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Dracaena Avenue in Falmouth cleared after driver suffers head injuries in accident

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DRACAENA Avenue in Falmouth has now reopened after an accident this morning caused a driver to suffer head injuries. The collision between a red Vauxhall Corsa and grey VW Caddy at Clifton Terrace occurred at around 7.25am. A male casualty has been taken to A&E with suspected head injuries, and the fire service was also called after one of the vehicles was smoking. The road was blocked as police waited for the vehicles to be recovered, but reopened shortly after 8am.

Dracaena Avenue in Falmouth cleared after driver suffers head injuries in accident


CORNWALL WEATHER TODAY: Cloudy with a chance of showers

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IT HAS been a fairly cloudy start to Wednesday, with some outbreaks of rain forecast for the rest of the day. The showers will gradually ease and the cloud will break through the morning, and for most it will be a dry and bright end to the day. It will still feel warm with a maximum temperature of 19c. It will remain dry tonight and there will be some prolonged clear periods, which will make it become quite chilly in rural locations. Isolated mist and fog patches could also develop and temperatures will drop to a chilly 3c. Thursday will see bright or sunny spells in the morning. However it will become rather cloudy in the afternoon, which may give the odd spot of rain. Temperatures will remain pleasant with a high of 19C.

CORNWALL WEATHER TODAY: Cloudy with a chance of showers

Pensioner tells of terrifying moment knife-wielding man grabbed her during Falmouth walk

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A man with previous convictions for rape and attempted rape grabbed a pensioner intending to sexually assault her as she went for an early morning walk at a Falmouth beauty spot, a court has heard.

James Campbell, who admitted kidnapping the 64-year-old woman at knife point on November 4 last year at Pendennis Point, is accused of doing it so that he could commit a sexual offence.

The 42-year-old, who denies that, went on trial at Truro Crown Court on Monday.

Jonathan Barnes, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, became aware of someone behind her and turned around to see a man she had passed a little while earlier.

"She felt uneasy but she decided to keep on walking," said Mr Barnes. "Within seconds, Mr Campbell had grabbed her from behind.

"He put his arm around her neck. She started to scream.

"He said: 'I have got a knife' and 'Do you want to die?'"

The court heard Campbell then began to walk the woman roughly 279 yards, during which time she could feel his knife close to her side.

"She was as you would expect very frightened but she managed to ask the man, Mr Campbell more than once 'what do you want?'," said Mr Barnes.

"He didn't tell her, he said nothing, instead he continued to hold her tightly and to walk or drag her along."

Giving evidence, the woman said she told Campbell that she had nothing on her a couple of times.

Robert Linford, defending, suggested that she had not and asked her if she had felt Campbell brushing his hands down her sides.

She said: "No."

The court heard that after about five minutes, Campbell let go of the woman suddenly and walked away and she told the jury that she stood there watching him in "utter dismay".

Seconds later she bumped into a fellow walker who helped her to raise the alarm.

Campbell was arrested when the woman spotted him as she was being driven home by police officers, the court heard.

He was searched and found to be carrying a Swiss Army knife and a number of unused condoms in a backpack.

Mr Barnes said in interview, Campbell gave a prepared statement denying that he had grabbed a woman in Falmouth that morning but later admitted that he had done after the police carried out forensic testing on his and the woman's clothing.

The court heard Campbell, who has spent many years in prison, had raped a woman in October 1993 and attempted to rape another in December of that year.

Mr Barnes said both involved Campbell attacking a woman who was a stranger to him and one involved the use of a knife.

At an earlier hearing, Campbell, whose address is given in court papers as of no formal abode, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping and one of having an offensive weapon – the knife – on Castle Drive.

He denies committing the kidnapping with the intent to commit a sexual offence.

Mr Barnes said the possible intended sexual offence included rape or assault and that Campbell's principle motive was sexual gratification.

The trial continues.

Pensioner tells of terrifying moment knife-wielding man grabbed her during Falmouth walk

Beer and radio spark "lockdown" at Barclays Bank in Truro

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MYSTERY surrounds a bag of beer and a radio that sparked a lockdown at Barclays Bank in Truro this morning.

Police have said bank staff raised the alarm after discovering the booze and radio and feared there was an intruder inside the building.

