The Creagh/Carr review gives you two for the price of one – the opinions of seasoned hackette Bev Creagh and flamboyant newshound Stewart Carr. Here they review English National Ballet’s Song of the Earth/La Sylphide at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday (October 21).

CREAGH SAYS... The best thing about this almost three-hour long production is the English National Ballet Philharmonic. Canned music is used so often in theatres these days that to hear a full live orchestra, conducted by Gavin Sutherland, is a real treat.

Song of the Earth combines ballet with opera and I’m not sure it’s a marriage that works. Tenor Simon Gfeller’s voice didn’t sound strong enough initially to soar over the music, although it improved as the evening progressed.

But mezzo soprano Fiona McIntosh was a delight.

Ancient Chinese poems are sung in German to accompany Mahler’s powerful score .

ENB artistic director Tamara Rojo dances The Woman in Song of the Earth, created by legendary choreographer Kenneth Macmillan who died 25 years ago.

She, Joseph Caley as The Man and Aaron Robison as The Messenger of Death are all highly accomplished professionals but to me the performance was curiously lacking in warmth, not helped by the fact that several of the corps de ballet were so emaciated they appeared to have been on starvation diets. Many of the movements were angular, robotic and repetitive.

The set was spare, as were the costumes.

So it was a joy to watch the animation in La Sylphide, both in the Scottish castle where a wedding is to take place, and in the forest glade where the erstwhile groom abandons his prospective bride to follow the Sylph with whom he’s fallen in love.

These dancers appeared far more robust than their Song of the Earth counterparts and there were delightful cameos from two aspiring youngsters who surely have a glittering career ahead of them.

CARR SAYS... Chalk and cheese might be the best way to decribe the English National Ballet’s dual offering of Song of the Earth / La Sylphide.

Beyond a vague feeling of fantasy, I can’t find any clear thread that connects these two completely disparate ballets.

Let’s start with Song of the Earth, one of choreographer Kenneth MacMillan’s lesser known creations. It features six dances tracking the moods of the seasons, each one accompanied by an operatic score.

Harsh, abstract and minimalistic - it certainly pays to read the English translation of the German opera score beforehand.

The volley of male and female performers come and go, all dressed in murky green-grey uniforms that meld into the equally vapid landscape.

The young men dominate the stage with their bold, outstretched movements, while the women - with the exception of artistic director Tamara Rojo - are frustratingly confined to a passive, nimble presence on stage.

Far more engaging – and with all the pomp, colour and sumptuousness that English National Ballet is known for – is La Sylphide.

Veteran soloist Erina Takahashi takes the role of the Sylph, an enchanting Victorian fairy who bewitches a Scottish bridegroom shortly before his wedding.

The sheer vastness of the sets and beautiful costuming make this a delight to watch.

A myriad of supporting cast members, including kilted barn dancers, dainty white fairies, and an eerily authentic witch, make this classic a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Song Of The Earth/La Sylphide plays ay MK Theatre until Saturday. See here for tickets.

Hatters attacker Harry Cornick is well aware that his side’s sparkling run of of form will ensure there is now a target on their back from the other sides in League Two.

Luton climbed to the top of the division after hammering Exeter City 4-1 on Tuesday night, in another mightily impressive display.

Cornick thinks that by reaching the summit, it will increase the pressure on his side, but is confident they have what it takes to cope.

He said: “I think we’re the team to beat at the moment.

“Teams are going to look at us and that’s just going to make every team and want to try and beat us.

“It doesn’t make any game easier, we’ve just got to take every game as it comes and not get complacent.

“We’re playing well, but we’ve just got to keep it up now, we want to kick on now and try to build a gap at the top.

“We’ve just got to keep playing our stuff, getting results and take every game as it comes, so bring on Crawley.”

Hatters will head to the south coast on the back of four straight wins, scoring 16 goals in the process, including putting seven past Stevenage.

On just why the side are being so prolific, Cornick continued: “I think it’s the way that we play, the style we play, we’re a very attacking team.

“We know that we’re playing with two attacking midfielders in Olly Lee and Luke Berry and then us three up top, so that’s five attacking players in a team which us quite a lot, so we’re going to score goals, it’s about, can we keep a clean sheet and keep goals out and we’re going to outscore teams.”

With a player like Elliot Lee on the bench too, and other options including Jordan Cook and Andrew Shinnie, then Cornick knows he and his team-mates need to maintain their high level of performances if they are to stay in the side.

He said: “There’s so much competition for places, we’ve got good players on the bench players coming back from injury now, going to push us all on and it’s only beneficial for all of us to keep us playing well.”

Town were cheered on by a superb 353 away fans at St James Park, with another 1,500 supporters expected to make the trip to the Checkatrade Stadium this afternoon.

Cornick added: “It’s brilliant for them to travel. It’s a long way for them to come even on a Saturday, but they’ve come on a Tuesday night and the support spurs us on.

“Hopefully they can keep up the support for the season and we keep on repaying them.”

Hatters boss Nathan Jones doesn’t mind who comes out on top of the club’s goalscoring charts this term as long as the club are celebrating promotion in May.

Danny Hylton and James Collins are currently on eight goals each, while Luke Berry notched a hat-trick in the recent 7-1 win over Stevenage, with Harry Cornick off the mark on Tuesday night too.

Jones said: “I hope it’s a real good battle and they drive each other on. Quite frankly I don’t care who wins it as long as they get into real good figures.

“If they all give me the returns they gave last year at their respective clubs, then I’m sure we’ll be there or thereabouts.”

Although Collins, Hylton and Berry have notched 19 of the club’s 34 League Two goals so far this term, centre half Johnny Mullins wants others to help share the load too.

He added: “When you’re playing in a team like this, we’re a threat from all over the place and that’s what we want. We don’t want to rely on one or two individuals, we want to spread the goals out.

“If we can all do that, that’s going to hopefully culminate in us getting promoted at the end of the season which is what we want.”

Meanwhile, Collins knows that although he and Hylton have impressive personal hauls so far, the pressure is on to continue that form in front of goal and keep their place.

He added: “That’s part and parcel of being at such a club, you’re going to have a good squad and we’ve got some good players that are not playing at the minute.

