Hillside Brewery is hop-ing to raise funds for the Royal British Legion by making an exclusive beer to mark the centenary year of the Battle of Gallipoli.

The Battle of Gallipoli was a campaign in the early months of 1915 during the First World War.

It was a joint effort by the British, Australian and New Zealand troops to take the Gallipoli Peninsula on the western shore of the Dardanelles, with Constantinople as its objective.

Ultimately a failure by the allies, the Australian and New Zealand troops won a bridgehead at Anzac Cove'on the Aegean side of the peninsula.

To honour the allied troops who took part in the campaign, particularly the 7th Glosters, the Forest of Dean brewery has teamed up with the Gloucester branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the regional branch war veterans' charity to create a commemorative ale known as Anzac.

Paul Williamson, manager of the brewery in Longhope, said: "We thought it would be a great way of supporting the charity.

"It was a great opportunity to incorporate British, Australian and New Zealand ingredients in order to honour all the parties involved.

"It will be a pale ale made with a traditional English hop and mixed with Australian and New Zealand hops to add flavour and aroma.

"We are still finalising the recipe and on Sunday we invited members from CAMRA and the Legion to come and taste what we have so far.The plan is to start brewing it this week, maybe even today."

Anzac will officially be launched at the Gloucester Beer Festival on Friday, April 24. According to Mr Williamson, £1 from every pint sold will go to the legion as well as a donation from bottle

Garry Mills, vice chairman of the Gloucestershire branch of the RBL, said: "I'm very pleased that the brewery is donating a percentage of the beer sales to the charity.

"This money will be utilised not just in Gloucestershire but across the entire country."

University of Gloucestershire 30 Oxford University 22

THE University of Gloucestershire took a huge step towards the Premier South title after a hard-fought win against a much-improved Oxford side.

The reverse fixture saw a comfortable win for the varsity All Golds but any ideas the home side had it would be as simple were diminished after only two minutes when Oxford University scored a try, which was converted from a tight angle.

Things got worse for the hosts only three minutes later when indecision under the high ball saw Oxford seize possession only five yards from the goal line.

After two tackles, Oxford broke through the All Golds' defence to score and race into a 10-0 advantage.

The home team were under huge pressure and knew they could not afford to concede another score so early.

After spending the opening 10 minutes defending in their own half, the Varsity All Golds slowly built some attacking momentum and fresh from his run out for the first team, Nathan Rainer scored the their first try of the game.

Straight from the re-start, the Varsity All Golds surged up the field and scored another try, when half back Liam Rice-Wilson went over.

James Mason's conversion squared it up at 10-10.

Oxford refused to lie down and an inability to defend the high ball cost the home side again, resulting in a converted try for the visitors.

It looked like the hosts would go in at half-time behind, but they managed to level the scores when second row Ash Haynes went over.

The extra two points were added from the boot of James Mason, who had a 50 per cent conversion rate from his six attempts.

The first score of the second half would be crucial and after great handling and running from Jamie Crowther, he found full-back Hanley Dawson, who accelerated smartly past the last Oxford defender to score the try of the game.

Oxford were now tiring and the varsity All Golds struck a crucial blow.

On the hour, it was Oxford who spilled a high ball leaving Cieran Chester free to extend the home side's lead to 26-16 after another fine conversion from James Mason.

Oxford set up a tense finish after scoring a converted try on 70 minutes.

With 10 minutes left, there was only four points in it.

The game was decided in the final minute when man-of-the-match Jamie Crowther's fine run enabled him to coast home to the line.

Relief for the home side who, after a slow start, finished much the stronger of the two teams.

This win means the University of Gloucestershire head into the final round top of the table and travel to Loughborough tomorrow knowing their title destiny is in their own hands.

Wild boar are to be culled throughout March in the Forest of Dean as the Forestry Commission struggles to clampdown on the growing population.

Increasing numbers of the feral beasts has led to a rise in damaged parks and farming land and one man died in January after a collision with a boar on the M4.

The Forestry Commission has undertaken a cull of the feral animals on public land in each of the last six years but introduced a closed season in the spring and early summer amid concerns by the public.

However they have now decided to carry on culling during March.

Kevin Stannard, operations manager at the Forestry Commission, told the Citizen a specific date had never been given for the end of the cull and their position had not changed.