Three police officers accompanied by a police dog were called to the building on the corner of King Street and Boscawen Street, shortly after 8.30am.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: "Police took the call at 8.35am from the branch manager believing that there could be an intruder in the bank.

"It seems when staff entered the rest room it was in a bit of a state."

"This led to the building being evacuated and locked down."

Police officers searched the building and found no one inside, except the cleaner.

A Barclays spokesperson said: "We can confirm that there has been an incident at Barclays King Street, Truro branch, which is closed while the police complete their investigations."

There were no signs of forced entry. No arrests were made and enquiries are ongoing.

Police left the scene at approximately 10am and the bank is now reopen

Beer and radio spark “lockdown” at Barclays Bank in Truro

Diners evacuated from The Shed restaurant after fire

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DINERS were evacuated from a restaurant complex in the middle of their meals after an external electrical fire sent smoke into the building.

As diners were finishing their meals at The Shed restaurant and cocktail bar and its sister restaurant, The Ranch, in Events Square just before 10pm last night, smoke was noticed in the building.

The third restaurant in the complex, The Shack, was closed at the time.

Restaurant director Rory Lamb said the smoke came from a fire in one of the electrical box outside the back of the building.

"We raised the alarm because there was smoke coming into the building but it was actually an external problem," he said.

"We are still investigating to cause but I don't think it was anything to do with us.

"I was a little bit panicked seeing the smoke but we calmly called the fire station and got everybody out."

Diners were told they could not go back into the restaurant for the rest of the night.

Mr Lamb said: "Thankfully it was a quiet night and not too much loss in custom – only two people were in the middle of their meals.

"It would have been a bit more of a disaster situation if there had been more customers.

"Everyone was very understanding."

Jonny Passmore, general manager at nearby restaurant, Zizzi, said: "I left the restaurant about 10.30pm and looked across and there was a bunch of people, maybe 20, standing outside."

Diners evacuated from The Shed restaurant after fire

Frolicking reindeers cause a stir in Portreath

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A PAIR of frolicking reindeers is the last thing you'd expect to see on a sunny beach in Cornwall, but that's just what beachgoers saw this week in Portreath.

Five year old brothers Lowen and Nadelik (Merry Christmas in Cornish) were taken down to Portreath Beach from Gwel an Mor Resort on the outskirts of the harbour village, where they usually live.

Wildlife rangers from the resort's wildlife centre, Gary and Alyson Zammit, led to pair to the coast for dip in the sea, ahead of their starring roles in the resort's upcoming festive activities.

The reindeer caused quite a stir on arrival as a group of school children were on a geography field trip at the time.

Georgie Carter from Gwel an Mor said: "Having two reindeer living at the resort all year round means that when we start planning our Christmas activities, Lowen and Nadelik are always available to help," she said.

"The reindeer brothers were having their pictures taken to promote our Celebration of Christmas Fair and short breaks of which they are the stars, but ended up causing quite a stir ahead of time.

"Obviously you don't expect to see a pair of reindeer on the beach frolicking in the sea in the sunshine, so it ended up drawing a crowd."

The resort's Celebration of Christmas Fair takes place on November 29 and 30 and it also offers a number of festive breaks where you can meet the now famous duo.

Frolicking reindeers cause a stir in Portreath

Do you recognise the man in this CCTV image?

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POLICE in Camborne have released this grainy image of a man they believe snatched a purse from a pensioner earlier this month.

Housewife Gail Clifford, aged 53, chased the young hooded thief through Camborne town centre after her wallet was stolen from her in broad daylight.

She was putting it in her pocket outside a card shop at Commercial Square on Sunday morning, September 7 at 10.15am when she was attacked.

The offender, a male in his mid-teens to early twenties, of slim build approximately 5ft 4in to 5ft 6in and wearing a baggy grey hooded top and elasticised black tracksuit bottoms, ran off down Gas Lane and past the town centre bus station.

Ms Clifford, who was left shaken but uninjured, said she never expected to be attacked on a Sunday morning and in broad daylight.

"As it was pulled off my hand I screamed 'he has got my purse'," she said. "I then chased him and screamed after him but the boy was too fast. I stopped by a bank because I am asthmatic and was out of breath and called the police."

Ms Clifford, from Pool, said she felt shocked afterwards. She added: "I was frightened and by the time I got to my partner I started crying. I was mentally hurt, nothing like this has ever happened to me before. It all happened within seconds and the young lad was very athletic and able to take off very fast."