“Me, Danny and Harry have got the shirts of the front three at the minute and it’s going to be tough to keep that going, but luckily enough, we’re doing okay and hopefully that will continue.

“We’ve got some big characters in the dressing room and everyone wants to work hard for each other. I think you’ve got to have that to have a success at the end of the season.”

Hatters boss Nathan Jones will be keeping everything exactly the same for his table-topping side as they face Crawley this afternoon.

Town’s 4-1 victory over Exeter City during midweek saw Luton reach the summit, but Jones won’t tampering with anything despite his team moving to the top of the pecking order in League Two.

He said: “I’m not going to say it doesn’t change anything, it gives you a better platform and players are that more receptive.

“Right now, I’ve got a group, regardless of results, that believe in what we do, and wants to work hard and wants to demand from themselves.

"Even more so now, because we’re in a rich vein of form, so they want to continue that and they’re hungry, they’re a good group and it doesn’t change anything we do.

“We still train exactly the same way, we’re not getting carried away in any shape or form.

“It’s 14 games in, we’re in a real good place, the best possible place and we want to stay there and we can get better.

“Kevin Nolan (Notts County boss) said this the other day when they were in similar form, but we didn’t actually play particularly well first half against Exeter, so we can improve on stuff.

“We need to improve. If we want more development and move this club forward, second half (against Exeter) we were wonderful, same as the performance was Saturday but there’s still room for improvement.

“I’m not just being coy and not just being clever by saying that, but we have to get better as we want to take this club forward.

"Those who can’t get better won’t be here and those who can get better, we move forward with, we have that ethos here.”

With Jones keeping a settled side once more for the fixture at Crawley, the boss is well aware those in the side are desperate to get back in.

He added: "Right now it’s a respectful environment, respectful rivalries.

"We’ve got the front ones wanting to compete in the goalscoring charts, we’ve got people wanting to get in the side that are competing with their mates and people who feel they should be playing and would be playing elsewhere.

"Such is the form and such is the performance levels at the minute, that there’s real good competition, but that drives everyone on and providing everyone stays focussed and competes in the right way, then it’s a happy environment at the minute.

"But there’s aspects we need to improve. Tuesday night we didn’t defend a direct threat well enough aswe could have, we had to change shape, which I don’t like doing, but we had to do it and that enabled us to get a foothold in the game.

"Once we were able to get a foothold and more possession and more attacks, then we know we have the capabilities of scoring goals and that’s what happened."

Hatters captain Scott Cuthbert made his 100th appearance for the club after being named in the starting line-up to face Crawley Town this afternoon.

The centre half takes his place alongside Alan Sheehan in the heart of Town's back-line, as Luton chief Nathan Jones, chasing a fifth successive League Two win, named an un-changed side from the 4-1 win at Exeter on Tuesday night.

Crawley: Glenn Morris, Joe McNerney, Mark Connolly, Enzio Boldewijn, Jimmy Smith (C), Jordan Roberts, Josh Yorwerth, Cedric Evina, Dannie Bulman, Josh Lelan, Panutche Camara.

Subs: Josh Doherty, Josh Payne, Yusuf Mersin, Kaby Djalo, Billy Clifford, Arjan Tajbakhsh, Dennon Lewis.

Hatters: Marek Stech, Jack Stacey, Dan Potts, Scott Cuthbert (C), Johnny Mullins, Glen Rea, Olly Lee, Luke Berry, Harry Cornick, Danny Hylton, James Collins.

Subs: James Shea, Jordan Cook, Johnny Mullins, Luke Gambin, Elliot Lee, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu.

League Two: Crawley Town 0 Luton Town 0

Luton Town's four game winning run was ended this afternoon after they were held to a goalless draw by struggling Crawley Town.

The Red Devils, as they had when preventing a Hatters side making it five victories in a row, proved an obdurate opposition, stopping the visitors from scoring once more, although this time drew a blank themselves.

Going into the game, the hosts had been in terrible form at the Checkatrade Stadium, with six defeats from seven, but from the word go, they looked up for the challenge of blunting a free-scoring Hatters side, keeping them at arms bay for most of the first half.

Luton chief Nathan Jones kept the same side who had won 4-1 at Exeter, and although they looked the better team in the early exchanges, couldn't break through a stubborn and imposing home defence.

In fact, it was Crawley who came closest, Jimmy Smith testing Marek Stech from range on 15 minutes, Enzio Boldewijn flashing well wide too.

Despite Town having the better quality in possession, they couldn't send anything meaningful Glenn Morris's way, as Stech had to scramble across goal to deny Jordan Roberts' hopeful 30-yarder.

Luton finally made Morris work on 34 minutes, Luke Berry threading a pass through to Jack Stacey, with the home keeper out to smother at his feet.

Town's right back then gave the ball away just outside his area, relieved to see Panutche Camara's angled drive barely trouble Stech.

The hosts upped the pressure slightly, Cedric Evina brought down by Stacey and although the free kick was cleared, Dannie Bulman's hopeful volley was straight at Town's stopper.

Hatters did threaten from a corner just before half time, ex-Crawley striker James Collins appearing to head the ball against his own shoulder as it flew wide in what was easily the visitors' best chance.

In the second period, Alan Sheehan picked up an incredibly harsh early booking which sees him ruled out of the home clash with Coventry next week, before Hylton sent Collins away, his strike partner opting to take his shot early and watch it flash across goal.

The game then started to really open up and have a stretched feel to it, Stech keeping it goalless as he got down low to keep out Roberts' 25 yarder that was creeping into the bottom corner.

With Town starting to creak for the first time in the game, they upped their attacking efforts, managing to have two great chances of their own.

First, Glen Rea's shot was deflected behind and from the corner that was recycled back to Sheehan, he was left unmarked, only to put his downward header too close to Morris.

Rea then rose highest to reach another Sheehan deadball, nodding over the top, as Jones opted to withdraw an unusually subdued Hylton with 17 minutes to go, Elliot Lee introduced, the sub only denied an instant impact by Josh Lelan's excellent clearing header.

Crawley really should have broken the deadlock on 76 minutes, Evina's fine run and low cross missed by both Roberts and Jimmy Smith who were a matter of a yards out, Potts clearing the danger.