"We will bring the cull period to an end at the end of March, and then take stock of the position again during the spring and summer," he said.

"We understand both sides of the debate, and aim to manage the population to achieve a stable, healthy core population of around 400 animals."

Feral wild boar remain a contentious issue within the forest with many against the idea of culling as a way to solve the problem.

Campaigners who look to sabotage the cull claim the reason not enough boars were being killed was because there were not enough to kill, and the estimated population of 819 boars was wrong.

They also claim the cull is driving what boars there are into population centres.

"The population survey was laughable in its method, and woefully inaccurate," said a spokesman.

"All that will happen by Mr Stannard extending this barbarous cull is baby boar will starve. There are already many litters, and without mothers they will surely starve.

"We call on the Forestry Commission to take the only humane option and cease this cull now."

The commission has not set a target for this year as it does not believe it can reach the preferable population of 400 boar with current resources, but there would be a limit of 419 boar culled.

A new thermal image survey will take place after the cull ends in March in May or June to see if the population has "stabilised", or is continuing to grow.

A spokesperson for the Forest of Dean District Council said it was the not the responsibility of the council but had agreed to support the Forestry Commission in the cull as part of an agreed management plan to control and maintain a sustainable feral wild boar population.

A CHEF from the Pike and Musket pub is the latest in a long line of people to show their support to the mourning family of Zac Evans

Michelle Duke has volunteered to have her head shaved as part of a series of fundraising events the Tuffley pub has planned to raise money for the Zac Evans Trust.

The popular 19-year-old was killed in an alleged machete attack outside the pub last month and a fund has since been established in his memory.

His death has left the city reeling in shock and hundreds have donated to the fund which has so far raised close to £8,000 to cover the cost of his funeral.

Michelle, who knows Zac's family from St George's Church in Tuffley, was one of the first to volunteer when pub manager Sarah Cottrell was asking her staff for fundraising ideas.

"When we found out that it was Zac who had died we couldn't believe it so when the opportunity came to do some fundraising for his Trust, I volunteered straight away," said Michelle.

"Currently it is the longest it has ever been but I usually wear it quite short.

"In the end it's only my hair, I just hope it grows back before my holiday in May."

She will be shaving her head at noon on Sunday, March 1, at the pub in Windsor Drive.

Other fundraising events at the pub include a children's tea party, which is taking place on Tuesday, February 17, which will feature an appearance from Fireman Sam.

There are also plans for a big quiz night and raffle in March, as well as a charity football match.

Zac's mum Sylvia Evans has thanked everyone for their continued support of the Trust, which she hopes can support youngsters like Zac in the long-term.

"There are some incredibly generous people living in this community who have and still are raising money for Zac.

"For Michelle to want to shave her hair off to contribute towards my son's fund is just the kind of thing Zac would have done.

"I am very touched that she would even consider doing such a personal thing for my boy."

A sponsorship form has been provided in the pub and drinkers are welcome to go in and donate to the cause.

Otherwise, donate at www.gofundme.com/kv1sow.

Ewen Anthony Reynolds, 44, of Foley Close, Tuffley, is accused of murdering Zac and attempting to murder his friend Keaton Jones, 22.

Reynolds will next appear at Bristol Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on Tuesday, May 5. 

JOHN Muggleton has hailed Trevor Woodman as Gloucester's unsung hero.

It is a tag that was often used for Woodman during his playing days as one of the under-stated members of England's World Cup winning team in 2003 and since returning to Kingsholm as scrum coach last March the former Gloucester prop has overseen a massive improvement in that area.

If ever proof was needed that his methods are working it came last Saturday as Gloucester's pack completely over-powered Harlequins in their 25-7 LV=Cup win.

Defence coach Muggleton, who was placed in charge along with Nick Walshe for the last two games against Ospreys and Harlequins in the Anglo-Welsh competition, said: "He's one of the unsung heroes around the place.

"All the other coaches get a mention but Trevor is a World Cup winner and he's doing a great job with the scrum.

"It's coming along under the waves like a submarine sneaking up on people.

"There's a little bit of inconsistency that we'll be working on but we've matched teams pretty well in the scrum and that's one of the things we had to do on Saturday."

The scrum is expected to be a key area once again when Gloucester face Leicester at Welford Road in the Aviva Premiership on Friday night.

While the Tigers will be without some key forwards due to the Six Nations, Muggleton is not expecting it to be any easier than normal.