PC Lloyd Vandike, from Camborne police station, described the attack as a "despicable".

He said: "It happened in broad day light on a Sunday morning and I would like to reassure the public that this type of crime is rare in the Camborne area."

The purse was tan brown in colour, 15cm long and had two zip compartments. It contained a bank card, approximately £80 in cash and two photographs of the victim's family.

Any information can be passed to police by calling 101 quoting CR/104622/14, calling crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Do you recognise the man in this CCTV image?

A young bull "caused chaos" on A30 near Camborne

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A YOUNG bull brought traffic to a standstill on the A30 westbound near Camborne this afternoon.

Police received several calls from members of the public after four cows escaped from a nearby farm.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We received first reports of a young bull causing chaos on Treswithian Road at 2.50pm.

"The animal ended up on the A30 bringing traffic to a standstill. Our officers successfully cornered the animal and got it off the road unharmed. A vet was called  to check on the cow as it had fallen over several time as it was running away."

The road was reopened shortly after 4pm.

A young bull


​Two fire engines called to kitchen fire in Treyew Road in Truro

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A FIRE broke out in the kitchen of a 3-storey building in Truro this evening.

The emergency services were alerted to the fire at a property in Treyew Road shortly after 5pm.

A fire service spokeswoman said two fire engines from Truro were called to the scene.

She said firemen wearing breathing gear entered the building and extinguished the fire with a hose reel and fire extinguisher.

She said the fire was believed to have been caused by accident. 

​Two fire engines called to kitchen fire in Treyew Road in Truro

Rugby: Cornish Pirates coach Alan Paver heaps praise on youngster Tyler Gendall

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THE Cornish Pirates go into Sunday's game against Moseley at the Mennaye Field (3pm) looking for their first points of the season.

And forwards coach Alan Paver knows how important the match is to the Pirates who have lost their opening three Greene King IPA Championships, including a big defeat at Bristol on Sunday (see page 86).

He said: "It is a huge game, we are desperate for some points and we're in the business of winning. We know things are going to take time, but at the same time we need to win.

"We fully respect what Moseley are going to bring, and it will be tough, but it is a game we have got to hit with confidence, and approach it with the right frame of mind.

"We are just going to hit it as hard as we can, and I am sure we will get something out of it."

Tough

Moseley are ninth in the table, having also experienced an almost equally tough start as the Pirates.

The Pirates have announced that squad member, former Penryn forward Ben Trevaskis, 22, who has been unwell, has decided to step down from professional rugby.

Director of rugby Ian Davies said: "By mutual agreement Ben has decided to take time out from professional rugby.

"A recent bout of illness has meant Ben had been away from training and unable to continue his physical and rugby development."

Trevaskis could return to Penryn, where he has already had an outing with the reserves.

Rugby: Cornish Pirates coach Alan Paver heaps praise on youngster Tyler Gendall

Rugby: Cornish Pirates coach Alan Paver heaps praise on youngster Tyler Gendall

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FORWARDS coach Alan Paver has heaped praise on one of the Cornish Pirates' young guns, front rower Tyler Gendall.

Gendall, who was playing for St Ives in the Western Counties West last season, came up against former Premiership prop James Hall in the Pirates' 45-17 defeat at Bristol on Sunday.

And Paver said of the 20-year-old: "It was massive for him, and we were so pleased with him.

"As a coach and as his mate, I just thought 'good on you'. He got stuck in, and this is going to be invaluable for him for the future.

"That is the kind of stuff you need to see, you need to play in and need to experience if you want to mature as a front rower."

Gendall's performance was one of the plusses to come out of the Pirates' latest setback, their third successive defeat in the Greene King IPA Championship.

So they will go into Sunday's game against Moseley at the Mennaye Field (3pm) looking for their first points of the season.

Paver said: "It is a huge game, we are desperate for points and we're in the business of winning. We know things are going to take time, but at the same time we need to win.

"We fully respect what Moseley are going to bring, and it will be tough, but it is a game we have got to hit with confidence, and approach it with the right frame of mind.

"We are just going to hit it as hard as we can, and I am sure we will get something out of it."

Moseley, who finished seventh in the league last season, are ninth, having also experienced an almost equally tough start as the Pirates.