Elliot Lee's curler didn't quite have enough after a quickfire break by Town, while Collins then volleyed instinctively at Morris.

With 10 to go, Town stopper Stech made a big save, out quickly to deny Roberts with his legs, before Luton's goal led a charmed life, as a corner wasn't cleared and the ball somehow stayed out, Potts hacking clear once more.

Elliot Lee continued to prove a real livewire, as he took Sheehan's hopeful up and under on, unleashing a sizzling left footed volley which hit the base of the post.

Into the final five minutes and the otherwise excellent Rea had his pocket picked by Camara, who tried to lob the back-pedalling Stech, only to get too much on it.

A couple of errors from Stacey saw the defender clear for a corner, and then almost give away a penalty, but referee Trevor Kettle, who was increasingly jeered by the visiting supporters, waved the appeals away as the spoils were shared.

The result saw Town increase their unbeaten run to 10 games, as they stayed top of the table too, after Notts County were held at Carlisle, and Exeter lost to Port Vale.

Crawley: Glenn Morris, Joe McNerney, Mark Connolly, Enzio Boldewijn, Jimmy Smith (C), Jordan Roberts, Josh Yorwerth, Cedric Evina, Dannie Bulman, Josh Lelan, Panutche Camara.

Subs not used: Josh Doherty, Josh Payne, Yusuf Mersin, Kaby Djalo, Billy Clifford, Arjan Tajbakhsh, Dennon Lewis.

Hatters: Marek Stech, Jack Stacey, Dan Potts, Scott Cuthbert (C), Alan Sheehan, Glen Rea, Olly Lee (Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu 80), Luke Berry, Harry Cornick (Jordan Cook 90), Danny Hylton (Elliot Lee 73), James Collins.

Subs not used: James Shea, Johnny Mullins, Luke Gambin, James Justin.

Booked: Berry 33, Stacey 38, Sheehan 53, Potts 66, Lelan 83.

Referee: Trevor Kettle.

Attendance: 3,494 (1,642 from Luton).

Hatters MOM: Glen Rea. Defensive midfielder impressed throughout.

The BBC is looking for Britain’s best cooks, to roast, boil and and bake it off in a new prime-time TV show.

Britain’s Best Cook - the clue’s in the name - will be crowned following a search for 10 great cooks to compete for the title.

And the winner will, as well as winning over the British public, have to convince Britain’s most revered judge, Mary Berry.

Producers KEO Films say they are looking for cooks with a passion for creating dishes for themselves and their family - whether their best-loved creations are “succulent pork belly with perfect crackling, an ingenious twist on chicken curry, or an irresistible chocolate pudding.”

Budding cooks, who must be aged 18 or over, can apply online, at www.britainsbestcook.co.uk, or contact the producers directly at bestcook@keofilms.com, or by writing to Britain’s Best Cook at Keo films, 9 - 10 Great Sutton Street, London EC1V 0BX.

Closing date is Tuesday 31st October.

A worrying list of bizarre 999 calls from timewasters includes reports of a ‘confused’ horse and a complaint about too much sweetcorn on a pizza.

One caller dialled the emergency line after forgetting where their car was parked, while another asked police to kick a stray cat out of their house.

Thames Valley Police revealed the list to raise national awareness across all police forces after suggesting artificial intelligence could soon be used to handle some emergency calls - because operators are having their vital time wasted by daft calls.

They also hope sharing the details will warn the public against bogus calls and timewasting.

There was a report about a ‘confused’ looking horse in a field by the side of the road and while there was nothing to indicate horse was ill or in pain, it had a confused expression on its face.

One caller rang 999 to complain there was too much sweetcorn on his pizza, while another male caller lost his keys in a car park and wanted police to help in the search.

Late bus

A lady phoned to complain her National Express coach was 20 minutes late - and wanted police to tell her why.

In a separate call a coach driver rang because roads crew were laying tarmac and had set a diversion. He told the handler he paid his road tax and felt that the diversions should not apply to him.

Others include a diner dialling 999 over concerns about the quality of food which was being served to him, a complaint about a cat which kept coming into a Sainsbury’s store and appeared lost.

Another caller saw a ‘rather forlorn’ looking lady in the street and decided to give her £10 - but had a change of heart and wanted the money back.

There was a call from an man who lives in London who said he fell asleep on the last train and ended up in Slough - and wanted police to take him home.

One complaint was about a cat meandering in the vicinity of the Winnersh Triangle. It was a friendly cat who approaches people but it might be lost, the caller said.

‘Wife left him’

Other bizarre calls which made the list included a sad man who said his wife left him the day before, he needed to leave college early to pick up his kids and wanted police to write a letter explaining why he needed to leave early.

A lady called in to complain that her housing association sent her two letters asking her if she would consider relocation to a smaller property. She said she had a three-bedroom house and lives alone, but did not want to move and did not appreciate being asked.

One caller purchased a curry from a local restaurant for home delivery, but he opened it and it spilt onto him causing a burn to his arm.

He called the restaurant and all they were doing was offering him a replacement which he did not think was good enough.

Another wanted police to fix the lifts in her block of flats because she did not want to wait until the next day for the lift engineers to attend.

Lost car

A dozy member of the public forgot where in the car-park they parked their car, another was being kept awake by the noise from a thunderstorm and wished to complain about it and a third had a headache and wasn’t happy with a decorator because it had been caused by the paint fumes.

One caller complained next door’s cat came into their house and didn’t want to leave - before asking if police officers come and put the cat out.

Another wished to complain about the content provided by the BBC, specifically continual re-runs of ‘Homes under the Hammer’.

There was a caller unhappy her pizza hadn’t been delivered on time and was 10 minutes late, while another got on the wrong train and now has a 90 minute wait for the right train so asked police for a lift to Aldershot.

One man rang 999 on a Sunday afternoon because he did not like the sounds of the bagpipes being played by a busker.

Faulty shower

And after one caller’s shower was playing up, making a beeping noise, they asked police for advice because they were unsure whether to call a plumber or electrician.

Thames Valley Police took 286,938 calls to the emergency number July 2016 and June 2017, an increase by 8.9 per cent on the previous year.

The force has recently suggested a robocop-style call-handling system as the government looks at how artificial intelligence will change society.