He said: "It's never a good time to be playing at Welford Road but we've certainly got some momentum about us, we're confident and we're playing pretty good football.

"We're getting a lot of bonus points and we'll go there to attack them as hard as we can and really get stuck into them in defence.

"You can't go into Welford Road any other way but expecting a very physical contest.

"We're not going there to match them, we're going to go there to out-muscle them which is the only way to go there.

"They'll have the same support there as we get here. We know how good that is and what it can do for you so we'll be prepared for that and we'll turn up ready to play."

With Gloucester winning their last six games in a row in all competitions it is a happy camp at the moment, but Muggleton believes that is as much down to the way they're performing, particularly the younger members of the squad who impressed during the LV=Cup games.

He said: "It's a bit about winning and it's a bit about the way you're playing as well.

"You can win ugly and still get the points but the way we're winning is also very good with the young blokes coming through and whoever we call on to fill a hole fills that hole very well and fits in with the rest so that's probably the most pleasing thing."

Resurfacing work this week will cause closures on the A48 in Forest of Dean.

The improvement work through the village of Aylburton is taking place each day between the hours of 9am and 3.30pm until Friday February 13.

Traffic will be prohibited from using the road during these working hours for safety reasons due to the width of the road and the size of the machinery. Pedestrians and emergency vehicles will still be able to access the road.

A full diversion route is in place during the closure, which directs traffic from Tutshill via the B4228, and B4231 to Lydney.

Vernon Smith, Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet member for highways, said: "This is a well used road through the Forest and Dean and we know that everyone will benefit hugely once the resurfacing work has been complete. We would like to thank road users and the local community for their continued patience whilst we carry out these vital works."

County councillor for Aylburton, Alan Preest, said: "This resurfacing work will be great for the area and I'm sure local residents and businesses will welcome the improvements."

For more information and a diversion map visit http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/A48

For enquiries please call 08000 514514.

Severn Trent Water has promised to spend £30,000 to help get rid of the bad smell from a sewage treatment site near Quedgeley.

A letter from the water company has been sent to Quedgeley residents explaining its plans to help reduce the odour from the Netheridge Sewage Treatment Works in Hempstead Lane.

It said that tests showed that the odour control units on the imported sludge and sludge blending tanks at the site were 'not working as well as they could'.

The company will therefore be spending £30,000 on improvements to the works, including refurbishing the sludge tanks.

A spokesman for Severn Trent Water said: "We're working hard to reduce the odour we sometimes have at our sewage treatment works in Netheridge.

"Over the last few months we've been investigating opportunities to reduce the smell and its impact on our neighbours.

"We've carried out a full assessment of our treatment works, and in October last year we met with Gloucestershire County Council's environmental health department and local residents to share our findings.

"Since then we have been looking at new ways to store the treated sewage we have at the works, before sending to farmers for them to use on their land.

"We'd like to assure everyone that smells from our treatment works does not have any risk to health.

"We're in regular contact with our local neighbours and customers to keep them informed on what we're doing, and we've had some really positive feedback from everyone, who are all keen to work with us to improve the smell in the local area."

Cllr Mark Hawthorne (C, Quedgeley) leader of Gloucestershire County Council said: "This is great news for Quedgeley as local residents have been raising this issue for a number of years. 

"I'll keep a close eye on developments and hope that this investment will solve the problem."

Police are searching for a stolen Land Rover which was taken from a farm near Berkeley. 

Officers would like to hear from anyone who saw the green 4x4 (pictured) driving around the area sometime between 8pm on Saturday January 24 and 10am on Sunday January 25.

If anyone can help they are asked to contact 101 quoting incident no.132 of January 25.  

NO schools in Gloucestershire will share in a £2billion Government pot set aside for 'repair and rebuild' schemes, it has been announced.

Almost 277 schools are to be revamped under the Priority School Building Programme, ministers have said.

This will bring the total number of schools helped under this scheme so far to 537.

Lisa Jones, headteacher of Innsworth Junior School, said: "Our authority manages the funding very well and sometimes they get penalised for it.

"Gloucestershire schools have very good results and they perform well and it seems that they are at the bottom of the list for nationally funding."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said the funding has been made available because "children can't learn and teachers can't teach in schools that are cold and have leaking roofs".