A 22-22 home draw against Jersey chalked up two league points to start their season, but they followed that result with two losses against Worcester Warriors (23-7) and Yorkshire Carnegie (32-28).

Rugby: Cornish Pirates coach Alan Paver heaps praise on youngster Tyler Gendall

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THE Cornish Pirates go into Sunday's game against Moseley at the Mennaye Field (3pm) looking for their first points of the season.

And forwards coach Alan Paver knows how important the match is to the Pirates who have lost their opening three Greene King IPA Championships, including a big defeat at Bristol on Sunday (see page 86).

He said: "It is a huge game, we are desperate for some points and we're in the business of winning. We know things are going to take time, but at the same time we need to win.

"We fully respect what Moseley are going to bring, and it will be tough, but it is a game we have got to hit with confidence, and approach it with the right frame of mind.

"We are just going to hit it as hard as we can, and I am sure we will get something out of it."

Tough

Moseley are ninth in the table, having also experienced an almost equally tough start as the Pirates.

The Pirates have announced that squad member, former Penryn forward Ben Trevaskis, 22, who has been unwell, has decided to step down from professional rugby.

Director of rugby Ian Davies said: "By mutual agreement Ben has decided to take time out from professional rugby.

"A recent bout of illness has meant Ben had been away from training and unable to continue his physical and rugby development."

Trevaskis could return to Penryn, where he has already had an outing with the reserves.

Pirates bottom of the pile after defeat at Bristol

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CORNISH Pirates remain rooted to the bottom of the Greene King IPA Championship table without a point after a hefty defeat at Bristol on Sunday.

It is now three losses in three for the Cornishmen, but they have come through a very tough run of fixtures and will be hoping to kick-start their campaign at home to Moseley next Sunday.

They were outclassed at times as Bristol, among the red-hot favourites to win promotion this season, ran in seven tries to move into second place in the table, but director of rugby Andy Robinson was "disappointed" with their performance.

The Pirates bravely stuck to their task to score three tries of their own, despite losing experienced duo Laurie McGlone and Aaron Carpenter, and prop Tyler Gendall, to injury.

Bristol rested several of their star players but gave Pirates a torrid time in the opening 25 minutes.

With youngsters Gendall and Jamal Ford-Robinson propping the Pirates scrum against two former Premiership front rowers, the Cornishmen really struggled in the set-piece early on and conceded five penalties inside the opening nine minutes.

Referee Darren Gamage's patience eventually snapped, and Pirates lock Darren Barry was sin-binned for persistent infringement by the visitors.

Within 60 seconds, the Pirates collapsed a scrum heading towards their line, and the referee awarded a penalty try, converted by Welsh fly-half Matthew Morgan.

Five minutes later, a slick handling move sent hooker Max Crumpton, who was dual-registered with Plymouth Albion from Saracens last season, over in the corner, with Morgan adding the extras for a 14-0 lead.

Pirates briefly threatened a response with a kick downfield seeing Bristol full-back Auguy Slowik just get to the ball ahead of visiting winger Kieran Goss, before the hosts resumed their scoring.

This time it was former Pirates loanee Andy Short who raced over beside the posts, and Morgan converted for a 21-0 advantage.

Pirates finally troubled the scoreboard, on the half hour, with a first try for the club - on his first start - by dual-registered Exeter Chiefs back rower Matt Bolwell in the corner, with fly-half Kieran Hallett slotting a fine conversion.

Winger Luke Jones almost scored again but was forced out by the corner flag, before Bristol ended the half with a bonus-point fourth try from Slowik, leaving them 26-7 up at the break.

Pirates made a fantastic start to the second period, with scrum-half Tom Kessell making a break from inside his own 22 before sending Goss clear on a 50-metre run to the line.

However, Bristol struck back almost straight away, with Marco Mama's lovely pass putting in young Slowik for his second try of the game, improved by Morgan.

Mitch Eadie added a sixth try in the 63rd minute, converted by Morgan, who touched down himself a minute from the end, but there was still time for a late consolation score from Pirates full-back Kyle Moyle.

Pirates gave Championship debuts to youngsters Jack Innard and Todd Lowry off the replacements' bench in the second half.

Pirates forwards coach Alan Paver says the hefty defeat must be viewed in the context of where both sides are in their development.