In a submission to a parliamentary inquiry into the ‘Implications of Artificial Intelligence’, Thames Valley Police said the tech ‘could perform many of the process-driven tasks that take place in the police’.

It said a 999 caller might even be able to describe an incident and be understood by artificial intelligence.

The submission added: “Speech analysis categorises the type of incident and detects indicators of stress from the caller.

“The date, time, location and offence details are recorded automatically.

“Solvability factors are calculated on the quality of the available data. The risk assessment provides a recommendation for officers on the next steps for the offender and also an appropriate support package for the victim.”

There force said there would be need to be a ‘high level of human oversight and clear justification’.

No fadeaway for the best sports game of 2017 by far.

US sport has been in turmoil this year with politics interfering like never before but in the world of video games one sport in particular has risen above the drama to top spot.

Every September/October comes the latest raft of sporting franchise video game releases.

And each year reviewers pick the bones out of the simulations from the latest FIFA and Pro Evo to NFL, golf, NHL and NBA games to chart their progress.

In truth many of them - aside from aesthetic improvements and enhancements - are essentially the same games at heart.

Which is why NBA 2K18 deserves to stand head and shoulders above all the rest as the best sports game of the year.

This is a game that will have you coming back for more all year long and sets a new benchmark for gameplay and graphics.

Players behave more like their real-life counterparts than ever before and the latest iteration of this long-running franchise is another Jordan-esque leap forward on and off the court.

The only negative I could level at NBA 2K18 is that for me the story elements within MyGM don’t add anything meaningful to the experience. But the merger of Career into The Neighbourhood mode works well.

NBA 2K18’s superb production values contribute to its unrivalled realism while the pro stick controls make playing truly satisfying like no other sports sim out there.

Microtransactions can be a grind and are unavoidable at times but that is really nitpicking in what is the undisputed gold standard sports game in modern video gaming. And perhaps the biggest plus for UK gamers, you don’t have to be a basketball nut to enjoy it.

Forget Waitrose - high earners are more likely to shop at food discount stores such as Aldi and Lidl than the poorest families, according to new research.

More than three out of four people who earn more than £50,000 a year shop at food discounters (77 per cent), compared to 73 per cent of those with a household income of £15,500 or less.

And premium products are pulling better off shoppers into discount food stores, suggests the research by consumer analysts Mintel.

Two out of three shoppers (66 per cent) say that food discounters’ premium ranges are just as good as elsewhere, with only seven per cent disagreeing with the statement.

And, even when entertaining, well-off shoppers are not afraid to stock up with the discounters, according to the report.

Almost half of food discount shoppers with a household income above £50,000 (47 per cent) have bought party items from the stores in the past three months - up from an average of 36 per cent of shoppers.

Bargain hunters

Overall, 89 per cent of Brits shop at discount retailers, with 84 per cent visiting non-food discounters and 74 per cent visiting food discounters.

And young adults are leading the trend with 93 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds having visited either a food or non-food discounter in the last three months.

Nick Carroll, senior research analyst at Mintel, said: “High income households are just as likely to shop at food discounters as lower income ones.

“The post-recession success of leading discount food retailers has been built on a softening of their hard discount roots and bringing in ranges which appeal to a wider variety of consumers.

“A part of this success has been the introduction of more premium ranges, something that is clearly going over well with shoppers.”

Discount sales are forecast to reach £26.7 billion this year , with food discounters accounting for the bulk of sales (£17.2 billion) and non-food making up the remaining £9.5 billion.

And Mintel forecasts that total sales are set to experience further growth of 57 per cent through 2022 to reach £41,827 million, accounting for 11.4 per cent of all retail sales.

Consumer vutbacks

Mr Carroll said: “Over the past 10 years the discount sector, both food and non-food, has shown that it is highly adaptable, succeeding to thrive in both market conditions which favoured a low-cost alternative and in conditions where traditionally there would have been less demand.

“With an uncertain economic outlook in the short term, the sector is well placed to make further gains and capitalise on likely consumer desire to cut back on expenditure.”

Overall, 71 per cent of all discount shoppers think that the quality of products available in such stores is as good as elsewhere, rising to 75 per cent of those who shop most often at food discounters.

But almost half of discount shoppers (45 per cent) say that the food discounters should offer a wider range of healthy options in-store.

Mr Carroll added: “There is widespread agreement that new product ranges keep the shopping experience interesting and there is also a sense that they create a sense of a treasure hunt within stores, with the majority of shoppers agreeing that this prospect of finding a bargain keeps them coming back.

“While many of the food discounters are actively promoting healthy eating, our research indicates this could go further.

“Given how important higher socio-economic consumers are to food discounters, and their attitudes towards healthy eating, it is clear this should be an area of focus for the discounters.

“With a price premium placed on products under the ‘healthy eating’ heading, a lower-cost but still high-quality alternative from the discounters is likely to prove popular.”

Luton Town boss Nathan Jones accused Crawley Town attacker Panutche Camara of diving to get defender Alan Sheehan booked during yesterday’s 0-0 draw at the Checkatrade Stadium.

The Hatters centre half was shown yellow by referee Trevor Kettle on 53 minutes after appearing not to touch his man, with TV evidence backing up the fact that there was no contact.

With it being Sheehan’s fifth caution of the campaign, he will now miss next weekend’s home clash against Coventry City, as Jones said: “It’s a dive from the boy as well, it’s a pure dive.

“He hasn’t touched him, I’ve looked at the video and he hasn’t touched him.

“I don’t know if we can do anything about that, it’s a pure dive from the boy and he’s got Sheez booked.

“That’s something that happens, it’s a nothing foul, Sheez has not even gone to ground and he’s gone round the other side and it’s a strange, strange decision.

“I don’t know if we can do anything about that, I’m not sure, I doubt it, it’s unfortunate, but it’s a dive.”

Hatters captain Scott Cuthbert confirmed that his team-mate had the same opinion as his manager too, saying: “I never really saw it as I was chasing back in the channel, but Sheez is adamant that he’s not touched the boy and he’s dived.

“Hopefully on the video we can see that and send something in, I don’t know.

“It’s disappointing when you’re keeping clean sheets and playing well, you’re disappointed when one of the back four has to miss out.

