fifth training session since having to retire. I can feel my strength has gone so I am just trying to keep things ticking over with some upper body weights and work on the bike.

I knew that would happen and I'm obviously not doing it to break any records. There is only so much I can do because I can't run so it's just weights and then the bike where each time I am completely blowing myself out.

I always thought when I had retired that it would all be relaxed, strolls in the countryside, but I have needed to completely flog myself to the point where I'm falling off the bike. I need to feel that physical and mental exhaustion – I'm not sure if that's healthy or not.

You might think like a lot of retired rugby players that I will pull on the lycra and buy myself a road bike but for whatever reason it just doesn't appeal for me. Having said that I am not in a position to rule it out.

I have hacked a golf ball around a bit but then I knackered by shoulder and now the ankle so I haven't swung a club since and don't know if I will be able to.

I liked tennis but I can't run so that is out the window, I can't row because I have a bad back, it is the same for skiing and I have lost my snooker cue so that's not an option either!

The life of a beat up former rugby player – maybe I could become Mike Tindall's caddie. That wouldn't be a bad gig.

That was a great run by Monbeg Dude

MONBEG had his first run of the National Hunt season and we were delighted to watch him come in second at Chepstow races.

After the Grand National we were not sure how he would come back but he was happy and we can now plan what the right moves are for him this season.

We have a few options and the Becher Chase at Aintree which is similar to the Grand National but over three and a half miles is one. There are also races at Newbury and Cheltenham which he could run.

It was a real boost for him to finish second and personally it was nice to get those matchday nerves back. It's a nice distraction for me to have but at the same time it reminds me of my playing days with Nicky (Robinson) coming over after training and Lord (Mike Tindall) coming in and out as he pleases!

Don't miss our 16-page First Class supplement out tomorrow. Schools featured are:

St Peters, Gloucester

St Peters, Newnham on Severn

Dinglewell Infants

Tredworth Infant School

Churchdown Village Infant School

Innsworth Infant School

Churchdown Parton Manor

Uplands Community Primary 

Longlevens Infant School

Huntley Primary School

Tuffley Primary School

Littledean CofE Primary School

Calton Primary School

Elmbridge Infant School

Coney Hill

Highnam CofE School

Meadowside Primary School

Linden Primary School

St Paul's CofE Primary School

Grange Primary School

Forest View Primary School

Kingsholm CofE Primary School

Kingsway Primary School

Tibberton

Gordon League 24

Stroud 26

STROUD were a trifle fortunate to come away with five points in Gloucester Premier after this intriguing clash with old rivals Gordon League.

They dominated the first half and looked set for a big win but League came back strongly after the break and gradually clawed back the deficit, almost snatching victory with the last play of the match.

Stroud started in high-tempo fashion, moving the ball well. The first score followed a good forward drive and a fine pass from Gordon to Hester, who made the overlap to allow winger Pete Sykes to speed down the wing.

When tackled he cleverly offloaded inside to Hester, who scored in the corner.

Shortly afterwards Rob Matts left the field with a nasty facial injury and was replaced by Rob Higgins.

Harry Phillips was prominent with some tireless tackling and covering while League's place-kicking was awry and they missed several kickable penalties.

Stroud next scored when Phil Middlemiss made good ground before passing to Hester, who again linked well with Sykes on the wing. Hester showed his class by following up a kick ahead to score a try converted by Sykes.

The lead was extended following a long break by Gordon, which led to slick inter-passing and eventually allowed Phillips to show his deceptive power and speed to force his way over the line. Sykes converted with a good kick from the touchline.

After the break Stroud continued to show good form and, following a further break by Gordon, skipper Harry Foote took the offload and forced his way over for another converted try – meaning the bonus point was secured.

Stroud seemed to lose focus as League scored a penalty and a converted try in quick succession before exerting considerable pressure on the home pack, gaining numerous penalties as a result.

They scored a pushover try to reduce their arrears to 26-18 as Stroud, to their credit, tackled heroically but found it hard to break out of their own 22.

Following yet another penalty, making 26-21, watches were anxiously consulted as League continued their forward assault and inevitably they scored another penalty for 26-24.

Stroud's cause was helped by both props being injured, which led to uncontested scrums and some respite.

With the referee signalling last play Gordon League were awarded a penalty for offside and prolonged advantage was played, during which they were unable to score.

Play was brought back to a spot 35m in front of the posts where the League kicker, who had been successful in the second half, struck the ball well but saw it shave the outside of the post.

Relief turned to panic when the ball went loose in the in-goal area. A scramble ensued but finally a Stroud player touched down.