Paver said: "Today was a massive ask, Bristol are a fantastic outfit and we were under pressure a lot, but we did some good things at times.

"We scored some fantastic tries, but more pleasing than that, we showed grit and determination. I said to the boys you will be under pressure, but it is how you react to that, and they reacted well.

"We didn't get the flow and maybe the set piece that we wanted for us to attack, and defensively, we lost our shape at times, but heads didn't go down and we got straight back up, so we were pleased with that."

"We were under no illusions at the challenge ahead of us, but a lot of these boys need experience and there is no better way to get it than to get out there and actually play, and learn," said Paver.

"We are pleased with their attitude, we understand knowledge takes time, and cohesion takes time. Bristol need to achieve right now so they have gone out and bought their knowledge and experience, and they have kept a big group from last year, so they have got that cohesion, so we understand where they are and good luck to them, but we are in a different place.

"Our process is going to take that little bit longer, and these boys need to mature as men, and need to mature together, so hopefully we can keep this group together and keep moving on week by week."

Obituary: Darren Jenkin, Hayle

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Hayle

THE FUNERAL service took place recently at St Elwyn's Parish Church, Hayle, of Darren Mark Jenkin, aged 44, of Hayle.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Sharon Clifton and Jenny Rossell.

Interment followed at Phillack Churchyard.

The chosen bearers were Mr Richard Taylor, Mr Anthony Johns, Mr Mark Barrett and Mr Sean Kingsbury.

Family mourners: Carol and Rex Jenkin, mum and dad; Kim and Richard Taylor, sister and brother-in-law; Zak Taylor, nephew; Hilary and Denzil Smith, aunt and uncle; Mr and Mrs Patrick Williams, aunt and uncle; Mr Daniel Williams, rep Ria Williams and Mr and Mrs Matthew Williams, cousins; Mr W Jenkin, uncle; Mrs L Blackmore, Mr and Mrs R Annis, cousins; Grace Jenkin, rep Ernie, uncle; Wesley, Catherine and Bethany Ferris, cousins; Mrs Harris and Mr Mike Harris, aunt and uncle; Julie Johns, rep Edmond Johns, uncle; Terence Johns, Teresa Johns rep Paula Johns, cousins; Mrs Y Jose, aunt; Stephen Jose, rep Lorraine, David Jose and Natasha, cousins; Dawn Barrett, Elaine Barrett, cousins.

Friends attending: Agnes Coulthard; Mr and Mrs RJ Jacka, rep Rita and Godfrey Smith; Cheriene Andrew; David Richards, rep Marilyn; Stephen, Nicole, Dan and David Webb and Scott Harvey; Mrs EM Richards, rep Mrs J Williams; Desmond and Julie Rowe, James Rowe, Robert and Sarah Preston; Mrs. Stella Robbins, rep Mr Darren Robbins; David and Susan Jenkin; Tina Morse, rep Dave Morse and Elaine Perry; Mrs R Hollow; Elizabeth and Danny Edwards, rep Dorothy and Davey and Beverley Jose; Leanne Whitford, Jean Moore, Claire Bird, Nicola Kingsbury; Pat Blewett, rep Sean Hosking; Elaine Barber, rep Godfrey Barber; Lynda Eyre; Graham Clemo, rep the Clemo family; Mrs M Hichens, rep Aunty Daphne and Peter Jose; Derek and Alison Roberts; Mr C Smith, rep Mrs BJ Smith; Mrs B Stevens, rep Jenny James; Sally Roberts, rep Darren and Ian Penberthy; Kim Barber, Wayne and Pippa Arthur, Mrs Sullivan; W Vinnicombe, rep D Vinnicombe; Dale Henwood, Deborah Hollow, Nick Wills, Shannon Kingsbury, Lewis Kingsbury; Mike and Christine Dowrick, rep the Dowrick family; Mike Richards, rep Mrs Richards and all at Bar View; David Griffiths, rep Angie and Kieran Griffiths; Joan Harris, rep the Harris family and Barbara Matthews.

Unable to attend: Abigail and Sophie Taylor, nieces; Mrs G Jenkin, aunt.

Donations in memory of Darren for the Neonatal Unit, the Royal Cornwall Hospital, were received by the funeral director, Paul Sherris, West Terrace, Hayle.