“But like it showed against Stevenage, JJ (James Justin) and Johnny Mulllins has come in and not looked out of place.

“That was their first game and the two of them were different class, so we’ve got no worries on that front about replacing them.

“I love Johnny, he’s a great player, great guy as well, so I’ll be delighted if he gets another game.”

Sheehan was one of four Luton players to go into the notebook during the clash, with Dan Potts also booked, his seventh of the campaign already.

Although Town have received 32 cautions already this season, Jones didn’t think they were a dirty side by any means, saying: “It’s so difficult not to get booked these days.

“I wasn’t a dirty player in any way, shape or form, but I think I’d struggle not to get booked in this day and age with everything.

“Sometimes things are deemed fouls and sometimes there’s bad things that go unpunished, but it’s very difficult.

“I do ask them for their discipline, but when they’re committed and especially in this league where there’s a lot of aerial challenges and challenges, and people are committed, sometimes mis-timings happen and people pay the price.”

Official Kettle, who has had a controversial past with the club, sending off Sol Davis against Stoke in February 2007, made some odd decisions throughout, denying Elliot Lee a clear free kick in stoppage time, but Jones wasn’t about to criticise the referee.

He added: “Shoulda, woulda, coulda, but I’m not going to comment on the referee again as I’ve dipped my toe in hot water when I do that.

“It’s a difficult job refs have and a difficult job for Trev, but I’ve got no issues with anything.”

A range of fridges have sparked safety fears due to a risk of overheating and fire due to a component fault.

The CAPLE brand refrigerators, manufactured between 2007 and 2008, have been identified by industry body Electrical Safety First as potentially dangerou.

They strongly recommend that anyone with one of these appliances should stop using it until it has been checked by the manufacturer.

Anyone suspecting they have a fridge which is part of the recalled items can find model and serial numbers inside the fridge compartment, on the left hand side, behind the bottom tray.

Affected models:

Ri551

Ri731

Ri732Fa

Serial numbers affected are those in which the 14th and 15th digit are one of the following two digits:

71 / 72 / 73 / 74 / 75 / 76 / 77 / 78 / 79

7A / 7B / 7C

81 / 82 / 83 / 84 / 85 / 86 / 87 / 88 / 89

8A / 8B / 8C

Anyone who has an affected appliance should contact CAPLE immediately. They will arrange for a free visit from an engineer to fix the problem.

They also ask anyone who used to have an affected CAPLE refrigerator to let CAPLE know so their details can be removed from their database.

CAPLE can be contacted by telephone on 0800 458 6318 or by email at caple.modifications@0800repair.com

Electrical Safety First strongly recommends that anyone who discovers they have an electrical item that has been recalled should stop using it until it has been checked by the manufacturer.

Leading anti-slavery charity, Unseen, and The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology are asking people to know the signs of modern slavery in nail bars in a bid to stop human trafficking within the beauty industry.

The Government estimates that there are 13,000 victims of slavery in the UK, however, Justine Currell, Executive Director of Unseen, has commented this could be just the tip of the iceberg.

Although victims come from across the world, trafficking routes from Vietnam have been highlighted as a serious problem throughout the UK with nail bars being one of the biggest culprits.

In September the Anti-Slavery Commissioner report ‘Combating modern slavery experienced by Vietnamese nationals en route to, and within, the UK’, authored by Dr Daniel Silverstone and Dr Claire Brickell, reported that many nail salons run as cash only bars. The report found that one victim was forced to work seven days a week – from morning until 6pm or 7pm.

They were paid just £30 a week.

Human trafficking remains a worldwide issue and there are currently almost 21 million victims of forced labour according to Unseen – with 11.4 million being women and girls and 9.5 million being men and boys.

Do prices seem ‘too good to be true’?

Unseen are now sharing the tell tale signs of trafficking victims in nail bars to mark Anti-Slavery Day 2017.

Campaign manager Hannah Young says, “The success of Let’s Nail It! will lie with people who are going about their day as normal, and suddenly get a feeling that something they’ve seen isn’t quite right.”

The Let’s Nail It campaign is running from 16th to 23rd October.

Young adds, “Do prices seem ‘too good to be true’? Is the vibe you’re getting making you feel uncomfortable?

“If you can’t quite put your finger on it but you feel that some something isn’t right, you can report suspicions online at: www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/report or call the 24/7 confidential helpline on 08000 121700.

Parents have slammed retailers for selling a sickening ‘Burnt Zombie Child’ Hallowe’en costume for young children in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

At least 18 children died in the horrifying inferno with experts warning tens of thousands of youngsters across the UK have been left traumatised by the disaster.

The £34.99 costume, sold by online retailer Escapade, is aimed at children aged just eight to ten years old.

Furious parents have slammed the firm for its insensitivity, with 99 per cent saying they would ban their child from wearing it.

And an outfit marketed as an ‘Anne Frank costume for girls’ has been withdrawn from sale following an online outcry.

The costume, sold on sites including Halloweencostumes.eu, consisted of a blue overcoat, green beret, brown satchel and brown paper name tag, and was also listed on Amazon as ‘World War II Evacuee Girl Costume”.

As retailers unveil their Halloween costumes this week, the annual study from parenting site ChannelMum.com showed two thirds of parents now claim some Halloween costumes are ‘too frightening’ for young children, up from just 48 per cent last year.

One in five fear Hallowe’en is becoming more sinister every year and two in five (41 per cent) claim costumes no longer have a traditional Halloween theme but are selected simply to terrify.

The study of 1,006 parents found 84 per cent of UK families celebrate Hallowe’en and of these, 94 per cent allow their kids to dress up.

But there is widespread worry about the direction the celebration is taking.

Other costumes highlighted by concerned parents include a Headless Horseman with a bloodied stump for a neck and no face, aimed at children aged just eight, alongside a ‘Killer Clown’ costume for eight to ten year olds which is marketed holding a bloodied meat cleaver - despite rising levels of knife crime.

Disturbingly, there has been an in increase in the number of sexualised costumes for young girls, with 55 per cent of parents agreeing many are ‘too sexual’ for children, up from 43 per cent who felt this way last year.

