Gloucestershire Echo, The

A DISTINGUISHED RAF bomber pilot and well-known Cheltenham figure has died aged 98. Squadron Leader Lloyd Bennett passed away on Wednesday at Barrington Lodge Nursing Home, Charlton Kings.

Man Is Accused of Rape Attempt

A CHURCHDOWN man went on trial yesterday accused of sex offences against two girls who were visiting his home four years ago. Matthew Chapman, 42, of Springwell Gardens, is alleged to have tried to rape one of the girls during a visit at his home with a younger girl in August 2005.

Gaffer's Advice Isn't the Gospel! ; Hayles Urges Players to Think for Themselves Picture: Daniel Martino E850750-

BARRY Hayles has urged his Cheltenham Town teammates to think for themselves after what he described as one of his most difficult days in football on Saturday. Hayles will be back in the Robins' starting line-up for tonight's home clash with Shrewsbury Town.

Monkey Around at Nursery

TODDLERS in Tewkesbury have got a new place to learn, play, and develop. The Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, which already has a base in Cheltenham, has opened a new centre in Tewkesbury Business Park. Based at Gloucestershire Launchpad, the centre offers a variety of play and learning facilities for youngsters aged between three months and five years old.

We're in Dark On House

RESIDENTS have been left in the dark over the future of a ramshackle landmark cottage. One month after the welcome sale of Oak House at Apperley, near Tewkesbury, was completed, there is still no action on the historic site.

Run for Us and Aid Our Homeless

RUNNERS are being urged to help homeless animals in Gloucestershire. The Gloucester City and District branch of the RSPCA, which serves the county, is looking for people who have already obtained a place in the London Marathon and who don't plan to run for another charity.

Kids Can Model Birds

CHILDREN are being invited to take part in a bird modelling competition next month. Four branches of Blooms garden centres in Gloucestershire are taking part in the promotion as part of its Wild Bird Care Week, from October 19 to 25.

Valley Stroll a Trust Success

Your Stars with Claire Petulengro

ARIES (Mar 21-April 19) Call 0904 020 5480 It's clear to see, that you're under an enormous amount of stress. What can you do to combat this? Why, make a better working week for yourself. If you don't put yourself first, why should others? Call now to hear which sign is ready to get serious.

Creative Craft Workers Inspired by Poems and Stories

CRAFTSMEN and women will be displaying their work at an event later this week. Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen will be exhibiting at Cheltenham's Art Gallery & Museum.

Firefighters at Blaze in Skip

Brewing Up Cancer Care

MORE than 400 people in Gloucestershire raised a mug for a huge coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The Echo-backed event, which took place on Friday, was aimed at raising more than Pounds 8.5 million for the cause.

Call for Pm to Resign at Conference

CHELTENHAM MP Martin Horwood has called for the resignation of Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Speaking on the first day of the Labour Party Conference in Brighton, Liberal Democrat Mr Horwood, said he should step down or call a General Election.

Get It Back Quickly If You Want Refund ; High Street Store Cuts Return Time

HIGH street giant Marks and Spencer has slashed its refunds policy giving consumers nearly two-thirds less time to return their purchases. The store, which has a branch in Cheltenham, used to offer a 90- day 'no quibbles' returns policy but has cut it to 35 days.

Plan to Add Beds If Swine Flu Hits

PLANS are afoot to triple the number of intensive care beds in the event of a "worst case scenario" second wave of swine flu. Hospital bosses in the county have put together a plan to increase the number of intensive care beds up to 60 at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital if they are needed.

Embracing Outdoor Education