Obituary: Darren Jenkin, Hayle

Donate to The Cove Macmillan Cancer Support Centre

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Text COVE50 £5 to 70070 to donate £5

Send a cheque made payable to Macmillan Cancer Support at: Freepost THE MACMILLAN COVE APPEAL

Donate online at Macmillan.org.uk/thecove

Call the fundraising support centre on 0300 1000 200 to donate over the phone, and also to find out how to fundraise for The Cove and our latest volunteering opportunities

Visit the local fundraising blog at macmillancove.wordpress.com to see how you can support the project, and how to publicise your local events and fundraising news.


20 reasons why everyone has loved Cornwall this summer

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It has been a glorious summer in Cornwall - with (mainly) dry and sunny days, warmer than average seas, and a warm, sunshine-filled September to finish it all off.

It's certainly one we will not forget in a hurry, especially thanks to the number of pictures taken capturing every aspect of the season.

Visitors and locals alike have been putting their favourite snaps online on Twitter - suing the hashtag #lovecornwall - and we have selected our favourite 20 - which we believe offer a wonderful snapshot of the last few months.

They show the spectacular views:

They show our beautiful buildings:

They show people getting out and about:

They show our fantastic food and drink:

And they show the just plain odd side of life we all love so well:

So, what have you loved about Cornwall this summer? Why not let us know using the comment form below, or by emailing your pictures to david.thomas@dc-media.co.uk - and we will publish the best ones.

20 reasons why everyone has loved Cornwall this summer

Jason Orange quits Take That

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TAKE THAT star Jason Orange has revealed he has quit the group.

The 44-year-old insisted there have been "no fallings out" after he told bandmates Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald last week that he did not want to commit to recording and promoting a new album.

In a statement, he said: "I have spent some of the best years of my life with Take That and I'd like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey, including my band mates, who I feel are like brothers to me.

"Most especially my gratitude goes to all of the good and kind, beautiful and ever-loyal fans of the band, without whom none of this could have been possible. Thank you."

Orange said he was "proud" of what the band had achieved since forming in 1990, including a hugely successful comeback in 2005.

"At the end of The Progress Tour I began to question whether it might be the right time for me to not continue on with Take That," he said.

"At the start of this year and with my full knowledge and blessing the guys began writing new material.

"There have been no fallings out, only a decision on my part that I no longer wish to do this.

"I know how much Mark, Gary and Howard enjoy writing and making music, and they know that they have my full support and encouragement to continue on with what is to be another chapter for the band."

In a joint statement, the remaining members of Take That – Barlow, Owen and Donald – said they "fully respect" Orange's decision.

"This is a sad day for us," they said. "Jason leaving is a huge loss both professionally and even more so personally.

"We first became aware of Jason's reservations a couple of years ago but had hoped that by giving him the desired time and space he may begin to feel differently. This has not been the case and we now have to accept and fully respect his decision which we know hasn't been an easy one.

"Jason's energy and belief in what this band could achieve has made it what it is today, and we'll forever be grateful for his enthusiasm, dedication and inspiration over the years."

Orange has followed in the footsteps of fellow ex-Take That star Robbie Williams, who revealed earlier this year he would not be reuniting with the band for their next tour.

The pair were also the only members of Take That not to face accusations of tax avoidance after Barlow, Donald, Owen and their manager Jonathan Wild reportedly invested £66 million into two partnerships styled as music industry investment schemes.

Barlow finally broke months of silence on the controversy earlier this month and apologised on Twitter for the "tax stories", before telling fans the band were working on a new studio album.

Orange enjoyed massive success with Take That in the early 1990s with a string of number one hits including Back For Good, Pray and Relight My Fire.

But after the group split in February 1996, he spent nearly a decade out of the spotlight before reuniting with three of his ex-bandmates – Barlow, Owen and Donald – for Take That's Ultimate tour in 2006.

The group enjoyed more sell-out tours and best-selling albums with Beautiful World and The Circus, before Williams – who first quit the band in 1995 - returned to reunite the five original members of Take That for their last album and tour, Progress, in 2011.