Among the inappropriate costumes on offer is the provocatively-named ‘Midnight Mischief’ sold by the Duchess of Cambridge’s parent’s Party Pieces store.

The costume, for four to six year olds, is a ‘sexy witch’ with a corset and short mini skirt.

Retailer halloweencostumes.co.uk was also slammed by shocked parents for selling a XXS version of the skin-tight Sexy Feline Catsuit Costume, with a chest measurement of just 24 inches - the same as a typical six year old.

And even the traditional ghost outfit has been given a horror makeover, with ‘Scream’ style masks added to costumes for three-year-old toddlers.

As a result, nine in ten (89%) of parents now back age-appropriate ratings on costumes, up from just 68 per cent last year.

A further 92 per cent want retailers to take more responsibility for the outfits they sell, with 67 per cent claiming stores only care about profit.

One in five parents even admitted their child had had a negative experience wearing a Hallowe’en costume - with 16 per cent of children being so terrified by another child’s costume that they have left Hallowe’en celebrations.

ChannelMum.com founder Siobhan Freegard said: “Have retailers fallen under an evil Halloween spell? Looking spooky and scary is great fun and what Hallowe’en is all about - but some of these costumes have gone far too far.

“Stores have to be sensitive to the world around them. It’s time to realise it’s unacceptable to sell some of these outfits. Sexualising toddlers or pushing costumes which could traumatise simply for profit is the nastiest thing about Hallowe’en.”

Here are the Nasty 9 most evil costumes on sale for children this year:

1) Burnt Dead Zombie Child

Age: 8 to 10

Retailer: escapade.co.uk

Cost: £34.99

99% of parents would not let their child wear it

2) Witch

Costume Name: Midnight Mischief

Age: Ages 4 to 6 (corset and mini skirt)

Retailer: Party Pieces

Cost: £20.99

98% of parents would not let their child wear it

3) Killer Clown (shown holding meat cleaver)

Costume Name: Killer Klown Child Costume

Age: 8 to 10

Retailer: escapade.co.uk

Cost: £22.99

95% of parents would not let their child wear it

4) Black Cat

Costume Name: Sexy Feline Catsuit Costume

Age: XXS to fit 24 inch chest - typically a 6 to 8 year old

Retailer: halloweencostumes.co.uk

Cost: £42.99

98% of parents would not let their child wear it

5) Little Devil:

Costume Name: Hot Stuff Devil Costume

Age: 10 to 12

Retailer: Party Priceless on eBay

Cost: £16.98

97% of parents would not let their child wear it

6) Bat

Costume Name: Kids Spooky Bat

Age: 10 to 12

Retailer: wonderlandparty.co.uk/

Cost: £14.99

97% of parents would not let their child wear it

7) Headless Horseman

Costume Name: Headless Horseman

Age: 8 to 10

Retailer: Party Pieces

Cost: £23.99

95% of parents would not let their child wear it

8) Bloody Face Off (Jason from Friday the 13th Horror Movie)

Costume Name: Bloody Face Off

Age: 8 to 10

Cost: £12.99

94% of parents would not let their child wear it

9) Ghost

Costume Name: Child Howling Ghost

Age: 3 to 4

Retailer: joke.co.uk

Cost: £8.99

79% of parents would not let their child wear it

Luton are already ahead of schedule for October according to boss Nathan Jones.

The Hatters took their points tally to 10 for the month with a goalless draw at Crawley Town on Saturday, backing up wins over Accrington, Stevenage and Exeter City.

With one league game left to go, the visit of Coventry City at the weekend, then Town, who stayed top of the table, can finish in an even better position tan they predicted.

Jones said: “The players wanted 10 points this month and we’ve got those already and with a big game to come next week, so we’ve got to make sure we finish the month in real good form.

“It’s been an excellent month. We’d rather have drawn this game than the drawn the Exeter game, no disrespect, but you would, because you’re taking points off people who are right up there.

“We weren’t at our best, but we showed a resilient edge.

“Other teams have lost, other teams have drawn. We’ve come here after a big month, we had a points target of 10 points this month, the players set themselves that, and we’ve hit that already with a game to spare.

“I’m pleased, I’m proud of them, as we had to show a different edge.”

Jones also felt that the playing surface at the Checkatrade Stadium was tailor-made to suit the home side too, as he continued: “That’s what happens, the grass is very, very long, very long, I don’t know why, who knows.

“Conditions weren’t conducive, and we showed a resilient edge.

“We’re not going to win every single game, there’s no god given right to win every single game and they were a different animal from what they were in recent games.

“Luton came and they really rolled up their sleeves. They had a real graft, a few of them in there were putting in bigger shifts than they normally do, or what I’ve seen, without being disrespectful to anyone.

“So they’re going to raise their game and they’ve raised their game and to be fair, it was a real even game, and I thought 0-0 was a fair result.”

Although Town, who went into the contest on the back of 16 goals in four matches, never looked like they were going to replicate the four they netted at Exeter in midweek, they still had opportunities.

Jones said: “It’s not going to be fours and fives every week, it’s not going to be like that, it’s another clean sheet, and we showed another good edge.

“We weren’t at our best, but we still had chances, could have nicked the game, at times you nick the game.

“Collo (James Collins) had a great chance first half with a header. We’ve had balls into the box, we’ve got in behind them plenty of times, haven’t quite picked people out, that happens.

“But I’m not going to be too down as we haven’t won the game. They are in there, their heads are down and I’ve had to lift them, pick them up.

“That’s the type of group they are, but it’s a tough league, a tough place to come.

“Especially when we go to certain places, some people raise their game and credit to them, they’ve had a gameplan, they’ve stuck at it and I think a draw’s a fair result.”

With Luton pushing for a late victory, they were thankful to keeper Marek Stech for ensuring they left with a point, they stopper saving well from Jordan Roberts, as Jones added: “When we push in and we want to win the game, we’re making changes to win the game, sometimes you get hit on the counter which is what we did.

“It’s just a shame we couldn’t capitalise, but Marek is there to defend and makes saves when he’s needed.”

Luton Town made it nine League Two games unbeaten at the weekend and remained on top of the table as they were held to a goalless draw at Crawley Town. Here’s how the Hatters players rated on the day.