Google has launched its latest smartphone, the Nexus 6, which will be available to pre-order this month.

It will use the latest Android Lollipop 5.0 technology and offers a six inch HD display, a 13MP camera and front-facing stereo speakers.

Storage options for the phone include 32GB and 64GB, and it will boast a 805 quad-core 2.7 GHz processor and the Adreno 420 GPU graphics card.

The new phone will be available to pre-order from October 29. 

SO far, it looks as though 'bumbling Boris' has kicked the idea into touch, but the London Mayor has been under pressure to introduce a ban on smoking in the capital's parks and public areas, such as Trafalgar Square. I've never smoked a cigarette in my life but I think the sooner this barmy idea is forgotten, the better.

If what the former Health Minister Lord Darzi has proposed were to be instigated it would mean 40 per cent of London – 20,000 acres – would be smoke-free. That's more than any other city in the world.

We've already become used to people huddling outside offices, pubs and shops because smoking inside such places is illegal, so it seems a bit unfair to tell them they can't smoke outside either! If it does happen, you can bet your life it will extend nationwide, which would put Gloucester Park in the firing line.

What are these people on? Councils are so strapped for cash that they struggle to provide essential services, let alone hire an army of real-live smoke detectors to go around handing out fixed penalty notices. Without any authority other than a hi-viz vest, I wouldn't fancy their chances of enforcing the rule anyway, especially among the 'White Lightning Club'. Where would it end? If somebody lit up on the pavement outside Gloucester Park's boundary and a breeze blew smoke into the park, would they be breaking the law?

I can see the reports now – 'Mr Embassy Regal admitted allowing smoke to drift across railings and unlawfully enter the park. He asked for six other fences to be taken into consideration!'

BEAT THE CLOCK

WHEN I heard that a Gloucester couple have said they wouldn't return to Lostwithiel in Cornwall for a holiday unless the town's clock is stopped from chiming, I thought it was some kind of joke – but no.

David Brewin and his wife said their holiday was ruined by sleepless nights and they couldn't wait to get out of the town. Not going back, I can understand, but expecting the clock to be silenced for your benefit is a bit steep. The clock in the tower of the ancient St Bartholomew's Church has been chiming since the English Civil War and Lostwithiel residents say they cannot recall anyone complaining about the striking clock before, and that they are fond of its Westminster chimes sounding every quarter of an hour. It's a good job Mr and Mrs Brewin didn't stay at the Airport Hotel at Manchester.

BROUGHT TO BOOK

I'VE always enjoyed reading and I count it as the most useful skill I've learned in life, so I think it's great that The Citizen is campaigning to get more children reading.

If you can read to a good standard, I reckon you can get by in most other areas, as reading is fundamental to everyday life. Shopping, looking at bus timetables or even a McDonald's menu must be unimaginably hard for those who are semi-literate.

According to the National Literacy Trust, around 16 per cent, or 5.2 million adults in England, can be described as "functionally illiterate", which means they would not pass an English GCSE and have literacy levels at or below those expected of an 11-year-old. If The Citizen can do anything to rectify that, it will be fantastic achievement.

If you have been holding out for a Star Wars rebellion in a galaxy nearby, then Toys"R"Us is the place to be for half term weekend. 

The toy retailer is inviting Star Wars fans to head down to the store in St Ann Way on October 25 and October 26 dressed as their favourite character.

Jedi and rebels from across the galaxy are welcome to dress as their favourite Star Wars character and celebrate the launch of the brand new Star Wars Rebels  series set to launch on Disney XD this month.

The new series continues the epic story that has captivated generations of Star Wars fans since 1977. It features fantastic icons from Star Wars including the popular Stormtroopers while introducing a new generation to the far corners of the galaxy, one full of exotic new creatures and characters.

Youngsters will be given a Star Wars branded Jedi certificate.

Gloucestershire's JK Rowling is to write screenplays for three spinoff Harry Potter films, which may be expanded past its planned trilogy.

The films would be based on a textbook used by the wizarding school in the hugely successful Harry Potter series, called Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them.

The textbook's fictitious author Newt Scamander will hold the main role in the film, set in 1920s New York City.

Rowling, a former Wyedean School pupil who grew up in the Forest of Dean, will write the screenplays that surround the magizoologist who deals with magical creatures.

They are set to be released in 2016, 2018 and 2010 and will take place about seven decades before Harry and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley enter Hogwarts.

The Harry Potter film franchise remains the most successful in film history with $7.7 billion in global box office earnings.

The fantastical films made stars of its three principal actors, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

Rowling's series of books has sold more than 450 million copies and the brand has an estimated worth of $15 billion.