"To create a stronger economy we have to invest in a fairer society so that our young people can be successful in the future," Mr Clegg added.

Details are also being released on how another £4billion for upgrades will be distributed to schools, local authorities, academy trusts, and voluntary-aided partnerships between 2015 and 2018.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said the longer-term funding certainty would allow people to plan ahead and make the right investment decisions that will deliver the best possible value for their schools.

She added: "This announcement is a major step towards ensuring all children, no matter where they live, have access to the best possible schools and learn in an environment that gives them the knowledge and skills to succeed in the global race."

NOT one to shirk a challenge, Gloucester centre Bill Meakes is relishing the prospect of playing at Welford Road for the first time on Friday night.

With Billy Twelvetrees on international duty with England for the Six Nations, Meakes looks to be in a battle with Henry Purdy to partner Mark Atkinson at centre in the Premiership game at Leicester.

Meakes certainly pressed his claims with an impressive performance in the 25-7 win against Harlequins on Saturday, timing his pass out of the tackle perfectly to release Steph Reynolds for the third try, but it was his big shuddering hit on opposite number Jordan Turner-Hall that earned him the vote for a bottle of champagne from his team-mates.

Momentum is the buzz word around Gloucester at the moment as they head to Leicester on the back of six straight wins in all competitions and Meakes is looking forward to the experience.

He said: "I'm really excited about the next block of Prem games, I think Welford Road against Leicester it doesn't get much bigger than that.

"I've heard a lot about what it's like, I've never played there before but I think we just go there with the same mindset to concentrate on what we're doing and soak it all up.

"That's what you play rugby for is for atmospheres like that and I can't wait if selected.

"I think we've done exactly what we wanted to do over the last two weeks with two solid wins to continue the momentum going into this Leicester game.

"There's a real buzz about the group at the moment and I think we're fully focussed on Friday night.

"It's a momentum thing at the moment and I think momentum is in our favour."

The Six Nations means both teams will be below full strength and likely to make changes after resting key players during their respective LV=Cup fixtures, but Meakes does not think it will make a huge difference to Gloucester.

He said: "For both teams it disrupts the group but we've got plenty of leaders floating around and I suppose as those boys leave a few of the others will step up.

"In terms of disruption I think everyone's happy with where we're at, we've got a clear message from the coaches and I think it will be back to normal for us.

"With a few boys away I'd love to get in the team for the next couple of weeks and just play my role off the bench if that's where it is."

Meakes, 23, has now been at Gloucester one year after making his debut against Wasps in the LV=Cup last February and is able to reflect on a lot of progress made in that time.

Plucked from National League Two South side Clifton and initially signing non-contract terms, the Australian made just three appearances from the replacements bench last season but has featured more prominently this term with 12 appearances including eight starts and he signed his first professional deal last month.

He said: "It's been an interesting year, I've been very happy with how it's gone on the whole.

"I've had a lot to learn and I've been really grateful for everything I have learned.

"I'm really happy with where I am at the moment, it's really good to play rugby week in week out and stay injury free."

It may have been cold and wintry outside but the temperatures rose and the sunshine came out for little ones at Saint James' Church in Quedgeley.

Youngsters at Saint James' Chatterbox playgroup put the cold weather to one side for a morning and crafted their own sunshine faces, cut out of paper plates and brightly coloured yellow paper. 

Some of the paper had been recycled from Christmas wrapping. The children then stuck lolly sticks to the paper plates and used the plates as a frame for their faces.

Father John Ward, Rector and Parish Priest said: "It was certainly warming to see all the 'sunshine' in the church this morning. The children were thrilled to bits with the craft activity. There will be plenty of sunshine in and around Quedgeley after this activity, Spring will have come to Quedgeley early as I'm sure many will wear their sunshine faces going home."

Staff at The Westgate pub in Gloucester have expressed their thanks to a mystery woman who gave £100 to keep the pub alive.

Gloucestershire's only remaining LGBT venue is facing closure and is hoping to raise £25,000 to stay afloat.

So far, the campaign has raised just under £400 but they were helped by an unknown woman who donated £100 in cash in an envelope.

Owner of the pub, John Huggins, said "Everyone at The Westgate would like to thank her for the donation. It brought a tear to my eye when the lady gave £100 in notes to our manager.

"Even if it's just two or three pounds, every little helps."

Leader of Gloucester City Council Paul James is among those who have made donations.