Marek Stech: 8 - Made two fine saves from Roberts, one from distance, with the second one when he rushed off his line absolutely crucial to ensure the Hatters emerged with a battling point to their name.

Jack Stacy: 5.5 - Looked tired, especially during the second half as a number of errors crept into his play and could consider himself fortunate not to concede a penalty in the dying embers.

Dan Potts: 6.5 - Had his hands full with Boldewijn at times but another solid display on the whole with two last-ditch clearances. Seventh booking now means he is walking a real tightrope in future matches to avoid another two game ban.

Scott Cuthbert: 7.5 - Skipper marked his 100th appearance with a clean sheet as he enjoyed a good battle against the Red Devils forwards. A real presence at the back for the Hatters.

Alan Sheehan: 7 - Kept things tight for the visitors as they ensured a seventh shut out of the campaign. Couldn’t believe he was booked and no wonder as it was a blatant dive from Camara.

Glen Rea (STAR MAN): 8 - Continued his fine form with an excellent display in front of the back four, often breaking up play and preventing Crawley getting forward. Showed his improved confidence in possession and might have won it when his header was saved by Morris.

Olly Lee: 6.5 - Impressive first half display as the Hatters tried to dominate possession and his pressing helped them win the ball back high up. Couldn’t really influence as much after the break and withdrawn late on.

Luke Berry: 6.5 - Another who had more of the ball in the opening 45 minutes until Crawley came on strong. Put in plenty of work though, but also guilty of one of the most obvious yellows you could ever wish to see!

Harry Cornick: 7 - Plenty of effort when Town were on the attack although the Red Devils managed to shut him down for long periods as he wasn’t quite able to create the chances he has in previous matches.

Danny Hylton: 6.5 - Looked unusually subdued which boss Jones later admitted was down to being ill the day before. Work-rate can’t be questioned though and a lovely pass to release Collins for his opportunity.

James Collins: 7 - Coming up against his former side, had the two best chances for Luton as he put a header wide in the first half and shot across goal in the second, when he might have take it on.

Elliot Lee (SUB): 7.5 - Really lively appearance from the bench once more as he injected some real pace to Town’s front-line. One curler just wide and denied a cracking winner by the post.

Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu (SUB): 5.5 - Final 10 for Mpanzu although Luton found themselves on the back foot.

Jordan Cook (SUB): 5 - Only had a couple of minutes to try and win it.

A Biggleswade GP is leading a campaign to encourage the parents and carers of children under five to use A&E for emergencies only this winter.

In a new campaign called ‘Is A&E for my mini me?’, which showcases photographs of people from the area with their children, clinicians have provided information and advice to help people make the right choice when their child requires medical attention.

The campaign comes as hospitals in the area start to gear up for the winter period, which last year saw patients across the country waiting for more than four hours in hospital waiting rooms to be seen by a Doctor.

Dr Alvin Low, a GP from Biggleswade and Clinical Chair of Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “One of the most worrying times for a parent or carer is when their little one is ill and their GP practice is closed. It is understandable that they may want to take their child to their local hospital’s A&E department. However there are currently long waits to be seen and it is not always the best environment for a poorly child.

“I would always recommend trying NHS111 first; we have worked hard with providers of NHS111 and Out Of Hours care who have highly skilled call handlers and a range of clinicians who can provide help and advice”.

Dr Chirag Bakhai, Clinical Director for Planned Care at Luton Clinical Commissioning Group added: “Most children can be safely seen at their local GP practice or by the out of hours service, accessed through NHS111. As the winter and flu season approaches, we would advise our population to ensure that the whole family is registered with a local GP practice so they can easily access medical advice when they need it most.”

“The ‘Mini Me’ campaign is a fun way for us to engage with parents and carers in our area, so that we can signpost people to the best care for them, reduce pressure on our emergency departments and provide advice on how to manage seasonal childhood illnesses at home.”

The ‘Is A&E for my mini me’ campaign is running on social media and in schools and children’s centres across the area. Local people are asked to share their photographs of themselves with their ‘mini me’s’, so that we can help people make the best choices this winter.

To register for a GP near you visit NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk. If you require medical advice, or to access a GP out of hours, dial NHS111.

For more information on the ‘Is A&E for my mini me’ campaign visit:

Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group at www.bedfordshireccg.nhs.uk

Luton Clinical Commissioning Group at www.lutonccg.nhs.uk

The makers of a novelty Paw Patrol bath foam have withdrawn it from sale after it apparently exploded leaving a toddler in a critical condition.

It’s reported a three-year-old boy from Northern Ireland was having a bath when the novelty soap “blew up”.

The boy was last night being treated at Belfast’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

A spokesman for makers Kokomo told The Sun: “Our thoughts are with this little boy and his family. As a precautionary measure, we have suggested to our retailers they withdraw this product from sale while we co-operate with the Trading Standards investigation.”

It is reported the boy has “burns to the outside and inside of the body”.

His aunt wrote on Facebook: “Our nephew was in the bath tonight with this Paw Patrol Foam Soap and it exploded.

“He’s been rushed to the hospital and has to go to the Royal.”

The bath foam involved is on sale at a number of high street shops.

It’s October half term which means Halloween is just around the corner with plenty of ghostly and pumpkin-tastic Halloween events available across Bedfordshire.

The following is a list of events for all the family to enjoy.

ZSL WHIPSNADE ZOO – BOO AT THE ZOO!

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Whipsnade, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LF

Enjoy a spook-tacular range of Halloween themed activities, animal demonstrations and crafts at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo until Tuesday, October 31. You can even take part in pumpkin carving and enjoy special Halloween versions of the zoo’s popular animal talks, feeds and demonstrations. Visit the website to book tickets or for more information.

DUNSTABLE DOWNS – PUMPKIN TRAIL

Chiltern Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, LU6 2GY

Come to the Gateway Centre at Dunstable Downs, until Friday, October 27, 11am to 3pm, and pick up a map for the Pumpkin Trail. Set out on a spooktacular adventure through Chute Wood and find the hidden clues. Learn freaky facts about bats, spiders and creepy creatures along the way, then return for a tasty treat. £1.50 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit the website for more information.