Jason Orange quits Take That

Dangerous serial sex offender James Campbell jailed for grabbing terrified Falmouth pensioner

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A DANGEROUS serial sex offender has been jailed for nine years after he grabbed a pensioner at a Falmouth beauty spot and tried to drag her away. James Campbell was intending to seriously sexual assault the 64-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, Truro Crown Court heard. Campbell, aged 41, who first attempted to rape a woman when he was aged just 16, denied that rape or sexual assault had been his plan when he threatened the terrified woman at knifepoint during her early morning walk at Pendennis Point on November 4, last year. Instead, he claimed he had been planning to rob the woman, who was carrying no handbag, money or mobile phone. On Wednesday a jury rejected his claims and found Campbell guilty of kidnapping the woman with intent commit a sexual offence. At an earlier hearing, Campbell, whose address is given in court papers as of no formal abode, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping and one of having an offensive weapon – the knife – on Castle Drive. After the jury reached its verdict, the court heard Campbell also faced two further allegations – of falsely imprisoning the woman and of failing to comply with the notification requirements for sex offenders. These were ordered to lie on the file, not to be proceeded with without the leave of the court. Campbell has two previous convictions for attempted rape and one for rape. In 1988, aged 16, he broke into a bungalow and, having disturbed the elderly woman who lived there, tried to force himself on her. The court heard he was sentenced to five years in a young offenders' institution. In October 1993 he raped a 42-year-old woman who he had attacked in the street and he attempted to rape another in December of that year. In 1994 he admitted those offences at Burnley Crown Court and was jailed for 17 years. He was released in 2005. Jonathan Barnes, prosecuting, said Campbell, who came from Dumbarton, Scotland, had 18 previous convictions for 29 offences, including a number for failing to comply with notification requirements. Sentencing Campbell to nine years in prison, Judge Christopher Harvey Clark, QC, said the woman had been very lucky that he had let her go. "I have little doubt that you intended to take her to some convenient covert place in undergrowth and either rape her or at least subject her to some very unpleasant severe sexual offence." Campbell was also made the subject of an extended sentence with a six-year licence extension period. This means he will serve at least two thirds of the nine years in prison and once released will be subject to licence conditions until 2028. Judge Harvey Clark said: "I have to consider whether you are a dangerous man and I have no doubt whatsoever that you are. "It is not without significance that you have been remanded in Long Lartin maximum security prison. "To enable you to come to court, five members of the Long Lartin security team have had to come to court."

Dangerous serial sex offender James Campbell jailed for grabbing terrified Falmouth pensioner

VIDEO: Is this the end to all parking nightmares? New Jeep Cherokee reviewed ...

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IT'S been a while since I last exclaimed "Look! No hands!" in a fit of excitement.

It was probably the summer of '86 as I proudly pedalled my way across the school field, impressing my parents with my ability to navigate the blades of grass without holding onto my chopper.

Moments later I was crumpled under the handlebars, streaks of green across my chin.

Fast-forward 28 years and I've been driving the new Jeep Cherokee for about five minutes, poking at myriad buttons to see what they do.

Mostly, they turn off parking sensors and various safety warnings.

But as I pull into the car park of Motors HQ, I hit a button on the centre console that has a picture of a steering wheel and a P next to it. Its LED lights up. The dashboard beeps a few seconds later. The display at the centre of the wheel changes and all I see are the words "Take hands off the wheel".

I obey and the car further orders me to put the automatic gearbox into reverse. As I complete the change, the steering wheel starts turning. Slow at first, and then at a thousand rotations a minute as if it has been possessed.

I take my foot off the brake and the Jeep shoots back, turning as it does so to line up with a parking space between two company cars. I quickly realise that taking your foot off entirely is not the correct thing to do, because what's happening – if you haven't already guessed – is the Cherokee is parking itself.

And this is a "semi-automatic" process in which it controls the steering but the driver takes responsibility for speed.

Our Head of Field Sales was no doubt looking out of the office window in absolute horror as she watched a maniac reversing at high speed without even holding on to the wheel or looking where he's going.

With the brakes back under my control, the Jeep tells me to fully stop and engage forward gear. A few feet one way, a quick turn, another gear change and we're back into the space and my mind is blown.

I pull out and do it again, just to be sure it actually happened. Colleagues swarm out into the car park to point and shake their heads. Yes, that's right – robots are here and they're parking our cars for us.

While some of you may be driving pricey cars that already have this technology, the chances are most people are going to be new to this. And it is incredible.