To help the appeal, visit www.gofundme.com/labtog

The future looks bright for England after dominating Wales in the Six Nations

As with modern rugby the Wales-England game was hyped up massively which was great. A lot of people are now complaining about the light show and all of that surrounding the game, they say it's not rugby but it adds to the spectacle of it. I was watching on TV and the atmosphere seemed absolutely electric. It all began with that drama in the tunnel where Chris Robshaw held his ground.

It just shows how all of the pre-game theatre can backfire and become a bit embarrassing if you lose.

Looking at the game, as I said last week if Wales got parity up front they would have a very good chance of winning but they never managed to do that.

England dominated at the scrum and lineout throughout and on the ground, increasingly so in the second half.

I had England down for a 12-point win and in truth they should have got that with the two missed chances with James Haskell and Dave Attwood.

The back-row was integral to the win. I've never been a huge fan of James Haskell but he's really matured and is turning into a world class back-rower. Chris Robshaw's (inset) captaincy has been questioned at times but he gets on with it, nothing fazes him, he works hard and is dogged and Billy Vunipola came into his own following a quiet first half. He carried the ball time and time again into the heart of Wales.

It also answered a few questions for Stuart Lancaster, particularly that number 13 jersey where Jonathan Joseph played very well, as did Anthony Watson on the wing.

I'm very optimistic about England in the Home Nations and that's always the case because of their player base and resources. They should always be favourites and it's very disappointing when they lose.

Italy are next up and they have always been quite stubborn in recent years. They made Ireland work quite hard in the worst game of the weekend but they eventually succumbed. The smart money will be on England at Twickenham and it should be quite comfortable.

George North incident raises questions

The George North incident was an unfortunate part of the game that should never have taken place. Wales medical team have now come out to admit that North was knocked out and should have been taken off following his clash of heads with Richard Hibbard but they did not see he lost consciousness.

World Rugby subsequently launched an investigation and they are satisfied with the WRU's explanation of events.

But while they have been cleared the incident does raise questions because North was out and that was clear for everyone to see. Maybe there is too much reliance on the players?

Wales' medical staff will now have access to video replays in future internationals and there will be independent doctors at matches at the World Cup, both of which are good moves.

Rugby is a global game now and at its peak there were almost nine million viewers tuned in. Parents watching might not want their kids to play after seeing that. If it had been in boxing then the referee would have thrown in the towel and it should have been the same on Friday night.

It's a good time to face Freddie and the Tigers

I was lucky enough to be invited to host the legends lounge along with Chris Catling and Ben Morgan on Saturday.

It was a good day, I really enjoyed myself and have to thank everyone for their support.

We did a bit of a question and answer session before the game and a lot of it focussed on Ben and whether he would be back for the World Cup and the England game the night before.

Focussing on the game, Gloucester did very well. There is always talk about the scrum and they dominated Harlequins with a young and inexperienced side.

Leicester are next up on Friday, it's a huge game and probably a good time to play them, with both teams missing players.

They are going into the match in good form having picked up results and are unbeaten in 2015.

We could potentially see Billy Burns versus Freddie Burns in a battle of the 10s which would be very interesting to see.

If we do see that Gloucester need to provide a platform more than ever to allow Billy to impose himself upon the game.

His big brother Freddie has been indifferent at Leicester with injuries, form and no real run of games. He looks like he has lost confidence which is disappointing but hopefully Gloucester can capitalise on that.

Longlevens' first loss ruined a perfect weekend

Cinderford lost 24-7 to Rosslyn Park and picked up no points which is disappointing following another workmanlike performance. It was a big week for number 8 George Evans, who played his 200th game for the club and it was a shame he couldn't cap it with a win.

Hartpury are still the stand out team in the division and they notched up a 23-16 over Tynedale which was a great result considering they were depleted by so many Gloucester call-ups. It just goes to show the calibre of player they have and Ealing at home this weekend could be a watershed moment for them.

Lydney lost to Launceston 16-13, falling to a last minute try. They have not won away from home and if they could have nicked a win it could have taken them from the relegation battle.

Old Cents won with Sam Smith, the son of Ian Smith, turning out and he looks a very exciting player.

My weekend was spoiled by Longlevens losing to Southmead, their first defeat of the season and year and a very disappointing one against a side fourth from bottom. They are still top of the table however and will want to get back to winning ways.