WREST PARK – GHOUSTS AND GHOULS

Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR

Grab your cloaks and steady your nerves as your little horrors scare themselves silly this Halloween half term. Mysterious goings on await you at petrifying Wrest Park, until Sunday, October 29. Meet the gruesome guides as they take you on a journey into the puzzling past. You will need to use all your wits to solve the riddles and claim your terrifying treat! Have a go at some creepy crafts and carve your own pumpkin to take home. Additional charges apply for some activities. Visit the website for more information.

JORDANS MILL – ZELDA’S SPOOKY SPELL TRAIL

Jordans Mill, Southill Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9JX

Visit Jordans Mill until Monday October30; pick up a trail sheet from the little shop of horrors (£1 per child) and then fill out Zelda’s spell clues, so that she can conjure up a prize for you! Are you brave enough to enter the witch’s creepy woodland trail, delve down into the spooky cauldrons and find the clues to help Zelda make her spell? The spooky gardens at Jordans Mill are open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm. Visit the website for more information.

DUNSTABLE DOWNS – PUMPKIN ARRANGEMENTS

Chiltern Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, LU6 2GY

Visit Dunstable Downs on Tuesday October 24 between 10am and 11am for an Autumn workshop making mini pumpkin arrangements with Edlesborough Flowers. The activity is £6 per child and recommended for children aged 4 years and above. Booking is essential call 0344 249 1895. For more information visit the website.

WREST PARK – HALLOWEEN WOODLAND WALK

Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR

From Friday 27 to Sunday October 29. Have you ever wondered what weird and wonderful tales can be told in the Wrest woods on a dark and moonless night? Well now is your chance to find out as Obadiah Squires and Mrs Bottom, ghost hunters and storytellers extraordinaire, take you on a trail on the rarely trodden woodland paths at this spooky time of year. A mixture of spine-tingling and humorous stories to keep young and old enthralled. Tales that will tease and thrill, startle and shock (just a little) are just a part of this unique event. Tours take place at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm. This walk takes place outside, please wear clothing and shoes suitable for the weather. Tour is suitable for children aged 5-12 years old and lasts for 45 minutes. Additional charges apply for some activities. Visit the website for more information.

THE HAT FACTORY ARTS CENTRE – CHILD OF THE DIVIDE

The Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65-67 Bute Street, Bedfordshire, LU1 2EY

On Friday, October 27, come along to the Hat Factory Arts Centre to see Child of the Divide. Inspired by the short story Pali by Bhisham Sahni, Child of the Divide is a remarkable story of family, identity and belonging. Summer 1947 and 16 million people are on the move between India and the newly-formed Pakistan. Amid the violent political upheaval, young Pali’s fingers slip from his father’s hand and his destiny changes forever. Taken in by a Muslim family, he is given a new name, a new faith and a new life. But when his real father returns to claim him, Pali must decide who he is: the Hindu boy he was born to be, the Muslim boy he has become, or simply a child of the divide. Child of the Divide premiered in 2006 in a Tamasha/Polka Theatre co-production which was name the No 1 show for children and families by Time Out. Suitable for children aged 6 years old and above. Visit the website to book tickets, or for more information.

THE HAT FACTORY ARTS CENTRE – THE GIRL AND THE GIRAFFE

The Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65-67 Bute Street, Bedfordshire, LU1 2EY

On Saturday, October 28, come along to the Hat Factory Arts Centre to see The Girl and the Giraffe. One day while Girl is playing in her garden she spots something peculiar on the other side of the fence. She is surprised when she comes face to face with… Giraffe! As their friendship grows, Girl discovers that Giraffe isn’t very well. She tries everything she can to make him feel a bit better but Giraffe doesn’t need a plaster for a graze on his arm or a scratch on his knee. Giraffe is sad. Sometimes we need a different kind of plaster for the things we can’t always see. Charming puppetry, an enchanting soundscape and beautiful storytelling combine in this sensitive show about wellbeing and friendship, told from a child’s perspective. Suitable for children aged 3-6 years old and their families. Visit the website to book tickets, or for more information.

Monday 23rd October until Sunday 29th October (Shows at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 4.30pm) £7.99 per person

Woburn Sands - Halloween Circus at Frosts Garden Centre

This Halloween, be prepared for a ghoulish week of half term fun to keep your little monsters entertained! Frosts Garden Centre in Woburn Sands have a cauldron bubbling with family fun this October half term, including the return of the amazing John Lawsons Halloween Circus.

The John Lawsons Spooktacular Halloween circus is back for one week only! Everyone’s favourite friendly clown, Bippo, will of course be making an appearance, as well as some fantastic and thrilling new performers including Miss Chelsea and The Marshalls, who will be wowing crowds with knife throwing from a quad bike! Plus, Miss Claire-Marie will be back again with her bubble fantasy, Angel and Victoria Bojilov will be impressing crowds with their amazing juggling skills, all while balancing on a slack wire and get ready to ‘oooh’ and ‘ahh’ at Ross Shirley on the aerial straps.

The circus will run until Sunday 29 October and shows are held at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm (no 4.30pm session on Sunday October 29). Tickets are £7.99 per person (children under 18 months go free) and the circus is suitable for the whole family.

Pre- booking is required for the circus and spaces are limited. Full payment will be required when booking. To book visit www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk/events or call 0800 954 9484.

Halloween Spooktacular Fireworks Display at Horse & Groom, Clapham, nr Bedford

Flickering bonfires and dazzling fireworks will light up the night this Halloween and Bonfire season at The Horse and Groom in Clapham, near Bedford which hosts an annual Halloween Spooktacular with Fireworks Display.

Set down by the river, there will be a professional Firework Display. children’s fairground, hog roast, and live music into the night.

A mystery EuroMillions winner, known only as Miss. S from Bedfordshire, has won nearly two hundred thousand pounds without ever touching a ticket. The lucky women won £195,868.30 after matching the five main numbers and one Lucky Star number in the EuroMillions draw on 29 September.

Miss. S played EuroMillions through national-lottery.co.uk and has become one of over eight million players that win each week on The National Lottery’s range of games.

Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at The National Lottery, said, “Huge congratulations to Miss. S for winning this fantastic prize without even touching a ticket. After a few simple clicks she has become nearly two hundred thousand pounds better off!”