Likewise, the Jeep's Adaptive Cruise Control is the best we've come across yet – choose a speed and a distance to the car in front, and it will brake and accelerate for you. Where other systems we've tried have had a tantrum when cars turn off or change lanes, this one adapts wonderfully.

We put it through its paces on a long stretch of the A30 and it didn't put a foot wrong once. Mind you, your foot will likely be hovering near the brake for quite some time until you fully put trust into it. And you can. But I've used hundreds of words to describe just a tiny percentage of the Cherokee's features.

In fairness, they're likely to be the ones you show off the most. And just when I thought I had the technology wrapped up, on the final day the Jeep performed an emergency brake for me when a pickup driver decided to wander into my lane going up Truro's Morlaix Avenue. Thanks, Cherokee.

However, it's also a gorgeous looking, mean car, with bags of room inside and comfort galore. It's not short on technology either, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, electric boot and seats that are not only heated but also vented. It's big, but not unwieldy.

I've never been a fan of some clunky auto gearboxes, but this nine-speed is one of the best I've used and there's terrain modes for snow, sand/mud, sport and auto. Nought to 60 takes 10 seconds and fuel consumption isn't too shabby either, with 48.7mpg. We better deliver some minor grumbles in the name of fairness. At 6'4", I felt I couldn't get the seat as low as I'd normally like and the automatic parking mode can be a bit fussy so doesn't always detect spaces that you think look just fine.

But it's hard to be negative about the Cherokee because in our week together it fit me like a glove. The Cherokee can park for me, accelerate for me and even stop the car from crashing into wallies for me. So the only question is: who is going to spend £35,000 and buy it for me?

VIDEO: Is this the end to all parking nightmares? New Jeep Cherokee reviewed ...

Another Michelin star for Cornwall's wonder chef Nathan Outlaw

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CORNWALL has had another good showing in the new Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2015, which was published this morning.

Fourteen new stars have been awarded to restaurants around the UK ... and there is another star for Cornwall, this time in Port Isaac, courtesy of Nathan Outlaw and his Outlaw's Fish Kitchen.

Outlaw also retains two stars at his restaurant in Rock while Paul Ainsworth at No 6 in Padstow and Chris Eden at The Driftwood, Portscatho, both retain a star each.

Nathan Outlaw and his team are celebrating what is turning out to be a fantastic week.

On Monday, at a glittering ceremony in London, Nathan was named the AA Chefs' Chef of the Year. At the same ceremony, his eponymously named Restaurant Nathan Outlaw was awarded 4 AA Rosettes, the first restaurant in Cornwall to achieve this.

Today comes the news that the same restaurant has retained its two Michelin stars, the only fish and seafood restaurant in Britain to have them, and his London outpost, Outlaw's at The Capital in Knightsbridge has retained its one Michelin star.

In addition to this, the tiny Outlaw's Fish Kitchen in the fishing village of Port Isaac, open for barely a year, has been awarded one Michelin star too.

Nathan said, "I never dreamed that this would happen all in one week. Being named Chefs' Chef of the Year is very special to me as it is something that comes from my peers. However, I am extremely proud of the Michelin accolades, an in particular the new one for Outlaw's Fish Kitchen. Every member of team behind me in each of the restaurants and at The Mariners pub is a part of these awards though, it's not just about me. They all work very hard to give our customers the very best dining experience possible. I never lose sight of that." 

Of his Michelin star, Chris Eden told What's On: "It's great to have kept the star now for the fourth year. It's a tribute to the staff and suppliers that help to make this place so very special."

Paul Ainsworth added: "I'm very happy and so pleased for my team for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Also massive congratulations to Nathan Outlaw's Fish Kitchen – it's great for Cornwall."

Cornish eateries have also been gained Bib Gourmand awards reflecting the continuing trend for competitively priced, less structured and more flexible dining.

They are Kota, Porthleven; Tolcarne Inn, Newlyn; Rick Stein's Café, Padstow; Black Rock, St Ives and Halsetown Inn, St Ives. 

"The 14 new stars in our 2015 guide highlight the enormous richness and variety of the UK's restaurant scene. They range from country pubs to hipster hangouts, from counter-restaurants to classic dining rooms," said Rebecca Burr, editor of the Michelin guide, which is available for £15.99.

Another Michelin star for Cornwall's wonder chef Nathan Outlaw

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