Widden Old Boys also beat Old Cryptians in the car-park derby and Spartans beat Westbury and are going well in Gloucester Two following some tough years.

Calls have been made to turn empty office blocks in Kingsholm into apartments.

Two buildings in London Road, which once housed Trident Life insurance and an the Petrofina oil firm, have been empty for several years.

But now calls have been made for the offices to be converted into apartments to meet a need for affordable housing in the city.

The ex-Trident Life building was made a priority by city council leader Councillor Paul James and Gloucester MP Richard Graham last year.

They included the office buildings in a 'hit list' of properties which they were targeting progress on before the Rugby World Cup comes to Kingsholm.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, city and county councillor for the area, said: "There's certainly a need for housing and this site is in a good location. It's within walking distance to the railway station and there are two major bus services nearby.

"The Petrofina building is beyond its life. Someone needs to come forward and plan a new building which is in keeping with the conservation area. But the Trident Life building is much more substantial."

Kingsholm resident and Labour activist Councillor Jonathan Hoad said the site is a good opportunity for more housing in the area, which is something that the city "really needs".

"There is a huge demand for housing in the city. Housing helps to keep city centres alive and this site would be fantastic for communication," he said.

Coun Paul James echoed these views and hopes a new owner will breathe life back into the buildings.

He said: "If turning the building into a housing block brings it back into use that would be a positive thing."

Pall Mall Investments, which owns the offices, did not respond to the Citizen's request for a comment.

A potential new housing development, of 85 new homes, in Newent has been rejected by councillors.

An outline planning application for the development was heard today's Forest of Dean district planning meeting.

When the application was submitted the council requested full details in relation to the reserved matter of scale, layout and landscape so they could fully consider the proposal.

However the applicant, Gladman Developments, refused and they submitted an appeal against non-determination of the application. But all 14 councillors objected to the appeal this afternoon.

The proposal included 85 houses, access, parking, landscaping, public open space and associated work on land north of Ross Road, which is on felds currently used for grazing animals.

However councillors raised concerns about schooling and sufficient services in Newent to cope with the increase number of people coming to the town.

Many people have raised concerns about the access into the development.

Barry Freeman, who lives next door to the proposed development, voiced his concerns at the council meeting.

He said: "I have two concerns about this development. Firstly the sewage, I installed a pipe from my property which runs along to the proposed development. I believe the development will cause severe problems for the sewage work. I am also concerned about the storm water."

The proposed site is next to but outside the settlement boundary for Newent, as defined by the Core Strategy and emerging Allocations Plan, which are both drawn up Forest of Dean District Council.

Council members had the opportunity to visit the site on January 15.

Councillor Roger Yeats (C, Oxenhall & Newent North East), who does not support the application, said: "Newent seems to be getting all the development. The services seem stretched in the town such as the doctors, when sometimes you have to wait a week for an appointment. The school is also reaching their limit.

"They are talking about 85 homes, why do they not take that up to Coleford or Cinderford? Is it because they will be worth £20,000 more in Newent? Newent people are really fed up, we seem to be taking all the brunt of the development. We need extra money to support our facilities. Newent is full and this pushing the limit."

Gladman Developments submitted a number of documents with the plan, including a design and access statement which says: "Every council is required by the Government to boost significantly the supply of housing and to make planning decisions in the light of a presumption in favour of sustainable development."

Richard Hibbard starts for Wales against Scotland at Murrayfield  in the Six Nations   on Sunday.

The Gloucester hooker will line up alongside Gloucester-born wing Alex Cuthbert as Warren Gatland keeps faith with his players despite their 21-16 defeat by England in  the championship opener in Cardiff on Friday.

Gatland has made just one enforced change with Liam Williams replacing George North who is absent because of the head injury he sustained against England.

Scarlets back Williams will win his 20^th cap in Edinburgh.

The one change results in the same starting backline that beat South Africa, in the final autumn international, taking to the field this weekend.

Ospreys duo Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar continue their partnership, as do Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies in midfield. Williams comes in to join the back three alongside   Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny.

The pack remains unchanged with a front-row of Gethin Jenkins (who will make his 50^th Six Nations appearance),   Hibbard and Samson Lee.

Alun Wyn Jones and Jake Ball continue in the second row alongside an unchanged back row of Dan Lydiate, captain Sam Warburton and Taulupe Faletau.

"The response from the players has been very positive in training this week and we are looking forward to having the opportunity to right last weekend's wrongs," said   Gatland.

"Scotland started the tournament well against France, building on their autumn campaign and they will be looking forward to welcoming us to Edinburgh this weekend.

"We know what we need to do and we hope our performance can reflect that.

"We have taken the decision to give George an extended recovery period ahead of the game against France, in light of his concussion in the autumn."

Scott Baldwin, Paul James and Aaron Jarvis form the front-row cover on the bench, with Luke Charteris and Justin Tipuric completing the forward contingent. Mike Phillips, Rhys Priestland and Scott Williams provide the backline cover.

Scotland lost their Six Nations opener in France 15-8.

WALES TEAM TO PLAY SCOTLAND: Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont Auvergne), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Richard Hibbard (Gloucester), Samson Lee* (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, CAPT), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons). Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Paul James (Bath Rugby), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

Freddie Burns is fit to face Gloucester in Friday night's return to Premiership rugby at Welford Road.

Leicester's fears over a potential fly-half injury crisis have been eased after the former Cherry and White had to pull out before the Tigers' LV= Cup match with Cardiff Blues with a back spasm.

Welsh fly-half Owen Williams limped out of the game with a twisted knee following several minutes of treatment.

Freddie Burns had been due to start last week's game in Wales until he had to pull out with a back spasm.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill could have been forced to start either one of two part-time fly-halves in Seremaia Bai or David Mele.

He has since confirmed that Burns is fit for a face-off with his former employer.

He said: "Freddie got a bask spasm but he is now good. Owen got a bang to his knee and we are assessing that. We are hoping he will be all right for the weekend but, at this point, we are assessing it."

Cockerill also confirmed that several other players including Laurence Pearce, Blaine Scully and Christian Loamanu have returned to fitness.

Anthony Allen and Brad Thorn will miss the Gloucester game, however, as they continue to receive treatment for injuries.

Lock Graham Kitchener could be involved if he is not included in England's 23-man squad to face Italy.

Gloucester secured a memorable 33-16 win over Leicester at Kingsholm in October and, despite a slide down the table since then, spirits are high after a run of six wins in all competitions.

"Gloucester is a very important game for us," said Cockerill."We will try and win all our remaining games.That starts on Friday and we will not be thinking past that.

"There are guys away with England and Italy and some injured but that is no different to Gloucester.We win this and we are right back in the mix."

Work to resurface a three mile section of the A40 Golden Valley bypass will begin next week.

The £800,000 scheme will require full night-time closures, Monday to Friday, on the A40 between M5 junction 11 and the Elmbridge Court roundabout.

Work, which starts on the night of Thursday February 19, will take place between 8pm and 6am, Monday to Friday. The scheme is expected to be completed by Friday March 6.

Highways Agency project manager, Dave Frampton, said: "This is essential carriageway maintenance work which will improve the road surface and provide new road markings.

"The work has been scheduled to take place overnight when traffic flows are at their lowest and to minimise disruption the A40 will only be closed in one direction at any time."

While the works are undertaken fully signed diversion routes will be in place. Road users travelling eastbound towards Gloucester should join the B4063 at the Arle Court Roundabout, rejoining the A40 at Elmbridge Court Roundabout.

Road users travelling towards Cheltenham from Gloucester should use the same route in reverse.

Popular respite care centre, James Hopkins Trust, is looking for a new community fundraising and volunteer co-ordinator.

They will join the team at Kite' Corner in Barnwood and help the generate sustainable income from the Gloucestershire community.

They will also be developing relationships to increase awareness of James Hopkins Trust within community groups, as well as being responsible for the development and management of community events whilst supporting and motivating our community volunteers.

Applicants must have an understanding of fundraising, marketing, PR principles and regulations will be helpful, alongside the essential commitment and enthusiasm for building internal and external relationships with people who want to support the trust.

The trust, which was founded by Vance and Heather Hopkins 25 years ago, provides respite care for sick children and their families in the county. It also provides a day centre for youngsters who are severely disabled.

Head of fundraising Sarah James said: "We are proud to have been able to provide free nursing respite care for hundreds of children and their families over the last 25 years."

To get in touch contact Sarah on sarah@jameshopkinstrust.org.uk, before Monday, February 23.